This 259-Mile Road Trip Leads To Some Of The Most Scenic Parts Of Texas, No Matter What Time Of Year It Is
By Katie Lawrence|Updated on July 25, 2023(Originally published July 22, 2023)
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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).
Some destinations – like hidden beaches and wildflower trails – are best visited during a particular season. Many of the most scenic places in Texas, however, can be enjoyed year-round. This 259-mile Texas road trip leads to some of our state’s most iconic natural areas. It traverses the beautiful Texas Hill Country region, featuring everything from secluded wildlife refuges to hidden grottos. Before you go on one of the best Texas road trips, check out this customizable Google Map and adjust as you must. You should also check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List and Guide. This guide will help you best prepare for your upcoming adventure. Hop in the car and let’s go!
Our trip begins at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, located just northwest of Austin in Marble Falls. This hidden gem destination features three separate public use areas with over eight miles of hiking trails altogether. Open year-round, the refuge is worth visiting no matter the season. From colorful wildflowers in the spring to more than three dozen species of dragonflies in the summer, there's always something to see! Plus, the sweeping Hill Country views never get old.
Next up is Krause Springs, a family-owned, 115-acre property that brings a little slice of the tropics right here to Texas. There are 32 springs on-site, many of which feed the two swimming pools - one manmade and one natural - available to guests. Guests can also enjoy a spacious campground with tent and RV sites, and a relaxing butterfly garden if it's too cold to swim. Krause Springs does close briefly in the winter, but it reopens mid-February, so you can still enjoy it before the heat of the summer sets in!
Check out this fun video of what you can expect at beautiful Krause Springs:
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3. Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center (Round Mountain)
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX 78663, USA
Tucked away in the small town of Round Mountain, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is a beautiful, 76-acre preserve with a secret grotto that's like something out of a fairytale. A short, 15-minute walk through a lush canyon takes you to a 40-foot waterfall that cascades down into a crystal-clear pool of water. Access is limited and requires a tour guide, so reservations are highly recommended.
Just outside the birthplace of President Lyndon B. Johnson lies Pedernales Falls State Park, where the mighty Pedernales River flows over enormous slabs of ancient limestone. From swimming to hiking to camping, there's lots to see and do here in every season!
Check out this gorgeous 4K video of Pedernales Falls State Park:
5. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (Fredericksburg)
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
Now we're headed to Fredericksburg, where we'll pay a visit to everyone's favorite pink blob: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. This 400-foot-tall granite dome and surrounding wilderness area feature nearly 11 miles of hiking trails, including one that leads to the very tip-top of the rock. It's also an International Dark Sky Park!
6. Lost Maples State Natural Area (Vanderpool)
Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, USA
Our second-to-last destination is Lost Maples State Natural Area, best known for its striking autumn foliage. Nestled along the Sabinal River just two hours northwest of San Antonio, the park is worth visiting year-round, however. You can hike, fish, admire wildflowers, look for wildlife, and more. If your trip does happen to coincide with fall, the Uvalde bigtooth maples put on a show you'll never forget.
7. Garner State Park (Concan)
Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USA
The adventures come to an end at Garner State Park in Concan, the most popular summertime camping destination in Texas. While summer is certainly a fun time to visit - families have been tubing the Frio River and dancing to jukebox tunes under the stars for decades - the park is bucket-list-worthy all year round. The fall foliage is truly spectacular, plus you'll encounter far fewer crowds during the colder months.
Would you take this road trip to some of the most scenic places in Texas? What are some of your favorite Texas road trips? Tell us in the comments! Are you ready for another epic road trip? Check out this road trip that leads to some of the best hidden gems in Texas.
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Texas Road Trips
Courtnie Erickson|December 10, 2022
What are some other Texas road trips I should consider?
Texas is one of the best states for a road trip. Not only are there miles and miles just waiting to be explored, but there are incredible scenic drives and attractions in Texas that you won’t want to miss. Here at Only In Your State, we have put together dozens of Texas road trips that we think you will enjoy. Some of our favorites that you should definitely add to your bucket list include:
Make sure that before you head on any road trip in Texas that you check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List and Guide. This guide will help you head on your adventure fully prepared and ready for anything that comes your way.
What are some of the most scenic places in Texas?
Choosing the most scenic places in Texas is no easy thing. Texas is home to hundreds of beautiful destinations that are certainly worth a visit. However, some of our favorite scenic places in Texas include:
You can learn about even more scenic places in Texas in our feature article. Here, we list 10 stunning places in the Lone Star State that every individual should visit at least once.
