7 Best Small Towns in Texas for Outdoor Enthusiasts
The saying goes, “everything is bigger and better in Texas,” but even so, you will not want to overlook this southern state’s small towns. Along with a hospitality like no other, outdoor enthusiasts will find some of the best gateways to adventure in these charming communities, from state parks to nature preserves and everything in between. Whether you make a pitstop on your way to a Houston vacay or simply need a break from city life, rivers, canyons, waterfalls, and waterholes are waiting to be hiked, biked, swam, and explored. Here are 7 of the best small towns in Texas with some of the most beautiful and wondrous pockets of nature in the state–and in the country.
Concan
With just a few hundred residents, Concan may not have a ton to do as far as flashy attractions, but outdoor enthusiasts will find they hit the jackpot with this tiny town. The grand Frio River runs right through it, so the views alone are spectacular, but water recreation is a must. Rent a tube or kayak at Josh’s Frio River Outfitters before hitting up the Concan Swimming Hole for a day of swimming, floating, or lounging riverside under a canopy of shade trees.
If you are hungry for more of Concan’s great outdoors, make your way to Garner State Park. With almost 3 miles of winding Frio waters, there is more than enough space to go around, making it easier to avoid crowds. Paddle boats, tubes, and kayaks are available for rent right in the park if you would prefer the convenience of an easy return. Once you have had your fill of water fun, geocaching is a fun land-based activity, along with the 16 miles of hiking paths. Take the challenging half-mile Old Baldy Trail for a bird’s eye view of the Frio River Canyon, or the more mellow 3 mile Frio Canyon Trail to experience the fascinating formations right at eye level.
Burnet
Like Concan, Burnet may be small but its backyard is anything but. With 2 state parks within a 20 minute drive from town, Burnet serves as an excellent homebase for nature lovers. The further of the 2 is Inks Lake State Park, home to its namesake, a sparkling 803 acre reservoir attached to the Colorado River. Rent a boat at the park store or take advantage of the lake’s no-wake zone with a canoe, double kayak, or stand-up paddleboard.
Water skiing and scuba diving are also popular at Inks Lake, but if you would prefer a swim away from the busier water sports, you can always hike to the Devil’s Waterhole. Tucked away where Inks Lake and Spring Creeks converge, this serene swimming spot is surrounded by massive rocks and ridges, making it a bit more secluded and well worth the 7 minute hike through the Devil’s Waterhole Nature Trail.
After a day of lake fun, finish your visit at the vastly underrated Longhorn Cavern State Park (just 10 minutes from Inks Lake) to tour the “National Cave of Texas.” Carved by an ancient river millions of years ago, this intricate limestone cave system is one of the most special natural landmarks in all of Texas. The guided tour will teach you about the myths and legends of the cave, including the tale of Sam Bass, an outlaw who supposedly stashed millions of dollars in this very cavern.
Karnack
Over in eastern Texas, the rural village of Karnack grants entry to Caddo Lake, the largest natural lake in the state surrounded by the world’s largest cypress forest. You will find this stunning 26,810 acre body on the edge of the Big Cypress Bayou in Caddo Lake State Park. Other than keeping your distance from the roaming gators, the adventures here are limitless. The park’s cypress-lined water is especially beautiful when paddled through, so whether you rent a canoe from the park office or bring one from home, this is one of the most exhilarating outdoor experiences in all of Texas.
More experienced and adventurous paddlers can try out the Hell’s Half Acre Paddling Trail, an 8.8 mile, 3 to 4 hour loop across the bayou and lake’s bewitching landscape. Anglers, on the other hand, might prefer to cast their line from shore since a fishing license is not required, and over 70 species of fish live below the lake’s surface. Landlovers can also explore the 2.5 miles of trails, like the Caddo Forest Trail, Pine Ridge Loop, or Pine Ridge Spur. The blended pine-oak forest and towering uplands feature a quieter escape and a different side of the park’s natural beauty.
Vanderpool
If serene forest trails are your ideal outdoor adventure, look no further than the Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool. Driving into town, the views of Sabinal Canyon’s forested hills hint at the views to come. The natural area itself is a mosaic of colors, especially in the autumn when the park is at its busiest. Of the 200,000 people who visit each year, fall lures the largest crowds, visitors flocking to the area’s bright foliage. The rare bigtooth maples take on a gorgeous red in late October, which can be photographed and admired on the easygoing 0.4 mile Maple Trail.
For the remaining 9.6 miles of trail, majestic limestone canyons and towering forests wait to be explored. For an enchanting trek through sycamore, maple, and bald cypress trees, take the 3 mile East Trail along the Sabinal River. More experienced hikers may prefer the reward of a steep climb, with solitude and striking views of the Mystic Canyon area, on the 3.6 mile West Trail. A detour from this path will bring you to the West Loop Trail, where a spectacular Ashe juniper grove grows. This is the perfect place to pause or have a picnic away from busier trails. The one thing for certain in this beautiful greenspace, is no matter your hiking ability, there is a gorgeous tree-dotted path for you to follow.
Johnson City
Some assume Johnson City–the hometown of former US president Lyndon B. Johnson–was named after him. But really, locals have the town’s founder, James Polk Johnson, to thank–both for the town’s name, and for its proximity to the glorious Pedernales River. Visit the Pedernales River Nature Park to experience what lucky locals have access to year-round. The 222 acre riverside park is a great place to picnic, kayak, or fish from shore under the shaded oak trees. Sweet and simple, this park is a refreshing way to get out into nature for a relaxing day on the water.
Also perched on the Pedernales River, Pedernales Falls State Park offers a more active nature escape. The 5,212 acre park is focused around the racing river, where swimmers and sunbathers can be spotted lounging on the river’s prominent limestone slabs. Keep in mind, the only way to access the swimming area is through a pretty strenuous quarter mile hike, so make sure to wear good shoes. These will come in handy for your hike to the north end of the park, where Pedernales Falls sits as the main attraction.The broad waterfall cascades across the limestone steps in a truly breathtaking way, so the trek is beyond worthwhile.
Dripping Springs
As a “Gateway to the Hill Country”, Dripping Springs has some of the prettiest natural surroundings in all of Texas. The town is less than 30 minutes from Johnson City, and you will find one of its main natural attractions, Reimers Ranch, on the very same Pedernales River. The serene 3 mile riverfront can be explored by foot, although rock climbing the limestone cliff walls above the river is by far the most popular feature of the nature preserve. But the views from ground are stunning in their own right, so whether you climb the cliffs or appreciate them on one of the 18 miles of trail by hike, bike, or horseback, you will leave Reimers Ranch feeling exhilarated.
The most popular natural attraction in Dripping Springs though, is the Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve. The 200 acre park is so captivating, that in order to avoid a thrall of eager crowds, reservations are required to visit. Surrounded by a cavern of enormous stone slabs, the 50 foot waterfall falling from the canyon is the star of the show. Take a dip in this iconic emerald swimming hole to see why people come here year-round from all across the country.
Bastrop
Although Bastrop is thought of as "the most historic small town in Texas,” its nature is equally out of this world. Camping is a favored weekend activity at Lake Bastrop North Shore Park, whose 182 acres feature an array of lakeside picnic areas, scenic bike trails, and affordable watercraft rentals. The South Shore Park is another option that anglers and boaters prefer for access to the park’s piers and rentable pontoons. Both parks, however, feature a nice mix of rustic campsites and cozy cabins. So whether you are hoping to enjoy a night under the stars or the comforts of a warm bed, these charming campgrounds are the best way to experience the beautiful bass-filled lake.
Bastrop State Park is another beloved camping spot in town, famous for its Lost Pines Forest. More than 75,000 acres of loblolly pine trees flourished in the area until wildfires overtook the park in 2011, but nature’s resilience is part of the park’s charms. The half acre Mina Lake is great for casting a lazy fishing line, and hikes through the 7 mile trail system allow you to experience the park’s inspiring blend of old and new growth forest. Book a stay in any of the historic cabins to see what life was like for outdoor enthusiasts back in the 1930’s, or rent a classic campsite. Either choice rewards you with Bastrop’s tremendous natural beauty.
Final Thoughts
Texas may not be at the very top of our list when we think of the best nature destinations in the country, but these small towns prove that maybe it should be. From its jaw-dropping canyon hikes to its storybook swimming holes, the landscapes here are as vast as they are beautiful. Plus, with so much of our daily lives centered around screens, getting out into nature is something the whole family can benefit from. The best part is, so many of the nature preserves and state parks in Texas are filled with trails and experiences fit for a range of abilities. From Vanderpool’s easygoing forest strolls to Johnson City’s challenging waterfall hikes, there is a path for any outdoor enthusiast in these Texas small towns.
