Possum Kingdom State Park
Take your family to Possum Kingdom State Park to enjoy the crystal-clear lake and breathtaking surroundings. Don’t forget your fishing pole and swimwear. The DFW Metroplex is only one hour to the west of this location. On land and in the water, Possum Kingdom State Park is enjoyable. Visitors can swim, sail, fish, and snorkel on the water. On the ground, you can geocache, climb, ride, camp, and have picnics. Possum Kingdom State Park is a 1528.7-acre area next to Possum Kingdom Lake in Palo Pinto County, west of Mineral Wells. This park is close to Lake Possum Kingdom, which contains 20,000 acres of the cleanest, bluest water in the Southwest. It is in the rough canyon area of the Palo Pinto Mountains and Brazos River Valley. White-tailed deer inhabit the park in great numbers. The Possum Kingdom Longhorns can be seen wandering the undulating plains and wooded areas of San Angelo State Park. Their home range is being cleaned and repaired in preparation for their return in a few years.
Pedernales Fall State Park
Perhaps the most stunning and distinctive scenery in the Texas Hill Country is at Pedernales Falls State Park. The river alone is a sufficient reason to explore the area, but there are also beautiful paths that snake through woodlands, up ridges, and alongside the water. Stroll around the Pedernales’ sandy banks and scale its rocky outcroppings. If the water level is just right, you can walk through the waterfalls and explore the nooks and recesses the rocks in the riverbeds have created. The state park’s beauty is gorgeous, and with its many miles of trails, tourists can wander around for hours. It’s important to know the river’s level when you plan activities. Although this is true of every river in Texas, the Pedernales has a history of being a little wilder and less predictable, particularly during and after periods of severe rain. The depth and speed of the Pedernales River can fluctuate quite a bit.
Colorado Bend State Park
The magnificent Colorado Bend State Park is located on the northernmost tip of the Texas Hill Country. The state bought this 5,328.3-acre state park in 1984, and it became accessible to the general public in 1987. It has numerous sinkholes, caves, and springs, which are typical karst features of the Hill Country. Locals enjoy it for being more private than other swimming spots closer to the city. It is three and a half hours from Dallas, but visitors find it worth the drive. The most frequently visited part of the park is Gorman Falls, a magnificent 70-foot waterfall. In addition, there are over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, tunnels to explore, and spring-fed waterways to swim in. This park is magnificent, so the trip is absolutely worthwhile!
Lake Mineral Wells State Park
Camping and picnics are available at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, while boating, swimming, and fishing are all available on the lake. The trailway winds through the park on its 20-mile stretch from historic downtown Mineral Wells to Cartwright Park. This lovely path provides opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and equestrian sports. Lake Mineral Wells State Park is located along Rock Creek, a sizable tributary of the Brazos River. A number of Native American tribes, notably the Comanche, called this region home for a time. On land, you can go camping, horseback riding, rock climbing, or just unwind by the lake. Feel free to swim, though there are no lifeguards present.
Devils River State Natural Area
One of Texas’ pure rivers is located in southwest Texas, far from any cities or people. Clear spring-fed water cascades past rocky hills, picturesque canyons, and banks covered in bushes. Although getting here is difficult, the effort is worthwhile. On land and in the river, Devils River State Natural Area provides a wilderness adventure. Be ready to bring all necessary supplies and water, as well as pack out all rubbish. Bookings are strongly advised. You can purchase passes in advance online or by calling the customer care number to ensure entry. The river offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. The distance from the parking area to the river is one mile, so pack minimally because you’ll have to tote all of your equipment! Before fishing in the Devil’s River, be sure to verify the rules. Read up on water safety information if you intend to swim or paddleboard in the park. The untamed and beautiful river might be challenging to paddle. Longer downriver expeditions shouldn’t be attempted unless you’re a seasoned paddler with at least three days’ worth of supplies.
Eisenhower State Park
When we have a breathtaking tropical paradise right here in Texas, why travel abroad? A hidden beach with crystal-clear seas that rival the Caribbean lies one hour outside of Dallas at Eisenhower State Park. Eisenhower State Park is a memorable seaside attraction tucked away along Lake Texoma. A sandy beach and dazzlingly clear water provide hours of entertainment for the entire family. It’s one of North Texas’ most overlooked destinations, hidden in plain sight a fairly short drive from Dallas. Pure, snow-white sand offers plenty of space for sunning and sandcastle building, while the deep blue sea invites guests to swim. Swim, fish, canoe, four-wheel, hike four miles of trails, and engage in just about any other outdoor leisure activity you can think of. Additionally, there are lots of campsites available for visitors who want to remain overnight. Spend a few hours in Eisenhower State Park the next time you need a breather and unwind for a while in this secluded beach nook.
Inks Lake State Park
Families may enjoy land and aquatic activities at Inks Lake State Park. This Hill Country treasure, only an hour northwest of Austin, is known for its jaw-dropping sparkling blue water, towering rock formations, and colorful sunsets. There are no lifeguards on duty, but you can swim, kayak, parasail, scuba dive, and fish here. A sizable no-wake zone has been designated for paddling. At the park store, you can rent paddle boats, canoes, one or two-person kayaks, life jackets, and paddles. Paddle boats cost $15 per hour, while canoes and kayaks cost $20. Rentals are offered Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., depending on the weather. Swim in Devil’s Waterhole or hike the small canyon. Upstream of the lake, you can discover beautiful waterfalls.
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