Our Favorite Hikes and Swimming Holes
Thank you for donating to Texas Land Conservancy’s summer campaign! Whether you are a new member or long-time supporter, we are so grateful for your commitment to conservation in Texas. In the spirit of our shared mission, we wanted to share a few of our favorite hikes and swimming holes so we can all experience the natural world that we are helping to protect.
Also, be sure to check out our website for upcoming events on TLC protected properties this fall: https://www.texaslandconservancy.org/events
Stay hydrated, and we’ll see you on the trail!
Hike: Terlingua Abajo
Location: Off Old Maverick Road on the western side of Big Bend National Park (Note: Maverick Road is an unimproved dirt/gravel road with wash crossings and may require 4-wheel drive after rain)
Distance: 0.5 miles (one-way)
Description: From the parking area, this hike crosses Terlingua Creek and affords incredible views of the mouth of Santa Elena canyon, where the Creek intersects with the Rio Grande/Bravo. After crossing the creek, you can see several abandoned structures and a small cemetery from this old farming community ("Lower Terlingua") that supplied produce to nearby miners in the early 1900s. There are artifacts strewn across the landscape that are preserved by the Chihuahuan Desert. Please leave what you find, but take plenty of pics.
Best time of day for hike: No shade so best to hike early morning or evening; the sunrise/sunset provide a spectacular backlight of Santa Elena canyon.
Swimming potential: At best, only a few inches of water in Terlingua Creek so bring plenty of water to cool off.
Contributor: Neel Baumgardner (TLC Board member)
Swim: Barton Springs
Location: Austin, Texas
Description: Three-acre spring-fed pool in central Austin with a refreshing 68 degree waters is perfect for a summer swim. You can also hike in the 358-acre Zilker Park or connect with the 30-mile Violet Crown Trail. Day passes can be purchased via the link below.
Link: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool
Contributor: Neel Baumgardner (TLC Board member)
Hike: Paradise Trail Loop
Location: Reynolds Creek Campground, Waco, Texas. Park at the equestrian campsite/parking and walk down the trail gateway until you reach the low water crossing - then take a right to follow the creek upstream and hop on the trail.
Distance: 4 miles
Description: From the parking area, you will walk approximately half a mile through a savannah until you get to the bridge where Reynolds Creek flows into Waco Lake. When lake levels are above conservation pool, the bridge may be flooded, but otherwise the bridge indicates the start of a shady trail that meanders along the creek and wanders through juniper and elm woodlands. If you visit in May, you may be lucky enough to find wild dewberries along the trail.
Best time of day for hike: Any time! It can get toasty in the summer, but is well shaded throughout the day.
Swimming potential: Good for pups as long as the water isn't stagnant. There is no easy lake access from the Paradise trail loop for swimming, but you can access the lake through other trails if you are desperate for a dip.
Contributor: Michaela McCown (TLC Board member)
Hike: San Gabriel Goodwater Loop to Crockett Garden Falls
Location: Start at Cedar Breaks Park in Georgetown, Texas (Entree fee or USACE pass required)
Distance: 2.5 mi (one way to Crockett Garden falls) or 26 miles for the full Goodwater Loop
Description: From Cedar Breaks Park, hike along Lake Georgetown to visit the fern and moss laden Crockett Garden falls. If you visit in the summertime, listen for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler singing in the juniper as you walk to the falls. The trail is very rocky, so good shoes are recommended. Enjoy the views of Lake Georgetown from the rocky cliffs you walk on as you navigate to the falls.
Best time of day for hike: The trail is extremely popular to Crockett Garden falls, so if you don't want to fight a crowd at the falls, earlier in the day is better. The remainder of the Goodwater Loop is less crowded.
Swimming potential: There is a great spot to swim about halfway to Crockett Garden Falls when the trail dips down close to the lake - there are even some rocks you can jump off of if the water level is high and you scope it out beforehand. If you are hiking the full 26 mile loop, there are plenty of primitive and regular campsites along the lake that have water and swimming access.
Contributor: Michaela McCown (TLC Board member)
Hike: East Trail
Location: Lost Maples National Park near Vanderpool, Texas
Distance: 3.1 miles (one-way), can be done with East-West Trail (1.0 miles) or West Trail (3.6 miles) for a loop
Description: Known for its great fall colors, Lost Maples is a great hike any time of year (though it is exposed in areas, so be prepared in summer months). It passes the well-known "monkey rock", a grotto, and short side trail to a scenic overlook. This trail has gorgeous views of the canyon and Sabinal River below.
Best time of day for hike: In early spring, late fall, and winter, anytime of day. Due to limited cover, it is best to hike early morning or evening in summer months. If you can stay overnight, camping at Primitive Campsite B and enjoying the sunset from the ridge is a fantastic way to end the day!
Swimming potential: Enjoy a dip in the Sabinal River along your hike, especially on a hot day!
Contributor: Ellen Gass (TLC Staff)
Hike: The Lighthouse
Location: Palo Duro Canyon near Canyon & Amarillo, Texas
Distance: 2.8 mile (one way)
Description from State Park Map: Don’t miss the park’s most popular trail leading to the iconic Lighthouse rock formation. Do take plenty of water. The trail is fairly flat until the last quarter of a mile or so as one climbs up a steep groove in the rock wall to reach the Lighthouse rock formation. No shade, highly recommend for early morning or late evening to view a sunset over the canyon rim. Can also pair an evening hike with a viewing of the play TEXAS!
Contributor: Rachel Ciomperlik (TLC Board member)
Hike: West Trail
Location: Lost Maples State Natural Area near Vanderpool, TX
Distance: 3.6 miles Texas State Parks rates it "Challenging"
Description from Tx SP Map: Enjoy peace and quiet during this steep hike. Your efforts will lead to solitude, springs, and spectacular views. Experience slightly cooler temperatures in the beautiful and shaded Mystic Canyon area. Watch your step on this hilly, rocky terrain and bring plenty of water. In summer, would encourage an early start, and there may be some water, though not enough for a proper swim.
Contributor: Rachel Ciomperlik (TLC Board member)
Hike: San Gabriel River Trail - Goodwater Loop
Location: Georgetown, Texas
Distance: 26 miles
Description: A loop around Lake Georgetown and the north fork of the San Gabriel River. It passes through dense Oak/Ashe Juniper forest, bottomland hardwoods and prairie grasslands. The trail extends from Booty's Road Park operated by the City of Georgetown to Overlook Park and completely circles the lake. Options for camping are varied and plenty; from primitive backcountry sites (free to use) to those with more amenities (do make sure you get reservations for these). This gem, just outside of Austin, is a great option for beginner backpackers or those looking for a quick weekend getaway.
Swimming potential: While not all parts of the trail are directly accessible to the Lake, there are many options for swimming with access at campsites.
Contributor: Gena McKinley (TLC Board member)
Swim: Balmorhea State Park
Location: Toyahvale, TX
Description: Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, you can swim in the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. 15 million gallons emerge daily from San Salomon Springs with a year-round temperature in the low to mid 70s. As this park is quite popular in the summer months, we highly recommend getting a day pass using the link below.
Link to park info and day passes: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/balmorhea
Contributor: Scott Moorhead (TLC Board member)
Hike: AT&T Trail and Trinity Forest Trail in Dallas
Location: The AT&T Trail and Trinity Forest Trail are part of a larger network of trails within the Great Trinity Forest. We recommend parking at 6500 S Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas, TX 75217 near the Trinity River Audubon Center – look for signs to AT&T Trail and Trinity Forest Trail Parking.
Distance: 8+ miles (out and back)
Description: The AT&T and Trinity Forest Trails provide for a scenic experience of the Trinity River and the Trinity Forest. Passing by small ponds, large majestic trees, and a bridge over the Trinity River, those on the trail will be able to enjoy the quiet solitude the forest has to offer just a few miles of downtown. The paved trail is considered an easy route and is popular for trail running, walking, and biking. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Best time of day for hike: Any time, but beat the heat and go earlier in the day.
Contributor: Amber Arseneaux (TLC Staff)
Hike: Colleyville Nature Center Trail
Location: The Colleyville Nature Center is located at 101 Mill Wood Dr, Colleyville, TX 76034.
Distance: 2.1 miles (loop)
Description: The Colleyville Nature Center is a 46-acre hidden jewel in the DFW metroplex. The paved and unpaved trails are considered an easy route and weave around 9 ponds which give visitors an amazing opportunity for birding and wildlife viewing. There is something different to see each season, and the city recently added restrooms and a drinking fountain. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Best time of day for hike: Any time, but you’ll see more wildlife active in the morning and in the evening.
Contributor: Amber Arseneaux (TLC Staff)
Hike: Fossil Ridge Loop Trail at Cleburne State Park
Location: Cleburne State Park is located at 5800 Park Rd 21, Cleburne, TX 76033.
Distance: 4.1 miles (loop)
Description: Fossil Ridge Loop Trail is great both for its beauty and its ruggedness and challenging short climbs. You may be hiking on a relatively flat path and then find yourself climbing or descending steep limestone rock outcrops. Visitors may find themselves passing through dense woodland and then find yourself traversing rocky cedar breaks. True to its name, fossils abound, so keep your eyes on the rocky sections of trail, not only to keep your footing but to see what kind of interesting fossil you could discover. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Best time of day for hike: This is a popular trail for camping, fishing, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Beat the heat and go earlier in the day.
Swimming potential: The park surrounds the clear blue water of 116-acre Cedar Lake. Enjoy swimming, fishing and no-wake boating. Bring your own watercraft or rent one from the self-service kiosk (credit card only) at the Cedar Lodge day-use area.
Contributor: Amber Arseneaux (TLC Staff)
Hike: River Trail (and Jacob’s Ladder) at Cameron Park
Location: Cameron Park is located in Waco, TX. There are multiple entrances to the River Trail, but the Redwood Shelter Parking Lot is conveniently located at 2300 Cameron Park Dr, Waco, TX 76708.
Distance: 5.9 miles (loop)
Description: Cameron Park is a fantastic system of trails used by mountain bikers, trail runners, hikers and walkers. The River Trail is generally considered a moderately challenging route, and it takes an average of 2 h 21 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, fishing, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Jacob's Ladder is a challenge, but it also leads to a breathtaking overlook of the park. Jacob's Ladder was built in 1900 by a family that lived at the top of the hill. They needed a way to climb up and down and created the "ladder" made up of 88 zig-zagged stairs. There are several small stone benches that guests can sit on if they get tired on the way up and the wooden rails not only add to the beauty but also help you keep your balance.
Best time of day for hike: There is plenty of shade, so any time of the day.
Swimming potential: Enjoy the adjacent Brazos River by bringing your own kayak/canoe/paddle board, or easily rent one from one of the local vendors.
Contributor: Amber Arseneaux (TLC Staff)
Hike and Swim: Hill Country Fun in Kendall County
Description: Spend the day wading in the Guadalupe River at Kendall County’s James Kiehl River Bend Park followed by an afternoon stop at the BYOB Cartoon Saloon, and an evening observance of the Old Tunnel State Park bat emergence.
Link: https://www.co.kendall.tx.us/page/JamesKiehlRiverbendPark
Contributor: Stephen Ramirez (TLC Staff)
Hike: Pecos River Rock Art and Desert Canyons at Seminole Canyon State Park
Location: Seminole Canyon State Park in Comstock, TX
Description: Pre-dawn or sunrise hike or bike along Canyon Rim trail at Seminole Canyon State Park for beautiful views of Presa Canyon and the Rio Grande followed by a guided tour of Fate Bell Shelter. Be sure to beat the heat! Midday can be torturous.
Link: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/seminole-canyon
Contributor: Stephen Ramirez (TLC Staff)
More Information
Leave No Trace
As you visit these places, please practice “Leave No Trace” principles. As we enjoy the great outdoors, it’s important to leave these places better than you found them.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Link: https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm
Essential Items for Summer Hikes:
Water
Did we mention take plenty of water?
Yes, even more water
Food/snacks
First Aid Kit
Sun Protection
Insect Protection
Daypack/backpack
Flashlight/headlamp
Clothing/Gear (rain jacket, umbrella, hat, etc)
Navigation (map, compass, GPS)
Knife/multi-tool
Apps for the Trail:
Seek by iNaturalist (Free): Use the power of image recognition technology to identify the plants and animals all around you.
Merlin (Free): Merlin features the best of community contributed photos, songs, and calls, tips from experts around the world to help you ID the birds you see, and range maps.
AllTrails (Free): AllTrails is your guide to the outdoors! Discover the best hiking, running, and biking trails around the world.
Gaia GPS (Free trial, annual subscription thereafter): Adventure confidently with Gaia GPS. Discover new routes with worldwide maps. Find your way in the backcountry with leading navigation tools – no cell service needed.
SkyView Lite: SkyView Lite brings stargazing to everyone! Simply point your iPhone, iPad, or iPod at the sky to identify stars, constellations, satellites, and more!
Link for dark sky viewing locations in Texas: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/parks/things-to-do/stargazing-in-state-parks
How to identify Poison Ivy/Oak?
Link: https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/resources/texas-junior-naturalists/be-nature-safe/plants
Other Helpful Links:
Texas State Parks: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/nearby
National Park units in Texas: https://www.nps.gov/state/tx/index.htm