10 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Texas Should Take
By Katie Lawrence|Updated on March 29, 2022(Originally published March 24, 2022)
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Katie Lawrence
Author
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 began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
We all want to appreciate the beauty of Texas, but sometimes we’re not in the mood for an all-day, 20 mile, strenuous hiking route. Fortunately, there are plenty of places in our state with shorter trails that still award you the same experience you would get otherwise. Here are 10 of the best hikes in Texas, if you’re looking for less of a time commitment.
1. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Summit Trail, 1.2 miles (Fredericksburg)
Getting to the top of the pink blob we all know and love doesn't take as long as you might think - just about 20 minutes. But don't be fooled by the time, the hike is incredibly demanding - however, the view that awaits you when you reach the summit is more than a worthwhile reward. You might even hear the groans and see the flames that the Tonkawa Indians claimed to have experienced many years ago.
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2. Lost Maples State Natural Area East Trail, 3.08 miles (Vanderpool)
Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, USA
This trail will give you the most "bang for your buck" so to speak, because it has the highest concentration of maple trees in the entire park. Make sure you come during fall so you can be blown away by the vibrant colors of the foliage.
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3. Palmetto State Park San Marcos River Trail, 1.25 miles (Luling)
Palmetto State Park, 78 Park Rd 11 S, Gonzales, TX 78629, USA
This quick hike runs parallel to the beautiful San Marcos River and is lined with hundreds of majestic Palmetto trees. There are also over 250 species of birds who make their home here, so be sure to bring some binoculars!
4. Big Thicket National Preserve Kirby Nature Trail, 2.5 miles (Lumberton)
Big Thicket National Preserve, FM 420, Kountze, TX 77625, USA
The beauty of East Texas is so underappreciated. Towering hills and mountains aren't Mother Nature's only redeeming qualities. The Big Thicket is one of the most ecologically diverse places in the entire state, so you'll be awed by hundreds of different interesting plants. Just don't forget the bug spray and you'll be good to go!
5. Barton Creek Greenbelt, 3 miles (Austin)
Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Personally, this is one of my favorite hikes in Texas. The constant sound of rushing water is an incentive to keep going (it's only about three miles to the first water area!), and once this scene unfolds before your eyes, those three miles will be totally worth it. You can keep going if you want a longer hike, but most people choose to stop here and hang out in the rapids for a bit before turning around and heading back.
This trail is a true gem. Most people envision mountainous hikes as grueling treks up to the summit that take all day. Smith Spring, however, isn't the case. It's a 2.5 mile loop that allows you to experience the same majestic beauty of the mountains that a longer trail would, as well as catch a glimpse of the wildlife that comes from all over the park to enjoy the fresh water.
This trail is a true gem. Most people envision mountainous hikes as grueling treks up to the summit that take all day. Smith Spring, however, isn't the case. It's a 2.5 mile loop that allows you to experience the same majestic beauty of the mountains that a longer trail would, as well as catch a glimpse of the wildlife that comes from all over the park to enjoy the fresh water.
7. Santa Elena Canyon, 1.7 miles (Big Bend National Park)
It's awfully hard to sum up Santa Elena in a few sentences, but I'll just say this - if it isn't already on your bucket list, it should be. Seeing the thousand-foot rock walls towering high above your head framing the pristine Rio Grande River flowing between them is a life-changing experience, and only 1.7 miles? You can't beat it.
My sister actually just took this hike a few days ago, and I have to say, I'm extremely jealous. It only takes about 20 minutes to reach the most gorgeous waterfall in Texas. You'll feel like you've stepped right out of our world and into the story of Tarzan. It's absolutely magical.
9. Caprock Canyons Los Lingos Trail, 5 miles (Quitaque)
Caprock Canyons State Park Entrance, Caprock Canyons State Pk Entrance, Texas 79255, USA
This hike is a bit longer than the rest, coming in at just under five miles, but it's five miles you definitely won't regret. We're so honored to have a mini Grand Canyon right here in Texas, and a little sweat is a fair price to pay to experience it in all its glory.
9. Boerne City Park Cibolo Wilderness Trail, 3.5 miles (Boerne)
This trail is a hidden gem of sorts, tucked away in the far recesses of the city park. You can take a leisurely stroll, stopping every so often to find serenity under the tall cypress trees lining Cibolo Creek.
10. Reimers Ranch Park, 3-4 miles (Dripping Springs)
Reimers Ranch, 23610 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, USA
Reimers Ranch is most well-known among the hillcountry's rock climbing community, but it has plenty of beautiful trails to hike as well. All of them combined make up a mere 3-4 miles, so you can easily see everything in a few hours. The crystalline Pedernales River runs right through the park, and there's even a rope swing if you're in the mood to get a little wet and wild.
Though they are short, these may just be some of the best hikes in Texas! Where’s your favorite place in Texas for a nice, short hike?
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More to Explore
Best Hikes In Texas
CAM|March 29, 2022
What are some good hiking trails near me in Texas?
The great state of Texas has plenty in the way of gorgeous, fun hikes to fill your soul and feed your sense of adventure. Trade your cowboy boots for hiking boots and let’s get exploring! For the avid hiker and daredevil, Guadalupe Peak offers the highest peak in Texas at an elevation of 8,751 feet above sea level. This hike is located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking. If you are looking for something slightly less challenging, check out Blanco State Park for a leisurely, relaxing stroll along the spring-fed Blanco River in beautiful Texas Hill Country.
What are some kid-friendly hikes around Texas?
If you are an avid hiker looking for ways to introduce the children in your life to the joys of the great outdoors, Texas has got you covered. The state has plenty of beautiful, kid-friendly hikes that the whole family can enjoy. For instance, Caprock Canyons Upper Trail in Caprock State Park in Quitaque, Texas is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike. In the park you can see gorgeous canyon views, along with herds of free-range bison, and a plethora of other animal and plant life. The park has around 25 miles of trails to explore. Keep those eyes peeled for the flora and the fauna that calls the park home, including white-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons, and porcupines! Another great kid-friendly hiking spot is Monahans Sandhills State Park in Monahans, Texas. While not a typical choice for hiking expeditions, the park has over 4000 acres of land to explore, and it is basically a giant sandbox! Monahans Sandhills State Park boasts mesmerizing sandy views as far as the eye can see, and offers never-ending opportunities for kids to run around and play. Don’t forget the sleds for some epic sand sledding down the dunes!
