Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tion, millions of monarchs pass through the area. The Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
is an excellent location to see the butterflies.
The great ecological diversity of the territory, along with the flora and fauna, allow trips to be fash-
ioned that are much more than just a “hike in the woods.”
Enjoy the experience of hiking central Texas.
Wildlife and Bird Viewing Trails
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has developed two sets of maps showing prime viewing loca-
tions for wildlife and birds. The Heart of Texas Wildlife Trails has an eastern section identified as
HOTE and a western section identified as HOTW. The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail-Central
Coast was developed to showcase premier birding sites. These are identified with a CTC, and there are
ninety-five unique sites.
Texas was the first state in the nation to create birding and wildlife viewing trails. Some of these
sites have viewing blinds. If the possibility of hearing or seeing an endangered species exists, a note
identifies the species under the park location. Golden-cheeked warblers nest only in central Texas.
Using these maps can give an added dimension to hiking, including great photo opportunities. More
information about these trails and maps, including where to purchase them, can be found at the TPWD
Web site: www.tpwd.state.tx.us.
Zero Impact and Trail Etiquette
We have a responsibility to protect, no longer just conquer and use, our wild places. Many public hik-
ing locations are at risk, so please do what you can to use them wisely. The following section will help
you understand better what it means to take care of parks and wild places while still making the most
of your hiking experience. Anyone can take a hike, but hiking safely and with good conservation prac-
tices is an art requiring preparation and proper equipment. Always leave an area as good as—or prefer-
ably better than—you found it.
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Stay on the trail. It's true—a path anywhere leads nowhere new, but purists will just have to get
over it. Paths serve an important purpose: They limit impact on natural areas. Straying from a des-
ignated trail may seem innocent but it can cause damage to sensitive areas—damage that may take
years to recover from, if they can recover at all. Even simple shortcuts can be destructive. Many
of the hikes described in this guide are on or near areas ecologically important to supporting en-
dangered flora and fauna. So, please, stay on the trail.
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Leave no weeds. Noxious weeds tend to overtake other plants, which in turn affects animals and
birds that depend on them for food. To minimize the spread of noxious weeds, hikers should reg-
ularly clean their boots and hiking poles of mud and seeds. Nonnative invasive plants are particu-
larly destructive and can quickly destroy acres of habitat. Yaupon is an example. Brush your dog to
remove any weed seeds before heading off into a new area. Keep your dog under control. Always
obey leash laws, and be sure to bury your dog's waste or pack it in resealable plastic bags.
