Let’s wander where the WIFI is weak! Lace-up your shoes and hit these trails throughout Texas.
There are so many state & local parks with a plethora of hiking trails in Texas. They can take you to amazing destinations through the wetlands, canyons, mountains, desserts, and waterfalls.
This great state certainly isn’t lacking scenery or adventure! It’s easy to turn any ordinary day into a fantastic experience by exploring one of the many local and state parks.
23 Best Hiking Trails in Texas
Caprock Canyons Trailway, Caprock Canyons State Park
Located in the Texas panhandle is this underrated state park. It sits in the shadows of Palo Duro Canyon and often gets overlooked. It’s also a romantic destination with gorgeous views!
This trail takes hikers over 46 bridges and a former railroad tunnel through the mountain. Hikers will enjoy seeing free-roam buffalo and gorgeous views along the trail.
Cattail Falls Trail, Big Bend National Park
A 3-mile hike takes you up into a canyon and into heavier vegetation you wouldn’t expect to see in the desert. You might even catch a glimpse of a black bear!
The trail leads you to the foot of the Cattail Fails! Unless you make the hike after a rainfall, you probably won’t see more than a trickle of water coming down the waterfall.
Cedar Flats Trail, San Antonio
This family-friendly trail is short, but fun. It’s a great hiking destination for when you are crunched for time but I need an outdoor adventure.
The paved trail leads you to the Observation Tower, which you will need to climb 30 steps to the top.
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Crockett Gardens and Falls, Cedar Breaks Park Georgetown
The trail to Crockett Gardens and Falls takes you along a scenic hike around the cliffs of Lake Georgetown to a natural spring that feeds several small waterfalls.
The trailhead begins at Cedar Breaks Park and the trail is 7.6 miles out and back. Along the trail are markers leading hikers to the falls.
Cross Timbers Trail, Lake Texoma
Located on Lake Texoma and sits on the border of Oklahoma. The trail system has over 14 miles to explore.
Trails include hiking through wooded forests and amazing rocky views overlooking the lake.
Eagle Mountain Lake Park Trail
One of the best hikes in North Texas and provides 6 different trails that offer views overlooking the lake to shoreline trails. The park is free and great for all hikes, with trails ranging from easy to moderate. All trails are wide and marked – so no chance of getting lost here.
This is a great destination for those in the Fort Worth and Dallas area. There is also a covered pavilion with picnic tables at the entrance to the trailhead.
Gorman Falls Trail, Colorado Bend State Park
A 3-mile round-trip moderate hike takes you through rocky terrain, lush plant life, and a 70’ waterfall at the end of the trail.
This is one of my favorite waterfalls in Texas and is worth the trek.
Guadalupe Peak Trail, Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Hike to the tallest point in Texas, which stands at over 8700 feet above sea level and will provide you with the most stunning views of Texas.
Situated on the New Mexico State line, this West Texas hike takes about 6 to 8 hours to complete. It’s best to hike this trail in cooler months, as the summer heat can be brutal.
Kirby Trail, Big Thicket National Preserve
Take the outer loop for the 2.5 miles to take in the beauty of Big Thicket. Along the trail, hikers will enjoy the old cypress trees, dense forest, and Village Creek.
Lighthouse Trail, Palo Duro Canyon State Park
The trail gets its name from the natural formation of rock that resembles a lighthouse.
Along the 5.6-mile round trip, hikers will enjoy the natural beauty of the cliffs and gorgeous canyon views. This is the most popular trail at the park and always has a lot of traffic.
Pro tip: Bring plenty of water! There is almost no shade on the trail and it’s best to start the hike early in the morning to beat the heat.
Lone Star Hiking Trail, Sam Houston National Forest
One of the best ways to explore the forest is by hiking on the 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail. The national forest is broken up into different recreational areas and activities vary between each area.
Hikers will trek through the towering pine trees and cross several creek beds along the trail.
Lost Maples East Trail Loop, Lost Maples State Natural Area
A 4.5-mile trail is one of the most popular at Lost Maples State Natural Area. Hikers will trek through rock crevices, climb up the Sabinal River and enjoy the bright maple trees doing the fall.
Madera Canyon Trail
What is now part of a 33,000-acre conservatory located in the Davis Mountains, hikers can explore the 2.4-mile trail.
The scenic hike gives you great views of the mountains and animal sights such as mule dear quail and other birds.
Mount Ol’ Baldy Trail, Garner State Park
This trail is only a 1-mile out and back, but the climb is steep the entire way up. However, the views overlooking the Trio River are amazing and make the trek uphill worth the climb.
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
Located on the Brazos River in Central Texas, the park offers 5 miles of trails.
Visit during the spring for not only amazing weather but fields of bluebonnets all along the trail.
Palmetto Trail, Palmetto State Park
Located near Gonzales and is part of the Texas Birdwatching Trails network.
What’s unique about this trail is that it features vegetation that is only found at this state park.
Santa Elena Canyon Trail, Big Bend National Park
This West Texas trail is only 1.7 miles but the gorgeous views make this short trail wonderful.
The trail takes you along Terlingua Creek where it meets the Santa Elena Canyon. Be sure to visit this trail next time you are in Big Bend National Park.
South Rim Trail, Big Bend National Park
A 12-mile hike with views of the Chihuahuan desert makes this exhausting hike worthwhile. It’s one of the most popular hikes in the park and a great way to meet other people on the trail.
St. Edwards Park, Austin
This is a hidden gem located in downtown Austin. It’s the perfect city park for hikers to enjoy the hill country views, cactus and stream running through the park.
Summit Trail, Enchanted Rock
Enchanted Rock has amazing views of the hill country. Hike up to the top of Enchanted Rock to appreciate the sprawling views of the area.
The hike to the top of the dome is less than a mile. But the climb is steep the entire way. But the views from the top are worth the climb!
The trail to Del Rio Rock Painting, Seminole Canyon State Park
This trail will take you back to prehistoric times. The ancient culture is unlike anything else and hikers can explore the rock paintings scattered along the trail.
Wet Peak Overlook Trail, Hill Country State Natural Area
Explore over 5,000 acres of rugged canyons, plateaus, and creek bottoms. At the overlook, hikers can enjoy a 360° view of the park.
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, Austin
Located in downtown Austin, guests can hike through the 227-acre habitat. Explore the native flora and fauna and enjoy the gorgeous Hill Country sunset.
So what are you waiting for? Get out and exploring! What I like most about visiting the parks is that it’s an inexpensive way to see Texas. So many are close enough to make a day trip out of it. And those that are a little farther drive, have tent and cabin rentals.
Have you visited any Texas state parks? What are your favorites?
