Paws on the Path: Explore dog-friendly hikes in the Highland Lakes

Beau takes a break from an 8-mile hike and hitches a ride. Staff photo by Maci Cottingham

As spring breathes new life into the outdoors, it’s the perfect time to leash up your furry friend and hit the trails. From shaded creekside paths to scenic overlooks, the Highland Lakes area and nearby parks offer plenty of dog-friendly hikes where both pups and their owners can enjoy fresh air, stretch their legs, and, if you’re lucky, spot the blooming bluebonnets.

When hiking in the spring and summer, make sure you bring plenty of water for you and your pets, and make sure that the forecast isn’t too hot. Set out early and make the best of a spring morning, before temperatures soar.

Dog in bluebonnets — Beau the chiweenie roams the bluebonnet fields of Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area in Spicewood. Staff photo by Maci Cottingham

State Parks

Pets are welcome in almost all state parks.There are a few notable exceptions, but the only one that impacts the Highland Lakes area is the restriction at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, where pets are not allowed to summit the rock itself.

Follow the following rules to make sure you’re in alignment with park regulations:

-Pets must be leashed or in a crate at all times

-Pets must be accompanied at all times

-Pets cannot enter state park buildings

-You must pick up pet waste and dispose of it

-Pets are not allowed in the water or on the land around a designated swimming area

-Your pet must have a current rabies vaccination and you need proof of the vaccination

If these rules are broken, you could be asked to leave the park. Some of these rules do not apply to service dogs helping a person with a disability.

Inks Lake State Park trail bridge — Inks Lake State Park offers a variety of trails including this wooden walkway that takes hikers to the famous Devil’s Waterhole. Staff photo by Maci Cottingham

Pedernales Falls State Park

Location: 2585 Park Road 6026 in Johnson City
Hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: $6 for visitors 13 years and older
Trail difficulty and length: Easy to challenging, 0.5 – 11.4 mile trails
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, camping
Contact: 830-868-7304

Inks Lake State Park

Location: 3480 Park Road 4 in Burnet
Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: $7 for visitors 13 years and older
Trail difficulty and length: Easy to moderate, 0.6 – 2.2 mile trails
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, boat ramps, campsites
Contact: 512-793-2223

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Location: 16710 Ranch Road 965 in Fredericksburg
Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: $8 for visitors 13 years and older
Trail difficulty and length: Moderate to difficult (pets are only allowed on the Loop Trail), 4.6 mile trails
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas
Contact: 830-685-3636

Colorado Bend State Park

Location: 1201 Colorado Park Road in Bend
Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: $5 for visitors 13 years and older
Trail difficulty and length: Easy to difficult, 0.3 – 4.8 mile trails
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, camping
Contact: 325-628-3240

McKinney Falls State Park

Location: 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway in Austin
Hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: $6 for visitors 13 years and older
Trail difficulty and length: Easy to moderate, 0.5 – 3.1 mile trails
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, campsites
Contact: 512-243-1643

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site

Location: 199 Park Rd 52 in Stonewall
Hours: Open until dark
Cost: Free
Trail difficulty and length: Easy; 1.5 mile trail
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, historical exhibits
Contact: 830-644-2252

Lost Maples State Natural Area

Location: 37221 F.M. 187 in Vanderpool
Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $6 for visitors 13 years and older
Trail difficulty and length: Easy to challenging, 0.4 – 3.6 mile trails
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas
Contact: 830-966-3413

Inks Lake State Park trail — The Lake Trail, Woodland Trail, and Pecan Trail of Inks Lake State Park are exceptional options for you and your pooch to go on a long hike. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey

Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Parks

LCRA parks offer a ton of freedom to pet owners, allowing for off-leash walking as long as it is not in a designated camping or picnic area. But, pets must be kept under their owners’ immediate control at all times.