If There Are Only 7 Hikes You Ever Do In Texas, Make Them These
The beauty of Texas deserves to be explored on foot so you can take a step back and really enjoy the stillness of nature. So, lace up your hiking boots and begin with the seven trails listed below. They’re some of the best hikes in Texas and you’ll want to explore them all.
You'll truly feel on top of the world while on this hike. This scenic trail takes you through ascending canyons, steep cliffs, and raging waterfalls until you reach the summit at over 8,000 feet of elevation. It's also the highest point in Texas.
You can find more information on this scenic hike in Texas in this article.
2. McKittrick Canyon - Salt Flat
Mckittrick Canyon, McKittrick Canyon, Texas 79847, USA
West Texas might be full of sprawling deserts, but it turns into an enthralling display of colors when fall rolls around. The McKittrick Canyon Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park is only 0.9-miles long and takes less than an hour to complete, so you'll have plenty of time to stop and take in the stunning scenery if you choose to.
There's no denying that Big Bend National Park is easily the most talked about national park in Texas and for good reason. There's something so mystical about its remote location and towering mountains. "The Window" Trail offers arguably one of the most breathtaking views in the Lone Star State, letting you peer into a gap between two peaks and watch the beautiful colors of the sunset. This hike is less than five miles, wheelchair accessible, and suitable for all fitness levels.
West Texas isn't the only part of the Lone Star State that experiences fall in the most breathtaking way. The trees at Lost Maples State Natural Area transform into a canopy of reds, golds, and greens during autumn, making this a beautiful wonderland of color. With that being said, Texas' Lost Maples State Natural Area is just as beautiful the rest of the year.
Gorman Falls is a beautiful oasis that's tucked away in the hill country, rendering it unknown to a good portion of the population. Luckily, nearly everyone can enjoy this trail, which is one of the most scenic hikes in Texas because it has an easy level of difficulty.
Without a doubt, it's quite difficult to find hiking trails in Texas that aren't overly crowded and lacking in the peace and tranquility that's supposed to come along with being in nature. Wolf Mountain Trail in Texas' Pedernales Falls State Park is almost always desolate because most people prefer exploring the rocks down by the river.
Cattail Falls is a true hidden gem in Texas. Due to the fact that it requires going off of the main path, most people have no idea it even exists. No worries, though. This trail is very easy to find, and the 80-foot waterfall waiting for you is more than enough of a reward.
Have you hiked any of these seven trails? If so, let us know in the comments! Also, if you could name your five favorite Texas hikes, which trails would make the list?
Address: Guadalupe Peak Trail, Texas 79847, USA
Address: Mckittrick Canyon, McKittrick Canyon, Texas 79847, USA
Address: Window Trail, Texas 79834, USA
Address: Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, USA
Address: Gorman Falls Trail, Texas 76853, USA
Address: Wolf Mountain Trail, Texas 78636, USA
Address: Cattail Falls, Texas 79834, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in texas
March 18, 2022
Jennifer Young
Are there any other trails in Texas everyone should add to their hiking bucket list?
It’s no secret that Texas is one of the nation’s top hiking destinations. After all, people come from near and far to hike our great trails. While there are several easy hikes in Texas that are worth taking, there are plenty of other hikes that are much more difficult to navigate. Don’t be afraid of hiking Texas’ more difficult trails. They might not be as easy as many of the other trails, but once you reach the end, you’ll discover the hike’s length, rough terrain, and steep inclines were well worth it. If you’re one of the many people who enjoy exploring Texas on foot, you’ll definitely want to add some of the Lone Star State’s best hikes to your bucket list.
What are some of Texas’ best kid-friendly hikes that are perfect for including on a family day trip?
If you enjoy hiking and have a kid in your life, whether it be a son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, nephew, niece, etc., you probably already know that it can be quite difficult to find kid-friendly hikes around Texas that are appropriate for him or her to tackle. The next time you’re in the Austin area with your kids and in the mood for a hike, you’ll want to check out these eight kid-friendly trails. In addition to them being one mile and under, they’re also some of the most scenic hikes in Texas.
Address: Guadalupe Peak Trail, Texas 79847, USA
Address: Mckittrick Canyon, McKittrick Canyon, Texas 79847, USA
Address: Window Trail, Texas 79834, USA
Address: Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, USA
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
