Time for Trails

We recently conducted a survey of over 2,000 respondents interested in outdoor recreation in Texas. When asked about their favorite day-use activity, one of the most popular results was trail usage. The people have spoken, so we’ve answered! At LCRA Parks, we have over 70 miles of trails to hike up, bike down or horseback across to fill a day with fun and exploration.

Just outside of Austin, McKinney Roughs Nature Park is a hidden gem offering 21 trails, totaling 17.6 miles, for hiking, biking and equestrian adventures through some of Texas’ most diverse landscapes. This unique park blends four different ecoregions—Post Oak Savannah, Blackland Prairie, Edwards Plateau and Piney Woods—creating a rich environment filled with over 2,000 documented species of plants and animals. As you explore, you’ll wander through towering blackjack oaks, pass vibrant wildflowers like giant spiderworts and spot cacti such as Christmas cholla. Wildlife seekers may encounter javelinas, painted buntings and red-shouldered hawks. Reptile lovers might spot western rat snakes or red-eared sliders basking in the sun. With seven scenic overlooks embedded within the trails, this park is a great spot for both a quaint nature walk or an invigorating ride.

Stretching 9.2 miles through the Piney Woods of Bastrop, the North South Trailway connects Lake Bastrop North Shore Park and Lake Bastrop South Shore Park. It offers hikers and bikers a scenic route filled with waterfront views and diverse wildlife. The trail weaves through a beautiful landscape of loblolly pines, post oaks and honey mesquite, creating a shaded and peaceful escape just a short drive from Austin. Along the way, you might spot bobcats, raccoons and nine-banded armadillos or catch a glimpse of an osprey soaring above the lake. The trails burst with seasonal florals from Black-eyed Susans, dotted gayfeather and Drummond’s Phlox, while Texas spiny lizards and green tree frogs add to the park’s rich biodiversity. The trailway is also a geocaching hotspot with plenty of hidden treasures throughout!

Recently opened in 2025 and nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Turkey Bend Recreation Area now offers 15 miles of multiuse fun, perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding. With 13 diverse trails varying in difficulty, there’s a path for every adventurer. For the best views in the park, head to De Zavala Trail for a breathtaking overlook of Muleshoe Bend, or trek to the corner of Goss Trail for a spectacular top-down view of the Colorado River. As you explore the rolling grasslands and hilly terrain, you'll find yourself surrounded by Ashe juniper, live oak, hackberry and persimmon trees that create a classic Hill Country backdrop. Along the way, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that call this park home, including white-tailed deer, roadrunners, foxes, coyotes and raccoons. For bird enthusiasts, Turkey Bend Recreation Area is also home to the endangered Black-capped Vireo and golden-cheeked warbler. 

LCRA Parks has miles and miles of Texas to explore. We offer an unbeatable range of trails throughout our park system, so come find the best one for you.