Folks, hunting is all about exploring new treks and experiencing the beauty of nature in its most untamed form. If you are an avid hiker who loves to navigate various paths and seize the mesmerizing allure of different destinations, Texas should be on your list. Texas is a diverse state that entails a number of trails, from the ruggedness of deserts to meadows. So, are you ready to take on your next intrepid odyssey to new heights? We are here with an article guide covering the seven best hiking trails in Texas, so you don’t have to search for them yourself.
1. Ratcliff Lake Hiking Trail in Texas
Are you seeking a peaceful escape from life into nature? It’s time to pack your hiking gear and visit Ratcliff Lake, which is standing there with all its majesty.
- Location: Davy Crockett National Forest, Ratcliff, Texas
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Trail Type: Loop
Overview
In the center of the Davy Crockett National Forest sits the family-friendly Ratcliff Lake hiking Trail in Texas. This short loop trail circles the lovely Ratcliff Lake, providing calm vistas and lots of chances to see birds and other species. The trail is a great place to escape the scorching Texas summers because it is well-maintained and has plenty of shade from large pine and hardwood trees. Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area offers camping, picnics, and fishing in addition to hiking. Moreover, for those looking for peace and quiet in the outdoors, this trail is among the best places to hike in Texas.
2. Lighthouse Trail in Texas
The panoramic views of Palo Duro Canyon are enough to grab your attention when you enter this best hike spot in Texas. Get ready to navigate the rocky terrain of this trail with your hiking poles, and make sure to wear comfy boots.
- Location: Canyon, Texas’s Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- Distance: 5.7 miles in total
- Elevation Gain: 940 feet
- Trail Type: Out and back, Parallel
Overview
One of the most well-liked Texas hikes is the Lighthouse Trail, which is situated in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the country’s second-largest canyon. The famous Lighthouse Rock formation is reached by this walk; it is a massive natural creation that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon scenery. The trail has distinct geological features, bright red rock formations, and a mix of flat and somewhat steep parts. There is hardly much shade on this trail, so hikers should pack plenty of drink and sun protection. In addition, the canyon is among the best trails in Texas due to its magnificent landscape.
3. Cattail Falls Hiking Trail
If you are looking for serenity in your next trail pick and are ready to shake off your worries, it’s time to explore the Cattail Falls trail.
- Location: Brewster County, Texas’s Big Bend National Park
- Distance: Three miles total each way
- Elevation Gain: Five hundred feet
- Trail Type: Parallel
Overview
A hidden jewel in Big Bend National Park, Cattail Falls Trail gives hikers a chance to explore a verdant paradise in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert. The walk starts in the parched desert environment and climbs steadily through a rocky canyon to a gorgeous waterfall and pool encircled by lush greenery. Hiking on this less-traveled trail offers a more tranquil and isolated experience than other park trails. Water is not accessible along the trail, so hikers should be ready for a tough ascent and pack enough water for the trip. But for those looking for peace and quiet, the route is among the best hiking spots in Texas.
4. Trail Guadalupe Peak in Texas
My avid hikers, if you are among those who love navigating challenging treks, this highest peak in Texas is for you. The sky is just the limit with your determination.
- Location: Salt Flat, Texas; Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- Distance: 8.4 miles one way
- Gain Elevation: 3,000 feet
- Trail Type: Parallel
Overview
The Guadalupe Peak Trail leads hikers to Texas’s highest peak, 8,751 feet, via a demanding but rewarding walk. Beginning at the Pine Springs Campground, the trail climbs through a variety of landscapes, including rocky cliffs, forests of juniper and pine, and desert scrub. Hikers are rewarded with expansive vistas of the neighboring Guadalupe Mountains and the huge Chihuahuan Desert below as they ascend higher. A decent level of fitness and planning are needed for this demanding hike, but the amazing views from the top make the effort worthwhile. It’s regarded as among Texas’s best hiking opportunities.
5. Onion Creek Trail
Are you a waterfall lover? I am. The cascading water shows the might nature possesses and makes me forget about the rest of the world. Onion Creek Trail has one of the best hikes in Texas due to the waterfall and scenic views.
- Location: McKinney Falls State Park, Austin, Texas
- Distance: 6.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 150 feet
- Trail Type: Loop
Overview
A beautiful and quite easy hike in McKinney Falls State Park, which is situated just outside Austin, is the Onion Creek Trail. The walk hugs the banks of Onion Creek, providing vistas of plentiful wildlife, scenic waterfalls, and limestone outcrops. Because the trail is largely level and clearly signposted, hikers of various abilities can use it. Along the route, historical sites can be explored by guests, including the ruins of an early 19th-century homestead and a stone cabin constructed by one of Texas’s first colonists, Thomas McKinney. In addition, day hikes with family or friends are ideal on this trail because it offers some of the best hiking in Central Texas.
6. Lost Maples State Natural Area East Trail
The breathtaking fall foliage and vivid maple colors make it one of the ideal spots for hiking in Texas.
- Location: Vanderpool, Texas’s Lost Maples State Natural Area
- Distance: 4.6 kilometers
- Elevation Gain: 800 feet
- Trail Type: Loop
Overview
Renowned for its magnificent fall foliage, the Lost Maples State Natural Area’s East Trail boasts vivid displays of red, orange, and yellow maples. Hiking through the gorgeous Sabinal River Valley, the trail offers a moderate hike with a variety of scenery to enjoy, including lush woodlands, wide meadows, and sheer limestone canyons. Beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys are available to hikers, particularly from the trail’s picturesque overlooks. This is one of the best walks in Texas, especially in the fall when the maple trees show off their spectacular hues.
7. North Franklin Peak Hiking Trail in Texas
Last but not least, the North Franklin Peak Trail stands out due to its challenging path and summit views.
- Location: El Paso, Texas’ Franklin Mountains State Park
- Distance: 7.4 miles one way
- Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
Overview
A strenuous climb up the North Franklin Peak Trail leads to the highest peak in the Franklin Mountains, offering expansive views of the surrounding desert terrain, the Rio Grande Valley, and El Paso. Starting at the Tom Mays Unit, the trail climbs sharply through rocky terrain with desert plants and unusual geological formations. Given that the terrain is exposed and temperatures can rise quickly, hikers should pack accordingly for a difficult climb and carry an ample supply of water. A rewarding experience for daring hikers, the top offers a stunning 360-degree perspective. It’s one of the best hiking sites in Texas for skilled hikers despite being difficult.
You can also explore Enchanted Rock or the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center for other hill country hikes if you’re looking for further exploring opportunities. There are also lots of options for day hikes in the state’s natural areas and national parks. Among the best hiking in Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country are particularly well-known for their scenic routes. San Antonio is also nearby, providing other trekking options in the Texas Hill Country. For a classic experience, Garner State Park and the South Rim offer the best hikes in the Hill Country. These are, without a doubt, some of the best hiking destinations in Texas, yet this list barely scratches the surface of Texas.
You can check out various options for hiking trails in Texas in this article for in-depth information.
Conclusion
Wrapping up what has been discussed so far, the article covered details on top hiking spots in Texas for varied exploring options. If you are eager to traverse different places, from the vastness of deserts to the scenic beauty of panoramic landscapes, Texas is for you. Just pack your gear, lace up your boots, and you are good to go.