In Texas, you don’t have to go very far to find an adventure. We have so many wonderful places to explore in the Lone Star State, and you could easily spend a lifetime traveling around the state without having seen it all. We have gathered 15 of the most beautiful, rugged, and remote places that any outdoors enthusiast would fall in love with. Get your hiking boots on and your backpack ready, because these places will make you want to get up off the couch and go exploring!
- Big Bend National Park
robbie/flickr You can’t talk about explorations in nature without mentioning the king of them all! This is actually the least visited national park in the nation, which means more for us to explore! With just over 800,000 acres of rugged terrain to venture through, this is definitely a hiker’s paradise.
- Big Bend Ranch State Park
gary nored/flickr The little brother to Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch SP has 238 miles of multiuse trails with beautiful views of mountains and canyons.
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
never stop climbing/flickr The highlight of this national park is definitely Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet.
- Franklin Mountains State Park
emily/flickr Running right through the city of El Paso, you’ll find the Franklin Mountains, with over 100 miles of hiking trails.
- Davis Mountains State Park
shangrilaista/flickr The views from the 4.5 mile Skyline Drive Trail are some that you will never forget.
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park
rockin’rita/flickr One of the most popular parks for hikers, Palo Duro Canyon offers many different hiking trails, with the Lighthouse Trail coming in first as far as popularity goes.
- Caprock Canyons State Park
mlhradio/flickr Another park that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Arizona, Caprock Canyons features almost 90 miles of multiuse trails, including 25 with steep cliffs and drop-offs.
- Pedernales Falls State Park
duane burdick/flickr When you explore this park, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time about 10,000 years. The mighty Pedernales River carved out the formations you see in the rocks at the bottom of the riverbanks, which make for some very strenuous and challenging climbing!
- Colorado Bend State Park
jason st peter/flickr Home to the beautiful Gorman Falls, you’ll discover 32 miles of multiuse trails here for people of every skill level. You can even explore the cave behind the breathtaking falls!
- Inks Lake State Park
sarah laval/flickr Outdoorsy types will love this state park, because it offers a variety of activities including boating, swimming, hiking, fishing, and water skiing.
- Garner State Park
dan thibodeaux/flickr Old Baldy, pictured here, is definitely the pride and joy of Garner State Park. You can hike through 11 miles of scenic trails here, or float the Frio River when it’s warm enough!
- Tyler State Park
tpwd.texas.gov East Texas is often forgotten when it comes to hiking and exploring, but the pineywoods offer plenty of adventures and beautiful scenery for the whole family. Here, you can hike or bike along 13 miles of trails, plus enjoy gorgeous views of the lake!
- Lost Maples State Natural Area
brain moran/flickr This area is a beloved spot in the fall, as the maples trees turn stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow.
- Angelina National Forest
US Forest Service - Southern Region/flickr Another great place to explore in East Texas, this national forest covers almost 155,000 acres and features the Sawmill Hiking Trail, a 5.5 mile trail winding through the thick woods of this national forest.
- Longhorn Cavern State Park
sarowen/flickr For those who prefer underground adventures, the Longhorn Caverns are perfect for you. There are 4 different tours offered for people to choose from, depending on skill level and how deep into the cave you’re willing to go.
What other places in Texas do you love to explore? Share with us in the comments!
robbie/flickr
You can’t talk about explorations in nature without mentioning the king of them all! This is actually the least visited national park in the nation, which means more for us to explore! With just over 800,000 acres of rugged terrain to venture through, this is definitely a hiker’s paradise.
gary nored/flickr
The little brother to Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch SP has 238 miles of multiuse trails with beautiful views of mountains and canyons.
never stop climbing/flickr
The highlight of this national park is definitely Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet.
emily/flickr
Running right through the city of El Paso, you’ll find the Franklin Mountains, with over 100 miles of hiking trails.
shangrilaista/flickr
The views from the 4.5 mile Skyline Drive Trail are some that you will never forget.
rockin’rita/flickr
One of the most popular parks for hikers, Palo Duro Canyon offers many different hiking trails, with the Lighthouse Trail coming in first as far as popularity goes.
mlhradio/flickr
Another park that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Arizona, Caprock Canyons features almost 90 miles of multiuse trails, including 25 with steep cliffs and drop-offs.
duane burdick/flickr
When you explore this park, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time about 10,000 years. The mighty Pedernales River carved out the formations you see in the rocks at the bottom of the riverbanks, which make for some very strenuous and challenging climbing!
jason st peter/flickr
Home to the beautiful Gorman Falls, you’ll discover 32 miles of multiuse trails here for people of every skill level. You can even explore the cave behind the breathtaking falls!
sarah laval/flickr
Outdoorsy types will love this state park, because it offers a variety of activities including boating, swimming, hiking, fishing, and water skiing.
dan thibodeaux/flickr
Old Baldy, pictured here, is definitely the pride and joy of Garner State Park. You can hike through 11 miles of scenic trails here, or float the Frio River when it’s warm enough!
tpwd.texas.gov
East Texas is often forgotten when it comes to hiking and exploring, but the pineywoods offer plenty of adventures and beautiful scenery for the whole family. Here, you can hike or bike along 13 miles of trails, plus enjoy gorgeous views of the lake!
brain moran/flickr
This area is a beloved spot in the fall, as the maples trees turn stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow.
US Forest Service - Southern Region/flickr
Another great place to explore in East Texas, this national forest covers almost 155,000 acres and features the Sawmill Hiking Trail, a 5.5 mile trail winding through the thick woods of this national forest.
sarowen/flickr
For those who prefer underground adventures, the Longhorn Caverns are perfect for you. There are 4 different tours offered for people to choose from, depending on skill level and how deep into the cave you’re willing to go.
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