The Absolute Best Hiking Spots in Central Texas

Nothing beats a Central Texas autumn. After surving the grueling hot 100 degree plus days of summer the relief of sunny 60 - 80 degree days beckons the average Texan, such as myself, out of his/her home to enjoy the beautiful country that was forsaken months ago for the comfort of air-conditioning. Hiking is a popular way reacquaint yourself to the great outdoors and Central Texas has dozens of locations which call out to your most outdoor-sy essense. Here are my three favorite:

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge outside of Marble Falls is a must visit for anyone who loves to take in nature at its finest. Its interconnecting trails allow you to walk as little as 20 minutes or for hours on end. The refuge features two distinct eco-systems allowing a for a profusion of plant and animal wildlife to color the area. The riverbed features a great diversity of trees, bushes and vines surrounding a clear running stream. The upper plateau area has an open feel since trees are more spreadout allowing you to look out and enjoy vistas and views of natural beauty as far as your eye can see. If the hiker is quiet he/she will hear birds and animals scurrying about as they should. What is most impressive is what you don't hear. Although Balcones Canyonlands is located off a Texas Farm to Market Road (1174) and that their are ranches close by, (with the exception of the occasional car driving by) you can listen to nature for time on end without hearing the sounds of man. There is no better way to spend a fall afternoon.

Miller Springs Nature Center Trail in Belton, Texas allows you to find nature in the heart of a residential community. Not unlike Balcones Canyonlands, this park allows for diverse groups of hikers to enjoy the best of Bell County. There is a wheel chair ramp and flat trails which are easily accessible as well traipses down the sides of rocky hills. The further back you travel, the more secluded you become and believe me, it is worth it! Eventually, you will wander upon the most beautiful point of the trails which features a pond where on any given day, you can watch beaver build their dam while birds soar above. It'll will knock your socks off and make you wonder why you didn't leave your air conditioner sooner.

Enchanted Rock State Park in Crabapple, Texas, reminds me of another world. You see the batholiths rising above Sandy Creek identifiying itself as something so distinct that you must be take it in. (Try driving by it without stopping. You'll turn back , or at least you'll have to fight the urge not to!) Its pink granite face allows you to experience bouldering as well as hiking and I must admit, occasion to find your heart up in your throat! It is all well worth it because you'll find the view to be astonding and the thrill of victory over the Rock nothing but sweet. When you come down, you may find yourself joining the visiting children swimming in the creek. Its part of the experience and a whole load of fun.

Enjoy!