10 Fantastic day hikes in Texas perfect for any day of the week.
When it comes to Texas, there are no shortages of hiking trails. Lace up those hiking boots and hit the trails on one of these 10 must-visit day hikes in Texas. Don’t forget water and sunscreen. It’s the perfect time to think about purchasing a Texas State Park pass if you’re going to hike state parks. It’s a great investment.
Related: Traveling on the road with your dog
10 Amazing Day Hikes In Texas
Need some fresh air and wide-open spaces? If so, head out to one of these fun hiking destinations this weekend!
Also, if you’re bringing your dog along, it must always be on a 6ft or shorter leash. When your dog is not hiking with you, they are supposed to stay in your car or a crate. But on hot days, that’s not going to work, so plan accordingly.
Most Texas State Parks are $6-$8 to enter, with children under 12 being free.
Related: Texas Road Trips With A View
Photo Credit: Chastity Beene
1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
West Texas (Amarillo)
It’s the Grand Canyon of Texas! Palo Duro Canyon State Park has over 18,000 acres and 30 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to complex. The park offers an array of 2-4 mile hiking trails that overlook the canyons and are family-friendly—located in the Panhandle driving distance from Amarillo. If you opt to camp overnight, you’ll see breathtaking sunset and sunrise views.
Admission Cost: $8
2. Eagle Mountain Lake
North Texas (Near Fort Worth)
Eagle Mountain Lake boasts one of the prettiest lakes in north Texas and is a hiking gem located just outside downtown Fort Worth. The park has six trails to choose from, with maps throughout the park. The trails are wide, well maintained, and great for all hiking levels. If swimming is on the agenda, try the Shady Grove Park area for a day in the sun.
3. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Texas Hill Country (Near Fredericksburg)
Climb the top of the pink granite dome for sweeping views of the Texas Hill Country. To reach the top of the dome, you have to climb 425 ft, but it’s well worth it. The park has over 10 miles of trails, and the loop around the dome is a great trail if you aren’t up for climbing up. A visit to Fredericksburg afterward might be fun. You can hike, backpack, rock climb, picnic, birdwatch, and geocache at Enchanted Rock – check it out.
4. Big Bend National Park
A hiker’s true gem here in far West Texas – so get your hiking boots all worn in before you go. There is no shortage of trails at Big Ben National Park, and with over 150 miles of trails and 800,000 acres to explore, you’ll make a full day of it and some. Before going, check the website to see what you should bring along.
5. Caprock Canyon State Park & Trail
West Texas Panhandle
“Where the Bison Roam.” One of the Panhandle’s rugged but beautiful parks. The park has over 90 miles of trails that range from 1 to 15 miles. The park has free-roaming bison and is the summer home to half a million bats! If you’re looking for a full day’s hike, be sure to explore the Trailway. It passes through the Clarity Tunnel, one of Texas’s last active railroad tunnels. If you have a horse, you may want to bring him along. Many trails out here allow horses.
Admission Cost: $5
6. Mineola Nature Preserve
East Texas
Located overlooking the Sabine River, this is an East Texas gem. Take the alligator loop trail, and if you’re lucky enough, you might spot one of the creatures! If you’re up for it, Mineola has the most adorable downtown area I’ve seen in this part of Texas.
7. Suter Wildlife Refuge
Corpus Christi
This 1-mile nature trail takes you through grassy marshes, woodlands, and mudflats and is a nature lover’s paradise. Be sure to bring binoculars to get an up-close view of all the birds.
8. Big Thicket National Preserve
East Texas
Big Thicket in Kountze, Texas, has over 40 miles of trails to choose from. You can select your hiking trails by length or what you want to see during the hike. The park offers a wide range of trees, plants, wildflowers, and birds. There are a few closures here, so plan before you go – Big Thicket National Preserve.
9. Tyler State Park
East Texas
Located in the Piney Woods of Texas, you will enjoy shaded trails, towering trees, and plenty of wildlife. If exploring nature isn’t enough for the little ones, have them find the geocaching that’s hidden around the park. Other outdoor things to do at Tyler State Park are boating, fishing, swimming in the lake, and mountain bike. Bring a picnic to enjoy after a long day of hiking.
10. Dinosaur Valley State Park
North Texas (Near Fort Worth)
Hike along the Paluxy River (Glen Rose, TX) in search of dinosaur footprints! Be sure to pick up a map with all the dinosaur tracks at the entrance. After hiking, cool off in the Blue Hole swimming area. One of the best day hikes in Texas and my favorite state park to take my kid. Read about it here – Things to do at Dinosaur Valley State Park.
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