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“Petiquette”We want your dogs to enjoy the park as much as you do, while still preserving others’ experiences:• Keep your dog on a 6’ leash or shorter.• Always clean up after your dog.• Call ahead to confirm pets are allowed and if there are any restrictions.• Keep your dog quiet and calm.• All vaccinations must be current.

Leave your park better than you found it by following these few simple tips. By helping your park today, you will save it for future generations.

How You Can Help Your Park

VolunteerEach year millions of people enjoy their state park experience, which wouldn’t be possible without passionate volunteers who do everything from share their knowledge to help clean up. Even helping an hour a month can provide a vital resource and help keep these parks beautiful. Do you love to fish? Volunteer to help clean the shoreline. Is biking more your thing? Then help build new trails. Information is available from any park ranger, or at the Visitor Center.

RecyclingAt every opportunity you have, please recycle. This prevents cans and bottles from going into landfill space, which inevitably ends up effecting our ecosystem. Recycling also saves the park money in reduced hauling and disposal costs. Instead, please recycle your bottles, cans, stove canisters and more throughout the park’s receptacles, and reuse items when you are able, like your refillable water bottle.

Leave No TraceWe encourage you to practice Leave No Trace when visiting your park or any outdoor trail or area. It is easy to do and allows others to enjoy the park, including animals that call here home. The Leave No Trace Seven Principles are: Plan Ahead and Prepare; Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces; Dispose of Waste Properly; Leave What You Find; Minimize Campfire Impacts; Respect Wildlife; Be Considerate of Other Visitors. www.LNT.org

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W I L D L I F ETexas is loaded with numerous plants, animal and bird species that vary from region to region. Here is a primer to help you along the way.

Meet the Locals

The Roseate Spoonbill gets its name from its uniquely-shaped bill and pink color.

Land Animals PlantsFive Fun Things to Do in Your Parks

Get smartLearn more about your park by stopping by the Visitor or Nature Center, checking to see if tours are offered, or taking the time to read the placards, signs, and displays

located throughout the park.

Let technology meet natureUse your GPS-enabled cell phone or wrist top computer to trace your steps while exploring your state park. Take pictures at landmarks,

during your road trip, or at interesting areas and then mark the waypoint on your device. When you get home, add the GPS tag to your photos when you post them to Flickr.com, Google maps or other web sites to show your photos tagged along the trail you walked. Now you have a trail map complete with photos for next time.

Go the distanceHow far do you plan on walking, running or biking today? How could today’s visit affect your life when you return home? If you walk or bike

this far at home you can save money and reduce carbon emissions. Will you change your habits?

Hunt for treasureDo your kids love to hunt for treasure, how about planning a scavenger hunt?

While hiking they can learn to identify different plants and trees. Put natural items like acorns and pinecones on your list of things to find. The first one to correctly identify a species checks it off their list. Use this time to talk about keeping the park clean and healthy for the next visitors. For list ideas go to www.parkvisitor.com/treasure.

Chat it up Park rangers are the park experts. Take the time to talk with one to get the inside scoop. Before you start your adventure, ask a ranger where

their favorite spot is, how long it takes to get there, and why it’s special to them. Their favorite part of the park may become yours too. For more ideas see the Ranger Recommendations article.

TODAY IN THE PARK:

Birds

A C T I V I T I E S

Crested Caracara This unusual bird loves ranches and pastures. Look for its bright orange beak and white neck.

Green Jay This beautiful fluorescent green bird with blue head can be spotted in the South Texas region.

Kestrel A colorful raptor, the Kestrel is has a rufous back and tail and two dark mustache marks on its face.

Bald Cypress Tree Because this conifer tree loses its leaves each winter, it appears “bald.” Look for them along riverbanks and lakes.

Blue bonnet The state flower of Texas is commonly found in the Prairies and Lakes and Hill Country regions in the early spring.

Live Oak These unique trees with signature gnarled trunks and branches, and year-round leaves, can often live to be centuries old.

American Alligator Most commonly found near wetlands and lakeshores, be careful not to approach these powerful creatures.

Nine-banded Armadillo Found more in the south, these little critters can be spotted rooting for grubs along the roadside.

Bison Look for the official Texas State Bison heard at Caprock Canyons State Park, now protected and thriving.

R A N G E R S ’ R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S

DAVIS MOUNTAINS STATE PARK

CAMPINGAbilene State Park G6Wildlife abounds in the park’s campgrounds. Three fully outfitted yurts provide a unique camping experience for all.

Copper Breaks State Park G3The Pease River caprock of gullies, mesas and juniper breaks filled with wildlife provide dramatic views. Campers can choose to set up camp near the fishing areas or atop the caprock with teepee-like shade shelters.

Lake Brownwood State Park G6Stay in one of seventeen rustic cabins scattered along the shoreline and ridges.

Possum Kingdom State Park H5Try one of six, one-bedroom cabins or one, two-bedroom cabin, complete with kitchens and bathrooms located close to the swimming beach.

BIKINGFort Richardson State Parkand Historic Site H5Lost Creek Trailway offers a family friendly, easy ride through the Cross Timbers region of Texas.

San Angelo State Park F7With 50 miles of trail through remote woods, it’s easy to ride all day and not see it all. You’ll have to come back again and again.

FISHINGAbilene State Park G6Anglers can fish Buffalo Wallow pond (stocked with trout) or Lake Abilene with its two boat ramps.

Fort Richardson State Parkand Historic Site H5Anglers can fish Lost Creek, Lost Creek reservoir—with a fishing pier —or the old quarry lake.

Lake Arrowhead State Park H4Cast for crappie, largemouth bass, catfish, or white bass.

Lake Brownwood State Park G6Fish at night under a lighted fishing pier for white and hybrid bass, largemouth bass or catfish.

Possum Kingdom State Park H5The clear waters here make for excellent catfish, bass and other types of fishing.

HIKINGCaprock Canyons State Park E3Set out on the challenging Upper Canyon Trail and hike to Fern Cave.

Copper Breaks State Park G3Copper mining named the park where you can hike to remnants of the 150-year-old mines.

Lake Brownwood State Park G6Try the five-mile rustic trail that the Civilian Conservation Corps built some 75 years ago. Palo Duro Canyon State Park E2The Lighthouse Trail takes you through colored rock and trees up to the rock tower formation.

MUST SEE & DO:

CULTURALSeminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site E9Ancient pictographs, rugged limestone terrain and spectacular canyons lure visitors here.

HIKINGBig Bend Ranch State Park C9Try a 19-mile, multi-day trek on the Ranchas Rias Loop Trail to the heart of the desert. Easier routes, day hikes and camping available.

Davis Mountains State Park C8The park’s 4.5-mile, moderately challenging Fort Trail rambles past unique vegetation at high altitude.

Franklin Mountains State Park A6The scenic and rugged terrain of this park is popular with hikers.

Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park A6Climb the 1,000 steps to the top of Ranger Peak and take the tram down the other side.

HORSEBACK RIDINGBig Bend Ranch State Park C9Explore desert canyons and mountains in Old West style.

Davis Mountains State Park C8Ride seven miles of rugged trails in the beautiful high country of Limpia Canyon Primitive Area topping out at an elevation of 5,700’.

OUT OF THE ORDINARYBarton Warnock Environmental Education Center C9Showcasing the Chihuahuan Desert, this two-acre botanical

garden features desert plants, a bookstore and more.

Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site A6Rock climbers from around the world come here and take on the vertical and overhanging rock that distinguishes this area.

Monahans Sandhills State Park D6With sand dunes rising 70 feet high, you’ll want to explore here. Rent a sand board or disk from the Visitors Center to dune surf.

WATER RECREATIONBalmorhea State Park C7Swim in the massive, 1.75-acre spring-fed pool, or scuba dive its clear waters to view marine life.

Big Bend Ranch State Park C9Float 25 miles of canyons on the Rio Grande or hike to see three of the top five waterfalls in Texas.

Devils River State Natural Area F9Canoe or kayak perhaps the “cleanest water in Texas.”

Big Bend Country Region Known for big skies and abundant night time stars, Big Bend sports alpine peaks, desert springs, canyons and historic sites.

Panhandle Plains Region This real cowboy country is loaded

with wonders from the Grand Canyon of Texas to the red rocks at Caprock Canyons.

PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK

South Texas Plains Region Loaded with butterflies and birds,

the South Texas Plains are not just the gateway to Mexico, but also home to much outdoor recreation.

BIRDINGLake Casa Blanca International State Park G11With some 500 species of birds converging in the lower Rio Grande valley, birding—for both novice and avid avian adventurers—is an extremely popular activity in this region of Texas. The World Birding Center network, which includes nine park locations throughout The Valley, features three state parks.

FISHING/PADDLINGBentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park – World Birding Center H13Thanks to the no motorized zone this is an ideal spot for quiet fishing and tent camping. Bring a canoe or kayak.

Choke Canyon State Park H10Fishing at this reservoir is regarded as some of the finest in Texas. Largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, blue and channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, redear sunfish and alligator gar have healthy populations.

Falcon State Park G12This park sits on a 98,960-acre international lake and is renown for big bass fishing. Anglers have snagged bass weighing upwards of 15 pounds. Ask park staff for fishing advice.

Goliad State Park and Historic Site J10Located on the San Antonio River, you can fish from the shore, canoe or kayak. Check out the Goliad Paddling Trail: Float for 30 minutes or try the 6.6-mile, half-day float on the San Antonio River. Bring your own canoe or kayak.

TRAILSEstero Llano Grande State Park – World Birding Center H13Stroll along the handicapped accessible and short boardwalks, or venture out on the hiking trails and listen to the birds sing.

Goliad State Park and Historic Site J10Check out the “Angel of Goliad Hike and Bike Trail,” which connects Mission Espíritu Santo, Zaragoza Birthplace, Presidio La Bahia and Fannin Monument to historic downtown Goliad.

Resaca de la Palma State Park – World Birding Center J13Texas’ newest state park boasts more than eight miles of trails, including a series that are ADA compliant. View unique birds like Altamira oriole, plain chachalaca, least grebe and the green jay while exploring the five different habitat types encompassed in this park.

WILDLIFE VIEWINGBentsen-Rio Grande ValleyState Park – World Birding Center H13Witness amazing hawk migrations, and enjoy bird walks, night programs and natural history tours at this key migratory stopover. The park features nature trails, a hawk tower, birding blinds and viewing stations. All are ADA accessible.

Choke Canyon State Park H10This is an ideal spot to look for javelina, wild turkey, white-tailed deer and birds, and to admire alligators — from a distance, of course. Bring binoculars!

Estero Llano Grande State Park – World Birding Center H13At this 200-acre wetland park, you can see more than 100 species of birds from the visitor’s center deck. Participate in birding, butterfly and dragonfly tours.

Falcon State Park G12Visit the Butterfly Garden to see some of the hundreds of butterfly species that live (or pass through) here. This is a prime spot to view the fall monarch migrations.

BIKINGHill Country State Natural Area G9Bike 40 miles of diverse multi-use trails through pastures and gorgeous bluffs.

CAVESColorado Bend State Park H7Take a guided tour of Gorman Cave to see cave formations and learn about local history. Please call in advance for reservations.

Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area F8Go birding in the daytime and stay until evening to watch millions of bats take flight into the night. Bat flight tours available May-mid October.

Kickapoo Cavern State Park F9Explore the 1⁄4-mile long cavern, then enjoy evening bat flights out of Stuart Bat Cave.

Longhorn Caverns State Park H8Here you can enjoy walking tours, “wild” cave tours, as well as concerts in the cave.

HISTORYLyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site H8Kids love taking part in fun activities that bring history to life.

HIKINGEnchanted Rock State Natural Area H8The summit trail is a challenging 1-1⁄2 hour hike round trip and provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area. The loop trail is a 4-mile trek around the base of Enchanted Rock and Little Rock.

Garner State Park G9Hike more than seven miles of trails that can prove to be extremely difficult in some areas.

Government Canyon State Natural Area H9Strap on your hiking boots and set out exploring the more than 40 miles of trails that stretch out over 8,600 acres.

Guadalupe River State Park H9Take in the scenery here along the six miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails.

McKinney Falls State Park J8Only minutes from the heart of Austin, families will enjoy the seven miles of hiking and mountain bike trails at this park.

FISHINGBlanco State Park H8This park offers spring and summer fishing clinics, rainbow trout stockings annually in December and January, a convenient location and plenty of shoreline fishing access.

Colorado Bend State Park H7A legendary springtime white bass spawning run takes place every year. At peak season, an angler can easily catch the limit fishing from the tree-lined banks.

WATER RECREATIONGarner State Park G9The park offers tubing, kayaking, swimming and pedal boating in the crystal clear Frio River.

Inks Lake State Park H7Enjoy boating, swimming, canoe and kayak rentals and one of the state’s premier swimming holes.

Hill Country Region Close to nearby cities Austin and

San Antonio, the Hill Country is famous for its bats, rivers and numerous natural areas.

ESTERO LLANO GRANDESTATE PARK - WORLD BIRDING

CENTER

SAUER BECKMAN FARM AT THE LYNDON B. JOHNSON STATE PARK

& HISTORIC SITE

CAMPING Cedar Hill State Park J5Often called the “Central Park of Dallas,” Cedar Hill has 350 campsites, just 18 miles from downtown Dallas. Camp here when seeing a sports team play.

Lake Tawakoni State Park K5The newest overnight camping park added to the Texas state park system, this features 78 campsites and picnic areas.

Palmetto State Park J9Camping near the banks of the San Marcos River is hard to beat. Take a beautiful float down the river during your stay and create some great family memories.

Ray Roberts Lake State Park J4With more than 300 campsites, it’s easy to carve out a bit of nature for yourself. Both water/electric sites and more primitive hike-in sites are available. The park offers pushcarts to help you carry your stuff.

EQUESTRIAN Cooper Lake State Park K4Bring your horse and your tent! Cooper offers equestrian camping and horse-friendly trails.

Dinosaur Valley State Park J6With a 100 acre equestrian recreation area, you’ll never get tired of exploring here.

FISHING Eisenhower State Park K4Lake Texoma is a great place to snag smallmouth bass and stripers. A full service marina offers boat rentals and advice.

Fairfield Lake State Park K6The waters are always warm here because they cool an electrical power plant, resulting in fantastic fishing year-round. The lake is regularly stocked with fish.

Fort Boggy State Park K7A great stop between Houston and Dallas, this day-use only park has a serene lake well suited for small non-motorized boats, and it’s free.

Meridian State Park J6A great seasonal trout fishing spot, especially in January when the lake is stocked. Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and bream are abundant here year-round.

Purtis Creek State Park K5This clear-water impoundment was actually designed for trophy bass, and anglers are required to catch and release largemouth.

HISTORYBarrington Living History Farm K8The last President of the Republic of Texas, Anson Jones, wrote a daily diary during the 1850s and it’s our script for a working farm

that encircles his family home—including the oxen.

Monument Hill/Kreische Brewery State Historic Site J9It’s 1870. What was it like to come from Germany, settle in Texas, build a brewery, and look out on the Colorado River? Find out.

Washington-on-the Brazos State Historic Site K8See where Texans gathered one wintry March in 1836 to write their declaration of independence from Mexico, just as Santa Anna’s army stormed the Alamo.

Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site K8An authentic Stagecoach Inn where history comes alive with period furnishings, exhibits and stagecoach rides.

Sebastopol House State Historic Site H9Enjoy this beauty in Seguin. You’ll wish you lived here—150 years ago or today.

TRAILSBonham State Park K4Dirt lovers will enjoy the 12-mile Mountain Bike Trail, which ranges from easy to moderate difficulty.

Cleburne State Park J6Enjoy approximately eight miles of hiking and mountain biking opportunities with scenic overlooks of Cedar Lake.

Dinosaur Valley State Park J6Great hiking and biking trails meander through the uplands with trail heads near the campgrounds.

Lake Mineral Wells State Park H5This park includes 20 miles of rails to trails, offering hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking.

Lake Somerville State Parks K8The Trailway connecting the Birch Creek and Nails Creek Units offers 13 miles of multi-use trails, great for hiking, biking, horseback riding, backpacking, birding, outdoor photography and nature study.

Stephen F. Austin State Park K9Hike or bike five miles of beautiful trails that meander through a pristine bottomland forest and camp along the Brazos River.

WATER RECREATION Bonham State Park K4This park surrounds a 65-acre lake where you can boat, canoe, swim, fish, or picnic on the shore.

Cleburne State Park J6Enjoy swimming in the clear spring-fed lake created by an earthen dam built by the CCC.

Lake Mineral Wells State Park H5Swimmers can cool off at the swimming beach, while anglers and others rent row boats, kayaks, and canoes to cruise the wonderfully tranquil lake.

Lake Somerville State Parks K8The shallow swimming area at Nails Creek unit is perfect for small children, and you can rent canoes.

Purtis Creek State Park K5Rent a canoe or paddle boat and explore during the day. If you are feeling adventurous, ask about a full-moon canoe tour at night.

Ray Roberts Lake State Park J4The 30,000-acre reservoir is a hit with wind- and kite surfers, has a swimming beach and lighted fishing pier.

WILDLIFE VIEWINGDinosaur Valley State Park J6Birders will appreciate the chance to glimpse the rare and gorgeous black-capped vireo. Look for cup-shaped nests in the fork of tree branches 2-to-4 feet above ground.

Fort Parker State Park K6Keep an eye out for one of the many park residents: raccoons, coyotes, beavers, bald eagles, wood ducks and eastern bluebirds all live here.

Lake Mineral Wells State Park H5Sign up for one of this park’s birding tours, where you can see and hear several species such as the painted bunting. Don’t forget your binoculars.

Lake Whitney State Park J6Here, birds of prey abound, including eagles and osprey, which hunt for fish on the lake.

Ray Roberts Lake State Park J4Kids love to look for great blue herons. At four feet tall, they’re easy to spot flying above and standing in the lake.

Prairies and Lakes Region Loaded with rich Texas history and

important waterways, here you’ll find great camping, trails and great opportunities to view wildlife.

FAIRFIELD LAKESTATE PARK

CAMPING & LODGINGCaddo Lake State Park M5

Surrounded by tall pine and cypress trees, enjoy one of the nine historic CCC log cabins built in 1930s with newly restored interiors and modern amenities.

Daingerfield State Park L5For a relaxing getaway, pitch your tent beneath towering loblolly pines and dense oaks, or reserve one of the recently renovated CCC cabins. A large group lodge is also available.

Martin Creek Lake State Park M6

Here, enjoy a unique opportunity to camp primitively on an island in the middle of Martin Creek Lake.

Mission Tejas State Park L7Enjoy 17 quiet and private campsites off the beaten path in an intimate forest setting. Full hook-ups, water and electric sites are also available.

FISHINGAtlanta State Park M4

Atlanta is a great spot to hook a catfish. Even big fish have been caught here, including appaloosa, flathead, blue and channel catfish varieties.

Huntsville State Park L8Sun fish are plentiful during any season in Lake Raven. They provide a simple and enjoyable fishing experience for kids.

Lake Livingston State Park L7Here, the deep waters offer great fishing for striped bass, also known as “stripers,” and other various species.

Lake Bob Sandlin State Park L5This park is popular with bass tournament anglers, but also offers great recreational fishingfor bass and other species.

TRAILSHuntsville and Lake Livingston State Parks L8The Triple C Trail at Huntsville State Park is a smooth and

spacious trail that runs along the park’s boundary for 9.5-miles.Sign up for a guided trail ride and experience the beauty of these parks on horseback. You can rent horses here, but you may not bring your own.

Martin Creek Lake State Park M6

Almost three miles of trails offers a great way to see the scenery surrounding the lake.

Tyler State Park L5Three different loops create about 13 miles of options for cyclists. The various trails are enough to keep you busy all day.

Village Creek State Park M8

Eight miles of marked trails introduce visitors to this relaxing park, revealing a primeval world of backwater sloughs and swamps, carnivorous plants and amazing trees and wildlife.

WATER RECREATIONDaingerfield State Park L5The peaceful lake here is surrounded by trees and complete serenity, making it ideal for flat water canoes and swimming.

Martin Dies, Jr. State Park M8

Take a ranger-led canoe trip at the forks of the Neches and Angelina rivers. Enjoy the primitive, pristine backwater sloughs only accessible by canoe. Motorized boating, swimming and waterskiing are also available on Lake B. A. Steinhagen.

Tyler State Park L5Enjoy the unique opportunity to scuba dive in this spring-fed lake, swimming and year-round fishing.

EDUCATIONBattleship TEXASState Historic Site L9The only surviving U.S. Navy battleship to have fought in both world wars is a must-see.

Brazos Bend State Park L9At the Nature Center kids can touch a baby alligator or attend a “star party” at George Observatory.

Port Isabel LighthouseState Historic Site J13Visit the museum and the 1850s lighthouse, a testament to the rich history of the Texas coast.

San Jacinto Battleground-Monument State Historic Site L9View the tallest freestanding monument in the US at 570 feet and tour the battlegrounds.

Sheldon Lake State Park andEnvironmental Learning Center L8Learn about nature and new alternative energy technologies and green building techniques.

FISHINGBrazos Bend State Park L9Six lakes are easily accessible to fishermen, with piers located at 40-Acre, Elm and Hale Lakes. Pay due respect to the alligators.

Galveston Island State Park L9With limited access, this park lets you cast on the bay for redfish, flounder or speckled trout, to name a few.

Goose Island State Park J11This park offers a 1,620-foot lighted fishing pier where you can cast for saltwater fish.

Mustang Island State Park J11Surf fishing is popular here. Ask a park ranger about the best bait to use and the best locations.

Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center L8Free catch-and-release family fishing is permitted on weekends at two stocked ponds.

TRAILSBrazos Bend State Park L9Hike, walk or bike Elm Trail for 1.7 miles, to see large populations of alligators and birds.

Galveston Island State Park L9Paddle three bayside trails open in the spring which provide the only public access to West Bay.

Lake Texana State Park K9Take your bike or stroll on one of six different trails. One is ADA accessible.

Mustang Island State Park J11Bring your kayak—or rent one locally— and follow the Mustang Island Paddling Trail.

Sheldon Lake State Park L8Take a walk on the nature trails to see alligators, birds and more!

WATER RECREATIONLake Corpus Christi State Park J11Enjoy waterskiing, sailing, fishing, or powerboats on this large lake.

Lake Texana State Park K9A boaters paradise where you can sail, water-ski or paddle. The park rents canoes, kayaks and hydro-bikes.

Pineywoods Region The diverse Pineywoods have tall trees and lush vegetation in its 20 lakes, 11 state parks, five major rivers and four national forests.

Gulf Coast Region If you love water for enjoyment—be it water sports or fishing—this is the region for you, complete with beaches, sun, and rich history.

VILLAGE CREEKSTATE PARK

MUSTANG ISLAND STATE PARK

Make a loop around the Big Bend Country Region

Days One, TwoHead west on I-10 and exit to Balmorhea. Here you’ll find Balmorhea State Park where you can dive and swim in the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool before camping for the night or spending some time in the Civilian Conservation Corp-built 1930s retro cabins. Get some rest before gearing up for an early-morning drive to Ft. Davis where the mile-high Davis Mountains State Park awaits to take you into cool mountain air. Hike to the overlook to get hungry enough for a big dinner at Black Bear restaurant located where you’ll hang your hat for the night: Indian Lodge State Park, a southwestern style lodge built by the CCC. If camping is more your style, Davis Mountains State Park has plenty of options.

Days Three, FourAfter morning coffee, head south for a quick picnic overlooking the Rio Grande River at Fort Leaton State Historic Site, where a small museum will share

with you the story about founder and trader Ben Leaton. Head back to the car and drive to Big Bend Ranch State Park and stay for a night in the “Big House” the former owner’s furnished ranch home. Before calling it a day, consider hiking, biking or horseback riding around this 311,000-acre park. Come morning, make a stop at Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center in Lajitas to learn about the Chihuahuan desert and see the bilingual exhibits on display here. When you’re through at the bookstore, pack up and head north back to I-10 for the drive back home having seen some of Texas’ unique landscape.

Take a tour through the heart of Big Bend Country. This four-day tour will take you in a giant circle south of Interstate 10 to stay in historic lodging built by the Civilian Conservation Corp and see some of the beauty of far west Texas along the Mexican border.

Davis Mountains State Park

Telephone: (432) 426-3337

94 Campsites6 Hike-in Indian Lodge Telephone: (432) 426-3254 39 Rooms1 Restaurant

Travel Times: El Paso — 4 Hours Abilene — 6 Hours Houston — 10 Hours Dallas — 9 HoursLaredo — 9.5 HoursSan Antonio — 7 Hours

Outdoor WorkshopsW H A T ’ S N E W H I T T H E R O A D

BALMORHEASTATE PARK

FACT

The Texas Declaration of Independence was signed at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site in 1836.

Explore the programs listed below to find information about fun hands-on outdoor workshops offered at many of our state parks. Learn how to fish, develop wildlife photography skills, be trained by park staff on how to camp and what equipment to use, and search for hidden treasures using GPS. These workshops help you explore nature with your family and friends. Findout what makes this land so unique and our state so grand. Rediscover everything you love about Texas—and learn a new skill while you are there!

Texas Geocache ChallengeYou and your family are invited to join us in discovering hidden items while revealing exciting facts and stories about Texas State Parks. All you need is a GPS unit,

the coordinates for the hidden treasure (or caches), and a Texas State Park Geocache Challenge Passport Book available at participating state parks or online. For more information, visit www.texasstateparks.org

Texas Outdoor Family Learn to camp - no experience necessary! Want to go camping

but unsure of how to begin? Texas Outdoor Family provides all the equipment and instruction so you and your family can learn how to camp at a Texas State Park. For more information, visit www.texasstateparks.org.

Go Fish!Learn to fish events at Texas State Parks - no experience necessary! Want to go fishing or take your kids fishing but unsure of where or

how to begin? Go Fish! events are free events at state parks that provide all the equipment and instruction to get you started. For more information, visit www.texasstateparks.org.

State Parks in Focus Immerse yourself in a Texas State Park for a weekend and attend one

of our new outdoor photography workshops. Our expert instructors will guide you through the basics of digital photography and State Park staff will guide you to hidden secrets held at Texas State Parks. For more information, visit www.texasstateparks.org.

Visit our newwebsite!

TEXAS STATE PARKS

Getting Better Allthe Time!

Thanks to You

New visitor center atCaprock Canyons State Park

Renovation and repairs to Goliad State Historic Site

Additional park staff for law enforcement and interpretation

New restrooms atGoose Island State Park

Everything you love about Texas.Call or make a reservation today. (512) 389-8900

Things are changing at some of Texas’ most beloved public lands and landmarks. Thanks to recent voter support and funds from the legislature, many repairs and upgrades are

happening at dozens of state parks. And more are on the way. From new restroom facilities, to additional park staff, to repairs on historic structures, good things are happening.

And it’s all thanks to you. Get out and see for yourself.

www.texasstateparks.org

Two options in the Hill Country Region to search for bat flights at dusk.

Trip OneStart outside San Antonio by visiting Government Canyon State Natural Area. Spend the morning hiking through live oak savannahs, old-growth Ashe juniper trees and some Spanish moss overhangs for a relaxing start to the day. Then take Interstate 10 north

to Fredricksburg where you can picnic at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historical Site on the banks of the Pedernales River, across from the former President’s ranch. But hurry, you’ll want to make it to the Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area by dusk to catch the nightly ritual of bats exiting the cave looking for insects to eat (May—October). Cap your long day with a short drive to stay the night in one of 46 campsites at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Don’t worry, the next day is all about lollygagging and relaxing—if you want—but we recommend climbing to the top of the pink granite dome here.

Trip TwoAlso starting near San Antonio, this trip’s first stop is at Guadalupe River State Park and Honey Creek State Natural Area (the latter only open by reserved, guided tours) to see some of the most scenic areas in all of central Texas. Fish, hike or just enjoy the serenity of the Guadalupe River before heading north to McKinney Falls State Park to set up camp at one of 84 campsites, many with water and electricity inside Austin city limits. Here you’ll find more than seven miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, or milling around with the family, but you’ll want to do that on your second full day here. After setting up camp, head into downtown Austin for a tour of the state’s capital before snagging a spot along the Congress Avenue bridge to view the nightly flight of the bats before heading back to camp.

Take either one of these one-way trips through the heart of Texas. Along the way, stop, shop, sight-see, hike and check out the numerous bat sightings our state has to offer.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Telephone: (830) 685-3636 46 Tent Campsites McKinney Falls State Park

Telephone: (512) 243-1643

84 Tent & Developed Campsites

ENCHANTED ROCKSTATE NATURAL AREA

GUADALUPE RIVERSTATE PARK