DEEP in the HEART of TEXAS Outdoor Exploration

ROUTE 66 Road Trip By Kimber Williams

Everything seems bigger in the Lone Star State, including the endless possibilities for DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS outdoor exploration.

A visit to the heart of Texas Hill Country will plant you amid an amazing constellation of state parks and recreation areas that form a vast natural loop — a crown of sorts, studded with destinations ripe for adventure.

From lazy rivers that snake through quiet limestone canyons to natural waterfalls, hiking trails set among gently rolling woodlands, and a breathtaking climb up an “enchanted” rock, Hill Country beckons RVers with its vivid personality, broad vistas and rustic charm.

8 Scenic Route Vol. 3 / No. 2 ROUTE 66 Road Trip DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS Texas Hill Country is rich in rolling scenery and a spectacular concentration of state parks

here is surely no Long popular with snowbirders, other place quite like the parks offer year-round camping Texas Hill Country — and mostly mild weather, espe- a wide-open landscape cially in fall, winter and spring. Tas gnarled and weathered as an Even a visit during the heat of old fence post, as sprawling and high summer can be tempered by colorful as a soul-stirring sunset. a welcome dip in clear, spring-fed Hill Country is a land of lay- rivers and lakes. ers, stretching from West Texas The important thing to know east to Austin, the state capi- is that Texas is a lot like its much tal, and from the Colorado River heralded cuisine, with flavors southward to San Antonio. It’s big, bold and satisfying. It is a a region known for an endless place populated with unforgettable canopy of oak and juniper trees, characters and, indeed, a rugged prickly-pear cactus patches, rug- landscape carved with character ged rocks, and sparkling lakes to spare. It doesn’t take long to and rivers. Spring brings an develop an appetite for Texas, a explosion of wildflowers to these craving that will simply keep you distinctive rolling hills, but with coming back for more. a temperate climate you’ll find green here year-round. Guadelupe River The best part? There’s no short- State Park Department. Wildlife and Parks Texas of courtesy Photo age of state parks and recreation The morning music of canyon Guadelupe River State Park features campsites set amid thick vegetation wrens and warblers echoes against areas out of which to base your — which lends privacy — and the adventures, and San Antonio sits at the limestone bluffs that tower liquid appeal of a slow-moving river, the epicenter of the action. above the slow-moving Guadelupe a refreshing retreat on a hot day. Texas boasts several dozen state River — as peaceful a place as parks within a 100-mile radius of you’ll ever find. ultimately flow some 250 miles San Antonio. But to narrow the This is considered one of the before spilling into the Gulf of search, we focus on a convenient most scenic stretches of river in Mexico. Here, it commands atten- loop of Texas state parks just north all of Texas, languid waters lolling tion as the park’s most outstanding of San Antonio and west of Austin. against canyon walls stained by natural feature. Without exception, they are all time and giant bald cypress trees, The park is located about 30 affordable camping options that which guard the riverbank like minutes north of downtown San offer pleasant, mostly uncrowded twisted sentinels. Antonio just off Texas Highway sites and plenty of amenities. A It’s also one of the state’s most 46, which can be reached from I- few are designed for day use only, popular rivers, a spring-fed mar- 35, I-10 or U.S. 281. The entrance but if you base yourself at any of vel that carves a langorous four- is located on Park Road 31 and these parks you’re an easy drive mile path through Guadelupe State well marked. From there, enjoy the from the rest — and even the day- Park, hastened only by a series of pleasant three-mile drive to the park

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Wildlife and Parks Texas of courtesy Photo use parks are well worth the drive. four natural rapids. The stream will gate, which is locked each evening.

(far left, inset) Prickly pear cactus and longhorn cattle are sure-fire signs that you’re in 9 Texas. (left) Hiking trails cut through rocky outcroppings, plenty of campsites and a full Scenic Route range of water sports make Inks Lake State Park popular throughout the year. Vol. 3 / No. 2 Bald cypress trees and towering canyon walls frame Guadelupe River as it slides through Guadelupe River State Park. At Inks Lake State Park, it’s hard to find a campsite that doesn’t offer a view of the water. A series of low-water dams creates popular swimming areas along the spring-fed river at Blanco State Park.

The entrance fee is $6 per day Area has 40 sites with electric and “It’s nice here, in that you Fishing bobbers and debris dan- per person 13 and older. If you’re water hookups. Sites feature a pic- don’t feel crowded,” said Susan gling high in the branches of near- spending a bit of time in the area, nic table and fire ring or grill at $18 Gaidys, of Houston, who was by giant bald cypress trees remind you might consider investing in a a night or $108 per week. Cedar camping with her husband, Al, in you of just how far the sleepy $60 Texas State Parks Pass, which Sage Camping Area has 37 sites their pop-up trailer. “We’re not big Guadelupe River can surge. grants unlimited entry to over 100 with water hookups, picnic table, RV park people; the state parks There is plenty of parking at state parks and sites for a full year. and fire ring or grill at $14 a night are more for us.” the picnic area, enough to accom- Learn more at www.tpwd.state. or $84 a week. Showers, restrooms “This is only our second time modate the largest diesel pusher, tx.us/parkpass. and dump stations are centrally here,” she added. “We don’t come so think about stopping in even if Here’s a great discovery: An located in each area. For informa- often because it’s so far away from you don’t plan to spend the night. entrance fee paid to any Texas State tion, call (830) 438-2656. everything — but there are times If you’re coming in from the Park will get you into any other During a recent visit, we were when that’s a wonderful thing.” east, consider stopping at the state park for free the same day. impressed to find campsites that Her only caution: “You don’t H.E.B. store located just west Since parks in this area aren’t too felt spacious and private, with want to be here during cicada sea- of U.S. 281 on Texas Highway far apart, that’s a great bargain. thick, leafy barriers — even in son,” she chuckled, adding that the 46. You’ll find an amazing selec- Guadelupe River State Park February. The park is remote, with buzzing drone from the bugs may tion of fresh produce, meats and covers a little over 1,900 acres, a good separation between camp- drive you away. The park is proba- organic foods. including a real gem: the Honey grounds and recreational areas, bly best known for the four miles of Creek State Natural Area. This great for stargazing and solitude. attractive river frontage that frame Blanco State Park protected area is only open the park’s picnic area and play- Amble north on U.S. 281 and on Saturdays — or by spe- ground. Here, you’ll find more you’re truly in the heart of Texas cial arrangement — for day visitors, who stop to enjoy Hill Country — a rolling horizon of guided ecological walks a lunch at water’s edge, a cool- hills and live oak trees, spiny yucca along the shaded banks of ing dip, a hike, or a chance to and sprawling grassland. Here, Honey Creek. Tours empha- dip a line. The river is also a towns thin out and the region’s rug- size the region’s history, popular destination for tubing; ged terrain shines through. flora and fauna. To reach put-in and take-out spots are Tucked in the midst of this is one it, enter through the state provided for float trips. of Texas’ smallest state parks and park gate. The Guadelupe River is one of the more urban offerings in The park also recently deceptively serene. Below our journey. At just over 100 acres, opened a 5.3-mile eques- the tranquil surface lurk deep Blanco State Park is located on the trian trail that is also open to holes and an uneven bottom. southern edge of the tiny town of mountain biking. Be aware that many rivers Blanco — just four blocks from the Camping is offered in two in Texas Hill Country are town square, in fact. areas. Turkey Sink Camping vulnerable to flash floods. If you’re coming from the

10 Anglers test their luck around Devil’s Waterhole Scenic Route at Inks Lake State Park. Vol. 3 / No. 2 7ITHUS CAMPINGREALLYIS ALLFUNANDGAMES

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.OMEMBERSHIPREQUIRED KOACOM south, take the well-marked turn and keep veering left. The park entrance just off U.S. 281 comes so quickly, just beyond the river bridge, that visitors frequently miss it and may drive for miles before realizing their mistake. Blanco State Park hugs a mile of the spring-fed Blanco River, a focus for anglers, swimmers and boating. Originally used as a campsite for early explorers and settlers, the park opened in 1934 and still retains original stone architecture built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. (clockwise, upper left) Barb and Larry Stuber, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, enjoy Blanco Most notably, the river is guided State Park for the small town serenity. Visitors from Austin, Texas, Don’t forget check out the limestone formations at Pedernales Falls State Park. Kayaks and • Sunscreen, hat and other sun by a series of low-water dams, protectants canoes are good choices for exploring the gentle Blanco River. • Bottled water which create popular swimming • Sturdy hiking boots • A camera to capture spring areas of varying depths. Anglers than at more far-flung state parks. closely together than at other state wildflowers can hook rainbow trout, perch, But die-hard fans love the park’s park locations on our trek, with • Geology guidebook catfish and bass; tube, canoe and quaint charm, paved roadways less vegetation for privacy. But kayak rentals are available on-site. for bicycling, and riverside pic- that is no deterrent to enthusiastic ing,” said Elaine M. Brown, of Because of the park’s proxim- nic tables. A 3/4-mile nature trail campers who flock there from Indianola, Iowa, who was camp- ity to town, it feels a bit like a parallels the river; a guidebook is across the country. ing at the park in late February glorified city park. Noise levels available at the park store. “For 21 years, we went to Big with her husband, Harold. “We’d and public access are heavier Campsites are also tucked more Bend National Park for the hik- stopped here before in the spring on the way home, but never stayed long because you had to have reservations,” she recalled. This year, Blanco State Park became a destination in itself. “We got a county map to go sightseeing because the scenery around here is beautiful,” Harold said. “I just like the green [landscape] and mild temperature. I don’t like flat land much, so this suits me.” To the Browns, the park offers the best of all worlds — easy access to stores in town as well as rural exploration. Their campsite offered plenty of room for their 38-foot Dutch Star diesel pusher, and the price was right, they said. Entrance fees to the park are $4 a day for those 13 and older. The park offers a dozen campsites with electric and water hookups at $17 a night, $102 a week or $225 a month, and 17 campsites with electric, water and sewer hookups at $20 per night, $120 a week or $300 a month. A handful of screened shelters are also available. Reservations are strongly recommended. For more 12 Scenic Route Vol. 3 / No. 2 information, call (830) 833-4333. A five minutes. Visitors are cautioned well-maintained restroom and show- to be aware of sudden changes in er house serves the campsites, which water flow or muddiness and to be feature asphalt pads. A dump station prepared to evacuate immediately. is conveniently located. Although the falls and the first Barb and Larry Stuber, of three miles of the river are closed to Winnipeg, Manitoba, like the park swimming, wading and tubing, you’ll for its sense of small town serenity find plenty of room for splashing — their Topaz Touring Edition fifth- downstream, including a designated wheel trailer overlooked a bucolic swimming area and beach. farm field this year. This marks the But this park offers much more fourth winter they’ve come to Texas, than water. More than 20 miles of and they can’t say enough about its meandering trails cut through this state parks. gentle, rolling landscape, passing “We like that it’s quiet here and through lovely vistas sprinkled with patrolled regularly, and it’s easy oak and juniper, pecan, elm, syca- to take day trips into San Marcos more and walnut trees. or over to Marble Falls,” Larry Hike up Wolf Mountain. Stroll explained. the wooded hills in search of the threatened golden-cheeked warbler, Pedernales Falls which nests at the park. Bring a State Park sketch pad and pastel chalks and Gigantic limestone slabs tilt like capture the memorable views. Grab tumbled playing cards to form the your bike and take a spin on well- spectacular spillway for Pedernales paved roadways. Though the park Falls, the scenic focal point at isn’t really popular for fishing, Pedernales Falls State Park. Formed anglers say catfishing is good after 300 million years ago, the limestone the river rises. spillway creates a series of gradual The vast sweep of open, undis- steps for the fickle Pedernales River, turbed terrain and quiet, well-buff- which can shift from a gentle stream ered camping spots make this park to a raging torrent during a flash flood. Photographs posted at the trailhead of a hiking path leading to a scenic overlook of the falls show how quickly the transforma- tion can occur, from a trickle to a wall of roaring water in less than Photo courtesy of Texas Tourism. Texas of courtesy Photo (top to bottom) The Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm recreates turn- of-the-century farm life in Texas Hill Country at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. Stroll LBJ’s boyhood home, just across the street from the Lyndon B. Johnson Visitor Center in Johnson City. Photo courtesy of Texas Tourism. Texas of courtesy Photo

YOGI BEAR and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Hanna-Barbera. (s07)

13 Scenic Route Vol. 3 / No. 2 an enormous hit with visitors. Cibolo, Texas, Pedernales State ROUTEReservations are a66 must, espe-RoadPark campgroundTrip proved a Bycially Elaine in warm Beebeweather. Laprioredelightful surprise. The park lies due east of “We go to all the state parks, Johnson City, boyhood home of but this is the first time we’ve former U.S. President Lyndon come here — I thought it was Baines Johnson, and a color- solely a day-use park,” admitted ful little berg in itself. To reach Joe Anderson, who was camping Pedernales Falls State Park from with wife Kathy and son Cody in U.S. 281, head east on County their tiny TAB trailer. Road 2766 (also called FM 2766, “We love the privacy and we’re or Farm-to-Market Road) and fol- avid hikers, so for us, it’s perfect.” low the well-marked signs. From If you tire of the scenery, Tourism. Texas of courtesy Photo Austin, follow U.S. 290 to County Pedernales Falls State Park also Inks Lake Road 3232 and head north. makes a good base for regional State Park You’re in genuine cowboy sightseeing. Massive chunks of pink granite country now, and all signs point Nine miles to the west in outcroppings and a sparkling high to it, from grazing livestock — Johnson City, you can find good country lake define Inks Lake which can range from longhorns Mexican food, lively watering holes, State Park, the northernmost point to llamas — to the occasional cat- quaint shops, and history galore. Be on our trek. Tourism. Texas of courtesy Photo Cut through layers of limestone by tle guard grates on the roadways. sure to stop by the General Store At 803 acres, Inks Lake is underground streams, Longhorn White-tailed deer, wild turkey, on U.S. 281 and sample locally actually one of the smaller lakes Cavern State Park offers guided raccoons, quail and long-legged famous Whittington’s Jerky. You’ll created by dams that the Lower tours through the natural cave system, heron are native to the area, and also find several private RV parks Colorado River Authority con- hiking and picnic sites. Paddle boats, often easy to spot. in the immediate vicinity that cater structed in central Texas. But with canoes and kayaks can be rented on-site at Inks Lake State Park. Stop at the entrance to absorb the to “wintering Texans.” its clear water, scenic vistas, well- layout of the park — once the Circle Be sure to visit the LBJ Visitor marked hiking trails, a nine-hole You can also take County Road Bar Ranch — which stretches across Center near downtown Johnson golf course, and towering granite 1431 west out of Marble Falls to some 5,217 acres. Entrance fees are City to learn more about “the last hills, the park is extremely popu- County Road 2342, then north on $5 per day, per person 13 and older of the frontier presidents.” Further lar year-round — especially on Park Road 4. Either way, stop in for day visitors and $3 a day for west, off U.S. 290, is the Lyndon weekends. Burnet or Marble Falls to fill up overnight guests. For information, B. Johnson State Park and Historic The 1,200-acre park hugs the on gas and groceries. call (830) 868-7304. Site, where you can visit an authen- shoreline along a peninsula that While campsites at the lake are For our money, this park offered tic working frontier farm that dem- juts into Inks Lake. Even the drive abundant, they tend to be more some of the best campsites — attrac- onstrates the dress and lifestyle of in is a feast for the eyes — a love- open, with less vegetation and tive, well-spaced and lushly wooded typical Hill Country farm life at the ly contrast of pastel rocks, green privacy. The upside? There prob- —within easy walking distance of turn of the century. cedar and live oak woodlands, ably isn’t a campsite available that both the river and scenic overlooks. Bus tours are offered along and wide blue skies reflected in doesn’t afford a decent view of the Showers, restrooms and a dump sta- the Pedernales River and onto the the lake itself. lake. In fact, many will place you tion are available. The park offers LBJ Ranch and LBJ birthplace. To reach the park, take Texas quite close to the lake front. 69 campsites with electric and water The park is also noted for an Highway 29 west out of Burnet The park offers 50 campsites hookups at $20 a night. explosion of spring wildflowers, for nine miles, turning onto Park with water hookups for $12 a To the Anderson family, of so don’t forget a camera. Road 4 for about three miles. night and 137 paved campsites with electric and water hookups at $18 a night. All are equipped with ROUTE 66 picnic tables, fire rings and lantern Regional ROUTE 66 standards. For information, call RV Network® Dealers (512) 793-2223. Hayes RV Center Toppers’ Though no sites offer sewer 5009 Judson Rd. Camping Center hookups, a dump station is easily Longview, TX 75605 17930 Northwest Fwy. (903) 663-3488 Houston, TX 76117 accessible. Visitors can choose (713) 896-8441 Pharr RV’s from no less than eight restroom/ 320 N. Loop 289 shower houses throughout the Lubbock, TX 79403 United RV Center (806) 765-6068 5100 Airport Fwy. park. Because of heavy weekend Ft. Worth, TX 76117 day use, you may want to recon- RV Outlet Mall (817) 834-7141 4500 S. IH 35/Exit 259 sider a lake front campsite if you Georgetown, TX 78627 (512) 930-4922 seek to escape noise and conges- tion and desire more shade.

A colorful bit of folk art rises above the street in downtown Johnson City. 14 Scenic Route Vol. 3 / No. 2 ROUTE 66 Road Trip

15 Scenic Route Vol. 3 / No. 2 Other amenities include one and an amphitheater that plays host regularly snag bass, catfish, crap- wife, Kim, live there, it is opened ROUTEof the better picnic 66 area/play- Roadto musical Trip performances as well as pie, shad and blue gill. Two fish- to the public for weddings. grounds that we saw on this trip, educational and historical lectures. ing piers and the towering granite For more impressive views By Elaine Beebe Lapriore two lighted fishing piers, with a Boating and fishing are popu- rocks around Devil’s Waterhole, of rugged limestone bluffs and screened-in fish-cleaning station, lar at Inks Lake, where anglers a scenic cove at the easternmost waterfalls, consider taking the flank of the lake, are popular Vanishing Texas River Cruise on It’s hard to resist a hike up the rocky hillside at Enchanted Rock State perches for fishing. nearby Lake Buchanan, where you Park, a spectacular attraction steeped in mystical lore just north of Diving from the tall rocks can observe one of the largest col- Fredericksburg. around Devil’s Waterhole is a tra- onies of bald eagles that migrate ditional summertime activity, but to Texas from mid-November park rangers stress that it is danger- through mid-March. You can also ous, as underwater hazards exist catch a colorful eruption of spring in the lake and no lifeguards are wildflowers April through June. posted on duty. Canoe tours are For more information, call (800) offered of the area through park 728-8735 or visit www.vtrc.com. headquarters, where you can also rent canoes, kayaks and paddle Enchanted Rock boats on an hourly or daily basis. State Natural Area The region is noted for its wild- Tonkawa Indians believed that life, including bald eagles — espe- ghost fires flickered at the top cially November through March of this magnificent granite dome, — armadillos, great blue herons, which towers 425 feet above Big and the white-tail deer that wander Sandy Creek — a mystical lore freely among the campgrounds. heightened by stories that you The area is fun to explore on could hear the rock “crying,” with foot, and color-coded hiking trails creaks and groans. can help you on your way. Pick Today, geologists credit those up maps and directions at the park sound effects to the rock’s expan- headquarters, or hop in your car sion during hot days and con- and see even more. traction on cool nights. In fact, If you return to Park Road 4 and Enchanted Rock truly is a natural head south, you’ll reach Longhorn wonder, one of the largest batho- Cavern State Park, a natural under- liths — underground rock forma- ground cave carved over thousands tions uncovered by erosions — in of years by water and limestone the United States. Covering some bedrock and one of the few river- 640 acres, the pink granite dome Good Eats, Great Sites: formed caverns in Texas. Daily can be seen for miles, a clear cen- • World-class, cowboy-style barbecue at Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Q, 505 West Dallas St., Llano. tours are offered every day of the terpiece of the park. • Watch eagles from aboard the Vanishing Texas River Cruise, west of week for about $10 a person, or $6 In effect, this rock is to Texas Burnet on the eastern shore of Lake Buchanan. for children ages 2 to12. what Ayers Rock is to Australia — • Enjoy hand-made tamales at Tamale King, 15405 E. State Hwy. 29, Buchanan Dam. Prefer a daylight hike? Grab big, beautiful and not to be missed. • Take a canoe tour of Devil’s Waterhole or rent a kayak and explore it a guide sheet and wander the Though humans have visited yourself at Inks Lake State Park. Backbone Ridge Trail, an easy the region for over 11,000 years, • Follow an underground guided tour of Longhorn Cavern State Park, then climb the observation tower to catch a glimpse of the curious one and a half hour stroll. Be sure the area won designation as a Falkenstein Castle. to take time to climb the observa- • Float in an inner tube down the Guadelupe River at Guadelupe River tion tower, built by CCC workers State Park. • Indulge in Gulf Coast seafood with Cajun flair at Llaneaux Seafood in the 1930s, for a breathtaking House, 102 Legion Dr., Llano. view, complete with a startling • Take a National Park Service guided bus tour along the Pedernales River and on to the LBJ Ranch, Johnson City. peek at a distant castle, which • Enjoy an evening of fine dining (Thursday-Saturday), a homestyle supper juts up amid the rolling oak-juni- (Sunday through Wednesday) or a rib-sticking breakfast (any day) per hill country like a fantastic at the acclaimed Silver K Cafe, in the Old Lumber Yard complex, 209 E. Main St., Johnson City. mirage. • Cool off with a river swim at Pedernales State Park or Blanco State Park. A private residence devel- • Quench your thirst at the award-winning Fredericksburg Brewing oped by Texas businessman Terry Company, said to be the oldest brew pub in Texas. • Load up on provisions at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, at Marble Falls, or Young, the structure was built from the HEB grocery store, in Burnet. original architectural drawings of

a never-completed castle commis- Tourism. Texas of courtesy Photo (For more information on Texas Hill Country, check www.hill-countryvisitor.com/ or www.texashillcountry.com.) sioned by King Ludwig, II, of Rock climbing is permitted at Bavaria. Though Young and his Enchanted Rock, but check in at park headquarters for a list of established 16 routes and climbing rules. Scenic Route Vol. 3 / No. 2 National Natural Landmark in Where to Stay: ROUTE 66 Road Trip 1970 and opened as a public park • Blanco State Park, south edge of Blanco (830) 833-4333 • Canyon of the Eagles Lodge and Nature Park, Hwy. 2341, NE., in 1984. Unfortunately, only tent Lake Buchanan, Burnet (800) 977-0081 camping and primitive backpack- • Fredericksburg KOA, 5681 U.S. Hwy. 290 E. Fredericksburg ing are allowed — that means no (830) 997-4796 • Guadelupe River State Park, eight miles west of U.S. 281 on Texas Hwy. 46, RVs or even pop-up trailers. three miles on Park Rd. 31, (830) 438-2656 But that shouldn’t stop you • Inks Lake State Park, nine miles west of Burnet off Texas Hwy. 29 on from making a point to visit, espe- Park Rd. 4, (512) 793-2223 • Llano RV River Park, at the Llano River and U.S. Hwy. 87, (866) 640-9696 cially if you’re already in the • Miller Creek RV Park, 5618 U.S. Hwy. 281 S., Johnson City area, and close to many other RV (830) 868-2655 camping options. Be aware that • Pedernales Falls State Park, nine miles east of Johnson City on County Rd. 2766, (830) 868-7304 Enchanted Rock often reaches full • Rio Vista Resort, 234 Rio Vista Dr., Kingsland (325) 388-6331 parking capacity on weekends and • River View RV Park, Hwy. 281, Marble Falls (830) 693-3910 • Road Runner RV Park, 501 U.S. Hwy. 281-290 S., Johnson City (830) 868-7449 can sometimes close as early as 11 • Sunset Point on Lake LBJ, 2322 N. Wirtz Dam Rd., Marble Falls (830) 798-8199 a.m., generally reopening around 5 p.m. To be safe, call ahead at To make reservations at any Texas State Park, call (512) 389-8900. (325) 247-3903. Enchanted Rock State Natural rich in bird life, pack a picnic and and fit seniors. And the panoramic State Natural Area is noted for Area covers over 1,643 acres of enjoy the view, or follow eight view from the top is extraordi- splendid, clear night skies with mesquite grassland and scattered miles of hiking trails that lace the nary. Once you return, grab a cold minimal light pollution — perfect oak groves about 18 miles north park property. glass of lemonade at a refreshment for stargazing. of Fredericksburg. To reach it, take It’s hard to resist a climb to the kiosk, conveniently located by the On your way out, consider Texas Highway 16 south of Llano, top of Enchanted Rock, which can restrooms at the trailhead. swinging south into charming veering west on Ranch Road 965. be reached by a relatively quick, The area is also open to techni- Fredericksburg, a charming, bus- The drive in can be an adventure. though steep, trail or a longer, but cal and rock climbing, but climbers tling town with a pronounced Watch for grazing cattle, who have slightly less rigorous trek. (Note: must check in at park headquarters German-American heritage. Grab free run of the road. Bikes are not permitted on hiking for a list of over 45 established some home-cooked Bavarian fare, The park is an excellent place trails.) Wear sturdy, rubber-soled route maps and climbing rules; browse antique stores or duck to stretch your legs and expand hiking shoes, a hat and plan to bolts and pitons are not allowed. into the Fredericksburg Brewing your lungs. Stroll the flatlands carry water. The climb is challeng- Another bonus: Due to its iso- Company for a beer and a hot

along Big Sandy Creek, which is ing, but doable, even for children lated location, Enchanted Rock pretzel. You’ve earned it. 

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