Very enjoyable hike
Enchanted Rock
[Hiking]
- 3/29/2007
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 4.50 Miles
Duration: 3 hours
We hiked the trail counter-clockwise. Recent rains had caused some run off, so little streams appeared where they normally don't. That made the hike fun, though, because it took on a different appearance than it has, say, on a sunny summer day. We enjoyed watching a group from a local school climb up Buzzard's Roost. Recent flooding left debris in brush at eye level along Sandy Creek.
We will return
Hill Country State Natural Area
[Hiking]
- 7/25/2006
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 6.00 Miles
Duration: N/A
We parked at the Equestrian Camping Area and combined a series of trails to get a bit longer loop. We began on Trail 1. After about a mile or so, we took Trail 6, then Trail 6A, and finally Trail 7 before reconnecting with Trail 1 at the west side of the park. These trails were scenic and presented no challenges. However, we then took trail 1B which circles to the west of Ice Cream Hill then climbs to a gap just north of the hill. The climb up was not out of the ordinary. However, the descent straight down was challenging because of all the loose rock. At our ages, my wife and I go slowly. The views were great, but the country is so very dry now. We did not see another sole during our entire hike.
It's Hot Out There!
Pedernales Falls - Wolf Mountain Trail
[Hiking]
- 7/23/2006
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 7.50 Miles
Duration: N/A
Although we were on the trail by 8:30 AM, by the time we finished the hike the heat was pretty oppressive. Because much of the trail is actually a road rather than a footpath, there is not a lot of shade. We did enjoy the part of the trail just east of Wolf Mountain where the foot path leaves the road and ventures off to Jones Spring. Coming upon the numerous rock walls and the ruins of the old house was interesting. We encountered 7 people on the trail, and we heard numerous others along the river.
Ah, this is Texas!
Lost Maples
[Hiking]
- 10/20/2005
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 8.00 Miles
Duration: N/A
My wife and I hiked the East and West trails of this beautiful park. We are 50+ years of age, and the steep grades on both trails did challenge us. We found the climb up from Hale Hollow Creek to be the steepest climb, and the grade down to Primitive Camp C along Can Creek was difficult for us due to all the loose rock. But the scenery is gorgeous. Unfortunately, we saw little color. I expect the greatest color to occur within the next 10 days. We started early (about 8:20 AM) from the East Trail Trailhead, and did not encounter anyone at all until we ran into another couple and their dog in Mystic Canyon. We then ran into another couple near Primitive Camps E and F. The trails are really in good shape, and there are good signs at most trail junctions. There were a couple of places, though, where we had a little trouble figuring out where the trail went.
A hike with lots of variety
Enchanted Rock
[Hiking]
- 7/26/2005
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Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 5.00 Miles
Duration: N/A
We arrived early to avoid the crowds. Still, we met several people as we climbed and then descended the summit. We then worked our way along Sandy Creek and followed the trail that cuts between the Big Rock, Freshman Mountain and Turkey Peak. Once we got on this trail, and later the Loop Trail, we only met 2 other parties of hikers.
I enjoy the variety of this park. You can climb the hills, climb the rocks, hike along the creek among the trees, and wander through Echo Canyon and the trees there. The Loop Trail is an excellent and smooth grade for beginning hikers.