Springtime made for an excellent time to visit this park, as there were lots of enjoyable…read morewildflowers springing up out of the ground everywhere (my partner could tell you how often I paused our hike to get photos of a new flower I saw along the trail, LOL). Entry was a very fairly priced $5 per person. We were given a map, which if I'm being honest, helped guide us to the parking but didn't offer quite as much help later with the trails, LOL. Really they need some better signage up for the trails. More than half the time we weren't sure which trail we were on or if we were even on a trail that was marked on the map... Good thing the park ranger told us we were "free to explore!" Some of their plaques with information on them could use replacing too, as sun or weather damage has made them fairly illegible. (I'm one of those weirdos that actually likes to stop and read those things, haha. I especially enjoyed the one that had the history of the Reimers family on it.) Seemed to be plenty of parking, all paved too. There was a really nice station at the first parking lot with indoor plumbed bathrooms, a shady overhang, picnic tables, and water fountain (it even tasted pretty good!). The trail that runs along and overlooks the river is probably the "main event" for most visitors to this park, however it is also somewhere you can get adventurous with rock climbing, mountain biking, and riding on horseback. Pretty neat! There were also trails that led all the way down to the river, where you were permitted to swim and/or fish. Hooray for somewhere you can do unattended swimming! Sometimes that's a rarity, so I appreciate you can get in, splash around, and cool off here. =) My partner and I really only explored about half of the trails available at this park, so we may have to come back again sometime to do the rest. The big loop looked to have some good elevation changes and scenery that most parks near Austin are mostly flat or boring hills.

Came in on a Saturday for a short hike as part of a trip to lake Travis. Overall great experience,…read more10$ per person. Lots of different hiking trails as well as rock climbing for a fee as well. Saw some people in the river/beach area as well although we didn't join. Amazing nature and scenery, would come back to explore further if Im in the area.

Great new trail near Turkey Creek trail. My wife and I were the only ones on the trail, on a…read moreSUNDAY, and it has a ton of options to either cut through or continue, a variety of different paths, and it has 4 or 5 scenic overlooks of the river. The parking lot was packed at the Turkey Creek Trailhead so we went passed it and continued down the road a half-mile to a hidden trailhead with a small parking space. The trail is much more natural than Turkey Creek. It is a 3.4 mile loop, but you can make it a bit longer if you get creative with some cut-throughs to other trails. This is easily one of our favorite new tails.

Such a beautiful tour! Mara was amazing! I booked an 11 AM tour . It was a hot day, but still not…read moretoo bad. Some areas have steep steps. The trail isn't a circle, so you would go back the way you came. There are several beautiful sites to see along the way. The steps headed to the cave can be a bit slippery Stay hydrated and be ready to take beautiful pictures. I had an amazing time, I hope you do too!

What a great nature preserve! I went on the Grotto Tour and our guide was very informational. West…read moreCave Outdoor Center is located in the middle of nature so there's no phone service available. Prior to our tour, they sent us instructions on how to get to the center and they were very clear. They had signs at the entrance and they were very easy to follow. We booked the 11AM tour and the hike was relatively easy with West Cave and the Grotto at the end of the trail. Our guide was very informational and was able to teach us about the different species of trees and the geography of the area.

This is a fairly easy hike as in distance, however the terrain makes it a little challenging. The…read moresurface has rock, dirt, gravel, stumps and water. So insure the soles of your shoes are in good shape to prevent falls. I've walked here a couple of times now. Today it was a little chilly but nothing too bad. The last time it was warmer and the vegetation was much greener. The trail is about 1.5 miles long but back and forth you can get around 3 miles. So if you are looking for different scenery, then be sure to stop by here!

Exercise is a fundamental part of our lives! My husband and I sometimes walk through the…read moreneighborhood in an effort to have together time and get some exercise...a twofer! We were so carried away with our conversation this morning, we ended up at Bull Creek District Park. We walked around Bull Creek for a while and then headed home. You can see mountain bikers often at Bull Creek and sometimes runners or avid walkers especially on the weekends. On the weekend it can be quite busy. It's ideal for enjoying nature or catching up.

This is a small park right in the town of Blanco. We had a FHU site in the first / 50amp loop…read more Backing up wasn't a problem except for the tress across from the site. The branches are low and extend into the roadway. I had to pull them back while my husband backed into the site. They could have scratched the side of the coach if we hadn't done that. We asked camp staff to trim those back, but they never came. Pulling out of the site into the road had to be done carefully as well. Just enough room to miss those branches. Maybe we need to start carrying loppers :) Also beware of the fire ants this time of year and lots of mosquitoes. Poor water pressure. We actually didn't even have water at times (mostly during the weekend when the park was full) You can swim/float on the river right in the park. The town is small but you can walk or ride your bike there. If you go left when entering the state park, the roadway will take you to a city park. You can ride into town from there so you don't have to cross busy Hwy 281.

Blanco State Park (@blancostatepark) is a hidden gem in the Texas Hill Country, offering a peaceful…read moreriverside escape that feels both scenic and relaxing. Nestled along about a mile stretch of the Blanco River, this relatively small park delivers big on charm, making it perfect for a day trip or a quiet weekend outdoors. One of the standout features of the park is the low-water dam and walkway, which creates calm pools on one side and gentle flowing water on the other. Walking across it gives you beautiful panoramic views of the river, just like in your photos--calm water, limestone edges, and plenty of space to take it all in. The setting feels very serene, especially with the surrounding trees and open sky. The river itself is the heart of the park. Whether you're swimming, fishing, or just sitting by the water, it's a relaxing experience. The water is usually calm and shallow in areas, making it great for families, while deeper sections are perfect for swimming or paddling. Wildlife is another highlight--you'll often spot birds, turtles, and even ducks or geese hanging around the shoreline, adding to the natural vibe. The mix of cypress trees, limestone banks, and clear water really gives it that classic Hill Country feel. Beyond the water, the park has easy walking trails and shaded paths, ideal for a casual hike. These aren't intense hikes, but they're perfect for a laid-back stroll through nature. Picnic areas and campsites are scattered throughout, making it easy to spend a full day here or even stay overnight. Blanco State Park is not the biggest or most dramatic park in Texas, but that's exactly its appeal. It's calm, scenic, and easy to enjoy--perfect for relaxing by the water, taking photos, or just disconnecting for a while. If you're looking for a peaceful outdoor spot with beautiful river views and a laid-back atmosphere, this park definitely delivers.

There is something peaceful about spending time in the morning I the morning. I found a l hidden…read moregem in our neighborhood...great hills park. Out odds family friendly with a number of apparatuses for children. The park also has a small pavilion for eating or playing games. This park is very clean and well maintained. You will need to travel through the great hills residential area in order to reach the park, which is off Raincreek parkway & San Souci. Enjoy!

Great Hills Park might be the best hidden getaway trail in Northeast Austin. The trail begins at a…read morepark that features a number of activities from a sand pit to workout equipment to playgrounds. The trail itself is not difficult, only spanning a mile or so if that but there is a lot packed into that mile, especially as there are many branches of pathways. From winding slopes to running streams and rocky alcoves, you get a little bit of everything on this trail. Throughout our entire walk through there was hardly anyone on the trail which gave it a sense of peace and serenity that can sometimes be very hard to find on Austin trails. The only qualms we have about this trail are that there are no garbage cans anywhere, and as litter conscious people we had to wait quite some time to get rid of our trash since only one end of the trail has a waste bin. The other issue is that is is incredibly rocky, and not large rocks that take time to hurdle and climb over, but small loose rocks that always have you feeling unsure of yourself, even on flat ground. Both are very minor issues to have but important to note nonetheless. Ultimately, Great Hills is a lovely trail that is convenient and quiet allowing for a solace filled escape. We recommend it to anyone living in the area.

Lou Neff Point converges where Barton Creek meets Lady Bird Lake, giving you one of those panoramic…read moreviews of the Austin skyline, which as an Austinite, give you a certain degree of pride. My friend and I started to walk along the trail around Lady Bird Lake. If you are a people watcher like me, walking around Lady Bird Lake is very entertaining. You can see just about a little of everything...walkers, runners, dog walkers, etc. Then there is the more exotic citing...cap with ears, tutus, different colored hair, costumes, etc. to name a few. The she reach Lou Neff Point she causes you slow down and pause. Interestingly, Lou Neff has a street at Zilker Park named after her. Her full name was Barbara Louise "Lou" Neff, and she was a well known civic leader in Austin. Lou worked closely with Lady Bird Johnson on the Town Lake Beautification Committee. She was also active in community organizations like the Austin Junior League.

What a great spot to stop along the Ann & Roy Butler Trail…read more Whether walking or biking, be sure to stop and take in the views from this point at Lady Bird Lake & Barton Creek. Panoramic views of the Austin skyline that just can't be beat. Same goes for the well-known gazebo! Great place to watch for animals, taking photos, etc. The point is named after Lou Neff, an Austinite who was known for her commitment to preserving nature and the arts.

Located at the end of Brush country Road and Somerset Trail you will find a small pocket park…read more There is a short paved pathway that runs into a shallow creek, which then turns into a primitive trail that meanders through the woods. The trail runs behind some homes and apartments, but primarily it is quite wooded. There's also a school playground off to one side. The trail does branch off in the other directions and you can get turned around and lost if you're not careful. It's basically a good place for the local residents to walk their pets or ride a bike. There is no water fountain, nor any bathrooms, but there are a couple of benches.