11 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Texas
Hiking doesn’t have an off season here in Texas, and for that, we’re eternally grateful. Here are 11 of the best hikes in Texas you can enjoy all year, whether it’s the dead of winter or dog days of summer. They’re easy and kid-friendly, too, so round up the whole family and get ready to experience the best of Texas nature. Happy trails!
Who knew such beauty was hiding just outside of Houston? This park in the Clear Lake area has five trails (all less than two miles and little to no elevation) that give you stunning views of the bayou, grasslands, a restored family farm, and even take you to a wildlife observation deck. Admission is just $4 per person.
Armand Bayou Nature Center, 8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena, TX 77507, USA
There's no denying that Big Bend has some of the best hikes in Texas, but not everyone has the time and stamina for a grueling, all-day trek through the mountains. Luckily, the Chihuahuan Desert Natural Trail is only half a mile long, and its views are no less breathtaking than those offered by the harder hikes.
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, Chihuahuan Desert Trail, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834, USA
Although not a typical hike in a remote area with rugged terrain, Brackenridge Park is still a great place to go for gorgeous scenery and a little exercise. Walking around the whole park is about two miles, but it isn't difficult at all. You might even forget you're being active at all when you get lost in the Japanese Gardens.
Brackenridge Park, 3700 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
This is the view you have to look forward to after an easy 1.5 mile hike at Colorado Bend State Park. Gorman Falls, a nearly 70-foot tall waterfall, looks like it belongs in a tropical paradise rather than Texas. But hey, I'm not complaining.
Fall is the perfect time to take this hike in the Guadalupe Mountains - although it's gorgeous in all four seasons! During autumn, the leaves change into beautiful reds and oranges, and you'll have the energy to enjoy them because the trail is only .9 miles long. Plus, it's at the base of the mountains, so you'll get to admire their towering majesty in front of you.
Mckittrick Canyon, McKittrick Canyon, Texas 79847, USA
A lot of people hate on Southeast Texas, but it's actually one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the state. This short and painless trail in Big Thicket National Park will take you right into some of these ecosystems and provide insight into different animal and plant species.
Kirby Nature Trail, 1618 FM 420, Kountze, TX 77625, USA
It just so happens that the most scenic trail at Lost Maples State Natural Area is the shortest as well. In just .8 miles, you'll see views more spectacular than you knew existed. You certainly won't feel like you're in Texas anymore.
Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, USA
Galveston's beaches might not be the prettiest, but its state park is actually gorgeous, not to mention peaceful. The trails are less than four miles altogether, but they take you far enough from the mainland to enjoy some solitude. Something about wandering down boardwalks over bodies of water is so serene. Please note: the beachside portion of Galveston Island State Park is currently closed. The bayside area, however, remains open.
Galveston Island State Park, Farm to Market Road 3005, Galveston, TX, USA
South Carolina is the Palmetto State, but judging by Palmetto State Park in Luling, Texas gives it a run for its money. The 1/3-mile interpretive trail takes you through a dense palmetto grove reminiscent of an exotic rainforest, and the diversity of wildlife and vegetation is astounding. There are more than 250 bird species alone, not to mention all the other plants and animals that thrive here!
Palmetto State Park, 78 Park Rd 11 S, Gonzales, TX 78629, USA
One of the most iconic natural features in Texas, Santa Elena Canyon takes your breath away at first sight. Hiking through it may seem like an arduous task, but the trail is only 1.7 miles round-trip. Standing at the base of the canyon's two towering rock walls makes you realize how small we truly are on this vast and beautiful planet, and it's a truly humbling feeling. This is one of the best hikes in Texas!
The trek to the summit of this captivating pink anomaly is rather grueling, but the 4-mile, far less steep Loop Trail is better suited to the average Joe. This is an experience every Texan needs to have - the rock is mystifying and, well, enchanting, and it definitely belongs on your hiking bucket list.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Texas
April 02, 2022
Katie Lawrence
What are some of the most scenic hikes in Texas?
From the wetlands and forests of the east to the sprawling West Texas desert, the Lone Star State boasts a more varied landscape than almost anywhere else in the U.S. This means that no matter what type of scenery is your favorite, you can rest assured it exists here. One of our favorite scenic hikes in Texas is The Window Trail in Big Bend National Park. Two towering mountains form a natural “window” that perfectly frames the sunset, and it’s one of the most awe-inspiring views you’ll ever see. We also love The Lighthouse Trail in Palo Duro Canyon State Park - home to the nation’s second-largest canyon!
Where can I find the most kid-friendly hikes in Texas?
With the sheer number of hiking trails available in Texas, you never have to look long or hard to find some that are kid-friendly. The Santa Elena Canyon Trail is less than 1.5 miles round-trip, and has an elevation gain of under 160 feet. Despite being short and easy, the trail boasts unrivaled views of the iconic Santa Elena Canyon. Plus, it leads straight to the Rio Grande, so the kids can splash around before you hike back out. Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls Via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail is also great for kids, as it’s only three miles long and features a swimming hole with beautiful waterfalls.
What are some of the best easy hikes in Texas?
If you want to enjoy Texas’ natural beauty but aren’t in the mood to work up a big sweat, you’ll be happy to know our state is full of easy hikes. Two of our favorites are the McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and the Lake Austin/360 Bridge Overlook Trail. Both are a mile or less in length and boast incredible lake or mountain views. Totally worth adding to your bucket list!
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.
