Bastrop State Park in Texas has had its share of challenges over the years. In September 2011, a devastating wildfire swept through the park. Then, in 2015, a dam failed on a 10-acre lake, causing water to push around piles of fallen trees and damage the park’s trails.

But while this has been a place of natural destruction, it’s also a place of rebirth. A scenic trail here will take you past the remains of old pines and into a new-growth forest. You’ll see birds and wildflowers and a view that makes it clear that this wild place has many good days ahead.

Here’s why the Scenic Overlook Trail in Bastrop State Park might be just the hike you need.

Bastrop is just 32 miles east of Austin so it's an easy day hike if you're in the city. The park has been attracting nature lovers for more than 70 years.
AllTrails / Azucena Overman
The park has seven miles of trails. The hiking is generally not too challenging, although the trails are a bit rocky.
AllTrails / Darren Latvala
The scenic overlook trail is a 3.5-mile out-and-back trail - allow about 90 minutes to complete the hike. You can still see the devastation of the 2011 wildfire, but this area is alive and the forest is returning.
AllTrail Jame Crenshaw

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The park has a unique pine-oak forest that's very rare. It's part of an area of loblolly pines known as the Lost Pines ecosystem. It's the westernmost stand of loblolly pine trees in the United States.
AllTrails / Darren Latvala
The trail will take you past a massive concrete water tower constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Nearby, you can take in an incredible view of the Lost Pines landscape.
AllTrails / Darren Latvala
The sweeping views from the overlook are stunning and a reminder that the park is on its way to a full recovery.
AllTrails / Darren Latvala

If you still have energy after completing the Scenic Overlook Trail, additional trails will take you past a picturesque pond and some old park structures. You may even see the endangered Houston toad – this is the only ecosystem that it calls home. And on your next adventure, here are 15 epic Texas hiking spots you can explore.

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Bastrop State Park Lake, Texas 78602, USA