 With school back in session and soccer and football season under way, finding time together can be tough. A family hike at one of LCRA’s regional parks is a great way to spend time together. Bring overnight camping gear for a weekend escape. Here are three of our favorite parks for hiking:
- Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park. Fourteen miles of trails wind through this 940-acre park and nature preserve at Lake Buchanan. Trails cross varied terrains, from lakeside lowlands to wooded ridges 300 feet high. Hikers may glimpse a variety of wildlife, even the black-capped vireo, golden-cheeked warbler and American bald eagle. Three and a half miles of trail are wheelchair accessible. Portions of the trails may be restricted or closed during nesting seasons for endangered and threatened species.
Facilities: lodging, camp and RV sites, restaurant, natural science center and fishing piers, swim area, rental boats and the Vanishing Texas River Cruise.
Information: www.canyonoftheeagles.com or 1-800-977-0081.
- McKinney Roughs Nature Park. More than 15 miles of equestrian and hiking trails cross canyons, grasslands, and pine and oak groves at this 1,100-acre park along the lower Colorado River between Austin and Bastrop. Four of the 10 ecological regions converge here to support an unusually diverse variety of plants and wildlife.
Facilities: natural science center with displays and educational programs, guided river tours and amphitheater.
Information: www.lcra.org/parks or 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 8002.
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Mountain biking is a favorite activity
at LCRA’s Muleshoe Bend Recreational Area. |
- Grelle Natural Resource Area. A two-mile hiking trail winds through gentle hills at this 480-acre park along the southwest side of Lake Travis. Points along the trail offer spectacular views of the lake.
Facilities: picnic sites, shoreline and isolated cove, primitive camping (rest rooms are available).
Information: www.lcra.org/parks or 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 3366.
Most LCRA parks have nominal entry and camping fees – for information, visit www.lcra.org/parks or call 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 3366.
David Whatley is manager of LCRA’s parks system. He can be reached at 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 3319, or david.whatley@lcra.org. |
