Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hiking
There is perhaps no better way to appreciate the beauty of Texas than by trail. Note that the
extreme heat of summer, at late May through mid-September, is not the best time to follow
your foot's desire.
Best for Day Hikes
Big Bend National Park
(
Click here
) The most popular trails here, including Window View and Lost Mine, are in the
Chisos Mountains. But Chihuahuan Desert hikes such as the Grapevine trail are not to be missed either (if the weather's
cool). Over 200 miles of trails lace the park.
Padre Island National Seashore
(
Click here
) The entire 70-mile-long coastal park is open to hikers; hardy souls (with a
4WD) favor the scarcely visited southern 60 miles.
Big Thicket National Preserve
(
Click here
)
At the intersection of Texas ecosystems, the Kirby Nature Loop can take you
past soaring pine and hardwood forests, over cypress swamps and through sandy dunes with desert cacti.
Lady Bird Lake
(
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)
One of the state's prettiest urban hike-and-bike trails skirts the town lake for nearly 10
miles.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
(
Click here
) Hiking trails here take you into rugged limestone canyons and through
prairielike grasslands.
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Palo Duro Canyon State Park (
Click here
) Follow the steep and rugged Upper Canyon Trail past the canyon cliffs and
bluffs.
