hill country state natural area

Hill Country State Natural Area has got some fab trails for running, riding horses, mountain biking...this is a must go to place in the Texas Hill Country.

Great place to take the family. You can hike, bike, fish, or just hang out. The scenes are breath taking. Great place to practice your photography skills. Annual passes are available or you can pay for a day.

This state park is full of land, but there is not much beautiful parts to see. We just rode the roads around the state park, because we didn't know if we would get lost walking around there. But defiantly a good place to ride your horses.

I didnt get to spend much time there and most of the trails were closed. But I did get to see some beautiful hawks from the road.

We loved the chance to hike the trails in this park! Excellent views and varied terrain. We met quite a few people enjoying the trails on horseback as well.

This Texas park has over 40 miles of trails. They are well marked as to directions and difficulty. It's a favorite of those who ride horses. Also see the occasional mountain bike rider. We try to go several times a year and have hiked almost all of the trails. Be sure and wear good shoes as there is a TON of rubble on most trails and take water as there is none available. There are a couple of potties but no running water. Spring is the most beautiful time when the wildflowers are blooming. By-and-large it is a high desert type landscape and pretty arrid. The term "state natural area" means primitive with few comforts..........just rugged beauty.

Great place to get away from it all. I purchased a year pass and live about 15 miles from the park. About four or five times a year I ride my bike through the Area. Others ride horses and if I had a horse that would be a fantastic place. It is away from the crowds. Peaceful.

Didn't realize there was this much greenery and natural beauty in the middle of texas. Enjoyable hiking trails!

My husband & I spent 2 1/4 days hiking the park with our dog. It was absolutely beautiful. The trails were for the most part well marked & the views were gorgeous. Be prepared, though - the trails are rugged & you need to bring your own water. It's totally worth it. We loved it!

This place is out of the way but worth the trip if your in the hill country near Tarpley. The trails and the views make this place a great ride or hike.

Went with a group of backpackers. First, very friendly staff at the no frills HQ (don't show up looking for souvenirs...nothing for sale but campsite rentals here). With a storm in the forecast we opted to hike the ~ 2 miles of trails to the Wilderness Camp backpacking area. Trail 1 is a nice double track, great for groups. Still some caution needed as it's rocky and there are elevation changes.Wilderness Camp sites were very nice, most secluded, but a couple were so tiny I'm not sure where you would put a tent. Picnic table and fire rings at each primitive site (a rare treat to have somewhere to put your stuff up off of the dirt!). Collecting downed wood is prohibited so I'm not sure why they bothered with the fire rings...who wants to hike 2 miles with arm loads of firewood?Anyhow, the trails are great, the scenery was beautiful. I would suggest more detailed trail maps as the park map is covered in trails and the type is very small. It's hard to see ratings, turns, etc.Looking forward to returning, already got my next trip out here planned.

Very "spaggetti western" scenery. Dry limestone with fossils and cacti -- lovely to ride through -- wouldn't want to walk too far.

Hope this gem stays this way. Very scenic. Various wildflowers in bloom, Maximilian sunflowers, gay feather, black foot daisy and many others. Though we had a storm blow through we really enjoyed our primitive camp and hiking. Only improvement would be potable water access (for backpackers).

This area appears to be set up tp accommodate groups of 25-50 people. Picnic table and stables and a bathroom

Bandera,TX has been named the COWBOY CAPITAL OF THE WORLD.Authenic buildings and events highlight this unique town. Puts you back in historyand can enjoy just relaxing. It is a part of our culture that has almost disapeared. Only visible when recreated by something false-this is the real deal.