With popular parks reaching peak capacity on the weekends, the Texas Hill Country has many nearby gems for visitors wanting to avoid the crowds. Staff photo by JoAnna Kopp
The Highland Lakes boasts many natural wonders at which to spend the weekend. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a beautiful sight to see — and more and more people are flocking to see it. Many visitors will wait in line for hours for admission, only to be turned away because the park has reached its capacity.
Other extremely popular Hill Country parks are Colorado Bend, Inks Lake, and Pedernales Falls state parks.
Park closures due to visitor capacity happens regularly, especially on weekends and holidays. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the daily capacity limits are put into place to “reduce the impact to natural resources, enhance the visitor experience, and ensure the safety of parkgoers.”
Instead of driving out to a park with the possibility of being turned away, visit on a non-peak day (like a Tuesday or Wednesday) or consider visiting one of these great nearby parks instead.
Longhorn Cavern State Park
Step into the belly of the earth at Longhorn Cavern State Park, which stays at a cool 68 degrees year-round. The 135-foot-deep cave has a vibrant history and is a sweet reprieve from the summer heat. Located in Burnet County on Park Road 4. READ MORE
Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery
There’s much more to this U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site than hatching and studying freshwater creatures. You can also hike its short but beautiful and often shaded trails, fish the shoreline, birdwatch, paddle, and picnic — all for free. Nature nerds will love the informative panels near plants and a butterfly garden. Trails are dog-friendly, and you can get quite the view of the Hill Country from the top of The Overlook Trail. Located at 345 Clay Young Road in Burnet. READ MORE
Blanco State Park
If you’re looking to cool off, jump into the glistening water at Blanco State Park. There are man-made waterfalls, lounging areas, picnic tables and a shallow wading pool. It’s also a great spot to spend a day fishing. Located in Blanco off U.S. 281. READ MORE
Pace Bend Park
Pace Bend Park offers 9 miles of shoreline on Lake Travis with 15 miles of scenic hiking trails. The park’s shores vary from rocky vistas to shallow beaches. Located in Spicewood. READ MORE
Krause Springs
This privately-owned natural swimming hole is a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon or camp. In addition to the swimming hole, there is a man-made (but still spring-fed) swimming pool, pavilions, barbecue pits, showers, restrooms and more. Located in Spicewood. READ MORE
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
Our favorite Hill Country hiking spot is the largest park in the area, spanning 23,000 acres. It also made our list of the Highland Lakes’ Top 5 Scenic Overlooks. The free admission and well-marked trails are also a bonus. Located east of Marble Falls. READ MORE
LBJ Ranch
\Visit LBJ Ranch, the former home of the late President Lyndon B. Johnson. Go back in time at the living history farm, which represents life in the year 1915, as actors walk around in period dress and tend to the farm. Then, take a tour of the Texas White House, where you can view the house where Johnson lived during his presidency. Located west of Johnson City in Stonewall. READ MORE
