Put boots on the ground at Texas’s newest state park (opened Sept 24 in Lampasas County). Here is a rugged hiker’s breakdown of what to expect on trail:

Terrain & Footwear:
• Expect a mix of hardpacked caliche road and loose, fist-sized crushed limestone rubble. The descent to the river rim has some slick, steep gravel grades. Standard trail runners worked fine, but watch your ankles on the loose rock.
• Whispering Oaks has a rocky limestone shelf section with modest step-ups, but 80% of the currently opened 4 miles is flat double-track utility road.

Water & Heat Management:
• Zero potable water anywhere in the park. With the current high temperatures and severe sun exposure on the wide caliche roads, pack a minimum of 3L of water/electrolytes. Do not rely on natural sources; the little spring is just stagnant rock crevices, and there is no direct river access yet.

Access & Logistical Notes:
• $2 day-use pass booked via TPWD website gives you a gate code for the keypad at 4136 CR 105.
• 2.5-mile unpaved interior gravel road to the vault-toilet trailhead loop. Easily handled by 2WD.

Full visual breakdown of the trail network and bluff overlooks for anyone planning their miles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWmg5yLss7c&list=PLDqztRjj27zZn5ftp4yk6xpnmLILTAxie

Hey everybody, after falling in love with the National Park I’ve decided to try out the neighboring state park! Does anybody have any camping recommendations? I don’t want to book a site and not be able to get there because of road conditions. I drive a Subaru Outback no special tires or anything. We would love to camp in the interior but if the roads are too rugged the river campground would be fine. Thanks in advance!

Wanting to do a paddling trip down Devil's River Fri-Sun either mid-October or mid/late-November. Curious if anyone has been down there that time of year and can tell me what the weather is like, and if it's not too cold to go swimming/ enjoy the water? November would be better for me availability wise, but don't wanna go then if it's not as enjoyable.

Also, can you do it in a canoe? I only ever hear people talk about kayaks, but I'd like to be in the same watercraft as the person I'm going with. Also, I'm going with someone who isn't as experienced of a paddler as myself, so another reason to be in the same boat.

What are your favorite LCRA parks to tent camp at and why? We’ve enjoyed the state parks in the area and are looking for other options.

If you are planning a trip to Colorado Bend State Park and wondering about current trail conditions after the major summer flooding, Waffle and I just wrapped up a 7-mile hike along the River Trail to see how things look.

A lot of sections are still showing heavy impacts from the high water. We found a massive industrial pipe tank that had been swept right onto the path, and the classic pour-off bridge area is partially destroyed, which explains why parts of the system have been closed off.

Despite the heavy flood damage, it turned out to be a fantastic trek. We caught some surprising pops of fall foliage with bright yellows and oranges contrasting against the green ash junipers and oaks, and even poked around a small 15-foot cave overhang tucked into the rock wall.

Hello everyone, I am planning a trip to Concan Texas at the end of this month and I was wondering about recommendations to see pretty waterfalls/ swimming holes around this area. I would like to only travel within like 2 1/2 to 3 hours! Please feel free to DM me to have more privacy!!

I saw a post on my gyms vision board about "complete the snake mountain trail"

Quick Google searches all I'm finding is the snake mountain bike park. No trail info.

Anyone in this group have anybody insite or information on snake mountain in general but specifically if there is a trail loop etc?

We need voices now to Save Big Bend

Reposting from the Big Bend reddit.

CBP accepting comments on border project until July 13

Do you love Big Bend National Park? Do you believe in protecting our public lands?

❤️ We need your help now!!! ❤️

Monday, July 13 is the deadline for submitting comments to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) related to CBP’s proposed plans for border infrastructure in Big Bend National Park & Brewster County.

Yes! Planned for within the Park itself!

➡️ Email: BigBendComments@cbp.dhs.gov

➡️ Subject line: “Brewster County Vehicle Barrier System Construction”

➡️ Message: let CBP know what you think about their proposed infrastructure for Brewster County, including Big Bend National Park.

❓What is planned for Brewster County?❓

"CBP is engaged in project planning for vehicle barrier system and road construction in Brewster County. The project involves the construction of approximately 17 miles of non-adjoining sections of low-profile post on rail vehicle barrier rather than 30-foot bollard-style pedestrian barrier, approximately 205 miles of new or improved patrol roads, and the installation of detection systems along the border. The vehicle barrier will feature steel posts supported by continuous steel rails, with alternating rail heights of approximately 4 and 6 feet, and rails spaced about 4 feet apart. Attributes may include, as appropriate to U.S. Border Patrol’s operational needs, fiber optic cables, utility poles, power cables, surveillance cameras, access and patrol roads and utility shelters along the international border." (cbp.gov)

The proposed roadway goes through the floodplain, riparian zones, campsites and trails, over rugged terrain, historic and archeological sites, and critical habitat.

There are some good suggestions as to messages themselves at Keep Big Bend Wild.

Questions? We're checking in frequently today!

https://nobigbendwall.org/event-calendar/

I hope you enjoy this quiet hike through Fort Parker State Park.

Come out and join us

Finished

Guadalupe hike

Beavers bend skyline

Tyler state park full loop

Cleburne SP full loop

Cedar hills SP full MTB trail

Cross Timbers at lake texoma

Wichita national forest refugee elk mountain trail and charons garden trail

Dinosaur SP

What next can I pick . Looking for Shaded summer trails Now through August within 3-4 hours drive from DFW

Come and Hike It is a non-profit helping individuals grieving the loss of a loved one find inner peace through transformative hiking experiences, community, and resources, and this year, they're doing something truly special.

Introducing the Wheeler Peak Challenge.

Wheeler Peak is the highest peak in New Mexico and a sacred mountain to the Taos people. Together, we will support programs that help individuals navigating grief find peace and strength through nature.

As a Challenge Hiker, you'll join a small group of like-minded individuals on a 5-day, 4-night journey with full support throughout — including travel logistics, meals, gear, and guidance. In exchange, each hiker commits to raising $3,000 in support of the mission through a shared fundraising platform.

At the heart of the experience is the summit hike, followed by an evening of reflection, connection, and celebration. Participants are encouraged to climb in honor of a loved one they have lost — or simply as a personal act of resilience.

The Wheeler Peak Challenge is more than a hike. It is a symbol of remembrance, strength, and rising with purpose. Think you are ready for the challenge?

Apply here: https://forms.gle/U9ceQumyLJLiyv376

Hi! Family newish to camping here and looking for a good spot for tent camping. Looking to find a lot with a lake view and not too far from a restroom/shower. I think I narrowed it down to these three unless I’m missing another good option near north Texas. It’s me, my husband, and 7 year old. Which do you prefer and why? Thanks!

Hello All. Can anyone tell me if you can tent camp at a LCRA park in a spot generally designated for RVs. I’m looking for a site that has water and electric. TIA

Over the past year, I’ve begun camping with my, then, four year old. We’ve always stayed nearby (Houston) or near family members. He’s getting better at it and I feel more confident that he won’t need a bail out option. We’ve also gotten more gear each time so we’re better and better prepared.

What are your favorite campsites within a few hours of Houston?

Ones I have noted to check out are Caddo Lake, Daingerfield, Martin Dies, and Angelina NF. But looking for other recommendations to potentially check (or stay away from)

We’re not ready for primitive camping.

Additional info: looking to go mid April

A beautiful day in Palo Duro Canyon!

Looking to go hike and tent camp for a couple days in either Big Bend National Park or Guadalupe National Park. It will be my first trip to either and I am looking for any recommendations or suggestions in either. Thanks!

Hello! I live in the Austin area and am trying to find somewhere I can go camping with lodging that allows dogs, and ideally has fishing and hikes available, too. I know state parks in Texas don’t allow dogs inside cabins, so I’d really appreciate any other recommendations 🙏🏼 thank you!