Hike the Buescher State Park Trails

In the fall of 2011, the most destructive fire in Texas history burned through Bastrop, just 45 minutes east of Austin, TX. This makes for an interesting, and eerie, bike ride. As you ride through the park, you can see the extent of damage the fire caused. It's also amazing to see the vegetation bounce back several years later. There are 2 state parks here, Bastrop State Park and Buescher State...

Pine Ridge Overlook is one of the longest hikes at McKinney Roughs Nature Area offering 2.7 miles through piney woods that overlook valleys and offer glimpses of the Colorado River. McKinney Roughs is considered a nature and learning park and requires a $5 entrance fee per-person at the Visitor Center. The hike to the Overlook is considered easy on the trail map but can quickly become challen...

The Southeast Metropolitan Park Primitive Trail is a quick 2.3 mile hike, perfect for families, hikers, and trail runners. This trail is dog friendly, and is open for use year round. This hike is lightly trafficked, so this is a great place to go if you are looking for some solitude. 

Lake Somerville State Park has two portions you can visit, Nails Creek on the South side of the lake, and Birch Creek located on the North side of the lake. Both offer a variety of activities including camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.Within the Nails Creek Unit you can select from a number of campsites with views of the lake. Several trails lead from the campground that...

The Onion Creek and Homestead Trail Loop is a 6.5 mile loop hike within McKinney Falls State Park, just outside of Austin city limits. The trail is long however pretty beginner level as there are not many inclines. The trail features two waterfalls: the Upper and Lower falls which are popular swimming destinations. The trail is dog friendly, just be sure to clean up after them! The Onion Creek ...

The Homestead Loop hike is a 3.1 mile loop featuring the Lower Falls of McKinney Falls State Park. The hike is pretty intermediate and is mostly shaded. There are not many inclines. It is both dog- and kid-friendly. The trail does cross small streams, so be weary to bring water shoes/sandals.  This is a great trail for nature spotting and for a nice hike. This hike is not handicap accessible.