It is hard to know where Mt. Bonnell ends and Covert Park begins. The park is located on on Mt…read more Bonnell Road, in its natural state. It is not perfectly pristine but with some dead branches and unkempt grounds. Actually, its untarnished natural state is an appealing portion of experiencing Covert park. Covert Park has cement tables and chairs where you linger, if you wish. Depending on Austin weather folks stay for a few minutes or may stay for hours, i.e. picnic. The park can easily be a location to meditate, reflect, converse, and simply do nothing and enjoy the fruits of nature.

An Austin pioneer business man gave this 54 acres containing Mt Bonnell to the city of Austin in…read morethe 1930s. Great pocket of nature where you feel like you're far from civilization, experience the native landscape and have your soul refreshed all in the span of a walk in the park. A must go if you're in the area!

Great new trail near Turkey Creek trail. My wife and I were the only ones on the trail, on a…read moreSUNDAY, and it has a ton of options to either cut through or continue, a variety of different paths, and it has 4 or 5 scenic overlooks of the river. The parking lot was packed at the Turkey Creek Trailhead so we went passed it and continued down the road a half-mile to a hidden trailhead with a small parking space. The trail is much more natural than Turkey Creek. It is a 3.4 mile loop, but you can make it a bit longer if you get creative with some cut-throughs to other trails. This is easily one of our favorite new tails.

This is a small park right in the town of Blanco. We had a FHU site in the first / 50amp loop…read more Backing up wasn't a problem except for the tress across from the site. The branches are low and extend into the roadway. I had to pull them back while my husband backed into the site. They could have scratched the side of the coach if we hadn't done that. We asked camp staff to trim those back, but they never came. Pulling out of the site into the road had to be done carefully as well. Just enough room to miss those branches. Maybe we need to start carrying loppers :) Also beware of the fire ants this time of year and lots of mosquitoes. Poor water pressure. We actually didn't even have water at times (mostly during the weekend when the park was full) You can swim/float on the river right in the park. The town is small but you can walk or ride your bike there. If you go left when entering the state park, the roadway will take you to a city park. You can ride into town from there so you don't have to cross busy Hwy 281.

Blanco State Park (@blancostatepark) is a hidden gem in the Texas Hill Country, offering a peaceful…read moreriverside escape that feels both scenic and relaxing. Nestled along about a mile stretch of the Blanco River, this relatively small park delivers big on charm, making it perfect for a day trip or a quiet weekend outdoors. One of the standout features of the park is the low-water dam and walkway, which creates calm pools on one side and gentle flowing water on the other. Walking across it gives you beautiful panoramic views of the river, just like in your photos--calm water, limestone edges, and plenty of space to take it all in. The setting feels very serene, especially with the surrounding trees and open sky. The river itself is the heart of the park. Whether you're swimming, fishing, or just sitting by the water, it's a relaxing experience. The water is usually calm and shallow in areas, making it great for families, while deeper sections are perfect for swimming or paddling. Wildlife is another highlight--you'll often spot birds, turtles, and even ducks or geese hanging around the shoreline, adding to the natural vibe. The mix of cypress trees, limestone banks, and clear water really gives it that classic Hill Country feel. Beyond the water, the park has easy walking trails and shaded paths, ideal for a casual hike. These aren't intense hikes, but they're perfect for a laid-back stroll through nature. Picnic areas and campsites are scattered throughout, making it easy to spend a full day here or even stay overnight. Blanco State Park is not the biggest or most dramatic park in Texas, but that's exactly its appeal. It's calm, scenic, and easy to enjoy--perfect for relaxing by the water, taking photos, or just disconnecting for a while. If you're looking for a peaceful outdoor spot with beautiful river views and a laid-back atmosphere, this park definitely delivers.

For our final outing before my brother-in-law headed off to "never-never land," also known as…read moreChicago, IL, we spent the morning on the Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. It was the perfect way to end his visit and enjoy one last Austin adventure together. Although he does not move as quickly as he once did, he enjoys people-watching as much as I do. We found a bench, settled in, and enjoyed muffins and ice-cold water we had brought from home. The trail circles Lady Bird Lake and offers some of the most beautiful skylines in the city. As we looked from our perch, we enjoyed the Austin skyline views, serene Lady Bird Lake, and lush green spaces. Can you imagine with this spectacular scene, that we were snap dab in the middle of downtown Austin? As folks sauntered by, we witnessed an eclectic Austin living up to our name of "Keep Austin Weird:...men working out at the bars, teenagers walking by in brightly colored clothing and families with children tagging along. We watched with rapt attention. What I enjoyed most was the chance to slow down and simply spend quality time together. There was no agenda, no schedule to keep...just good conversation, and plenty of opportunities to take in the views - people and scenery. We watched runners, cyclists, kayakers, and fellow walkers enjoying the trail, which perfectly captures Austin's active spirit and nature loving. The trail is well-maintained, clean and easy to navigate. As last outings go, this one couldn't have been better. The combination of beautiful scenery, fresh air, and quality family time made for a memorable ending to a wonderful visit.

What a nice respite just on the other side of the bridge from downtown. I was feeling a little…read moreoverwhelmed and overworked the passed few days, and it turns out all I needed was a grounding walk in nature. I saw so much wildlife while on this trail, turtles for days, different bird species, even butterflies and ladybugs. This trail is great for getting those steps in, running, or enjoying ones surroundings. It also leads to the bat viewing bridge, where you can watch those adorable little creatures take flight at dusk.

Such a beautiful tour! Mara was amazing! I booked an 11 AM tour . It was a hot day, but still not…read moretoo bad. Some areas have steep steps. The trail isn't a circle, so you would go back the way you came. There are several beautiful sites to see along the way. The steps headed to the cave can be a bit slippery Stay hydrated and be ready to take beautiful pictures. I had an amazing time, I hope you do too!

What a great nature preserve! I went on the Grotto Tour and our guide was very informational. West…read moreCave Outdoor Center is located in the middle of nature so there's no phone service available. Prior to our tour, they sent us instructions on how to get to the center and they were very clear. They had signs at the entrance and they were very easy to follow. We booked the 11AM tour and the hike was relatively easy with West Cave and the Grotto at the end of the trail. Our guide was very informational and was able to teach us about the different species of trees and the geography of the area.

Peter P. and I and our pups explored this short but scenic greenbelt today and I will definitely be…read moreback when in the area. The trail runs parallel to Hurst Creek with several pretty waterfalls which makes it feel more away from the city rather than a neighborhood trail. For a longer hike it connects with Hamilton Greenbelt that has over 4 miles of trails. Hamilton Greenbelt has a parking lot across the street from the main trail head or you can take the Hamilton Greenbelt about 10 minutes in you will see a Smith Greenbelt sign on the left so you can cross under Lohman's Crossing instead of having to cross a busy street. If you take Lohman's Crossing from 620 the parking lot is just past the first stop light on the right.

When you're feeling blue, go for a drive, and see the Bluebonnets. Best therapy…read more About an hour drive from N. Austin is Spicewood, TX, and Muleshoe Bend. A gorgeous park with a lake, picnic areas, and RV set ups with grills, but most of all, the star of the park, Texas Bluebonnets. There is a park fee, of $5.00 per person. You are given a pass for the day. And a map of the park. To see the Bluebonnets from the entrance, you're just going to follow the road. Very easy to find. It's a bit of a drive to the Bluebonnets and lake. And it's a dirt road, lots of dust and small rocks. The park is absolutely beautiful. Well worth the drive and the pictures, well, speak for themselves. God Bless Texas. So grateful for the Bluebonnets today.

This campground and recreation area in Hill Country is a lovely way to spend a few hours in nature…read more We were hoping to see the bluebonnets they're known for but alas, late blooming this year. That didn't stop us from seeing a few starting to spring to life. We walked along the water and throughout the property just consuming as much of the beauty as we could. Found some seashells along the way.

This is a fairly easy hike as in distance, however the terrain makes it a little challenging. The…read moresurface has rock, dirt, gravel, stumps and water. So insure the soles of your shoes are in good shape to prevent falls. I've walked here a couple of times now. Today it was a little chilly but nothing too bad. The last time it was warmer and the vegetation was much greener. The trail is about 1.5 miles long but back and forth you can get around 3 miles. So if you are looking for different scenery, then be sure to stop by here!

Exercise is a fundamental part of our lives! My husband and I sometimes walk through the…read moreneighborhood in an effort to have together time and get some exercise...a twofer! We were so carried away with our conversation this morning, we ended up at Bull Creek District Park. We walked around Bull Creek for a while and then headed home. You can see mountain bikers often at Bull Creek and sometimes runners or avid walkers especially on the weekends. On the weekend it can be quite busy. It's ideal for enjoying nature or catching up.