Texas is home to many popular hiking spots, but there are also hidden gems that offer stunning views without the crowds. This guide showcases the best lesser-known trails, each with its own unique features and breathtaking scenery.
With this list, nature lovers can discover the different trails that offer something unique, and enjoy the lush greenery of Texas’ best-kept secrets. No matter your skill level, you’re sure to find a hike here that you will enjoy!
Top Hidden Hiking Trails in Texas
Inks Lake State Park
Take a hike in Inks Lake State Park and discover the hidden gem of Devil’s Waterhole, a stunning reservoir nestled among diving cliffs. Located in Burnet, Texas, just northwest of Austin, this picturesque swimming spot is 4.2 miles long and 3,000 feet wide. Surrounded by Hill Country greenery, Devil’s Waterhole offers a refreshing escape. It features large boulders ideal for diving into the cool water.
Inks Lake State Park isn’t just for swimming—you can also enjoy camping, picnic areas, fishing, and canoeing. The park features a family-friendly 3.3-mile short hike. However, reaching the waterhole doesn’t require a hike, making it an ideal destination for a summer family outing.
Read More: Texas’s Best Kept Hidden Lakes
Hueco Tanks State Park
Hiking enthusiasts can swap their usual wooded trails for a journey through ancient history at Hueco Tanks State Park. Located near El Paso, this park features three trails that wind through syenite porphyry mountains, leading to amazing cave drawings. Whether you explore on your own or join a guided tour, you’ll see one of North America’s highest concentrations of mask pictographs.
Created by the Jornada Mogollon and the Desert Archaic peoples, along with other Native American tribes, these pictographs offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. The Pictograph Trails provide not just a scenic hike but also an immersive journey through Texas history. This makes it a standout among hidden hiking gems.
Colorado Bend State Park – Gorman Falls Trail
Discover a breathtaking 70-foot waterfall hidden deep within the Texas Hill Country at Colorado Bend State Park, accessible via FM 580. Go on either a 1.5-mile or 3-mile hike through lush and rugged terrain, ending with a stunning view of Gorman Falls. It’s one of the best waterfall hikes that hardly anyone knows about, but once you’ve been there it’s sure to be your newest most popular spot because of the great views.
After your hike, cool off with a swim in Spicewood Springs, fish, paddle along the river, or explore the park’s caves. For those wishing to stay for a long weekend, the park has drive-up sites, walk-in tent sites, and primitive hike-in sites, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the area.
Related Posts: Texas Hikes with Stunning Waterfalls
Spring Creek Forest Preserve
Nestled in northeast Dallas as part of the Dallas Open Spaces Program, the Spring Creek Forest Preserve offers a scenic retreat along the picturesque Spring Creek. This nature preserve is divided into two distinct sections, each offering unique experiences. The eastern side features a few natural paths, paved trails, and access to the creek, where clear waters flow along limestone and white chalk walls.
Trails meander along the creek on the western side and extend into the forest and surrounding meadows. These creekside trails are steeper but provide access to the creek floor in several spots. Depending on the season, wildflowers bloom in the meadows and near the parking lot, while informational signs along the trails offer insights into the local flora and fauna.
Clear Creek Natural Heritage Preserve
The Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center in Denton spans 2,900 acres of diverse landscapes including forests, prairies, and wetlands for gorgeous views. Located at the meeting point of Elm Fork and Clear Creek of the Trinity River, this preserve offers ten miles of trails that showcase the area’s varied terrain. These trails provide stunning views of where the two rivers join and a vibrant wetland habitat teeming with wildlife.
Since the trails are in a floodplain, it’s wise to check the center’s Instagram page for any closures before planning your visit.
Caddo Lake State Park – Caddo Lake Trail
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of East Texas, this trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the park’s rich biodiversity and stunning scenery, including towering bald cypress trees and serene wetlands.
While Caddo Lake State Park is known for its various recreational activities like kayaking and fishing, the hiking trails, including the Caddo Lake Trail, often attract fewer visitors compared to more popular parks. This can create a more tranquil hiking experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without the crowds.
Read More: Ultimate Lake Getaways in Texas
Eagle Mountain Park
Eagle Mountain Park might not be a hidden gem for Fort Worth locals, but it often gets overlooked in lists of top hiking spots in the DFW area. Situated on the shores of Eagle Mountain Lake, this park offers 400 acres of diverse terrain to explore. The trails, totaling five miles, vary in difficulty and elevation, taking you from the water’s edge to scenic hilltops with expansive views.
Despite the seemingly modest trail length, the park feels much larger and more challenging. Encounters with deer, including some on the trail, are common, adding to the park’s allure. If you haven’t yet visited Eagle Mountain Park, or if you’ve been unsure about it, it’s definitely worth the trip.
Big Bend National Park – Chisos Basin Loop
The Chisos Basin Loop in Big Bend National Park is a must-visit for hikers seeking stunning scenery and a taste of Texas wilderness. This moderate loop trail offers an unforgettable experience as it weaves through the picturesque Chisos Basin, providing hikers with panoramic views of rugged peaks and lush valleys of the Chisos Mountains.
The trail also features a detour to Emory Peak, the highest point in the park, where you can enjoy even more spectacular vistas.
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Spring Creek Greenbelt – Frank E Harris
At the Spring Creek Forest Preserve, there are trails on both sides of the creek that aren’t immediately obvious. It turns out that these trails can be accessed from a park off Shiloh Road, although they aren’t well-documented online.
Without an official map, the best way to find these trails is to walk into the forests near the parking lot. The trails along the creek offer a mix of experiences, with some paths delving deeper into the forest and others running along the cliff edges above the creek.
There are several spots where it’s possible to go down to the creek bed and explore its rocky terrain. The trails appear to extend under Shiloh Road and continue along the creek, although they become less maintained further on and overtaken by dense vegetation.
Pedernales Falls State Park – Wolf Mountain Trail
Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Wolf Mountain Trail at Pedernales Falls State Park is a captivating hiking experience. This 11.2-mile loop trail, while not as widely known as some of the park’s other attractions, takes you around the picturesque Wolf Mountain, providing stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape and the winding Pedernales River.
Although the trail does not lead directly to the iconic falls that give the park its name, it is celebrated as the park’s signature hike. It showcases the diverse flora and fauna of the area. As you traverse the trail, be prepared for a mix of terrain that includes gentle slopes and some challenging sections. This variety makes it suitable for a range of hiking abilities.
John Bunker Sands Wetland Center
Located southeast of Dallas in Seagoville, the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center offers a unique outdoor experience. Though not a traditional hiking destination, it provides miles of trails, ample birdwatching opportunities, and the chance to spot a Bald Eagle. This man-made wetland plays a crucial role in cleaning and restoring water before returning it to Lake Lavon for reuse.
The center features educational materials detailing the water purification process. You can explore boardwalks over the water and walk along the land separating various water treatment pools. Alongside the wetlands, you’ll encounter a variety of birds, including pelicans and herons, and possibly the bald eagles that roost here during winter. This area is not a typical forest trail, so be sure to come prepared with water and sunscreen.
Purgatory Creek Natural Area
Discover the enchanting Purgatory Creek Natural Area in San Marcos, Texas, a hidden gem for hikers seeking adventure and tranquility! Spanning over 570 acres, this natural area features more than 12 miles of trails. These trails wind through stunning upland meadows, lush juniper groves, and towering canyon bluffs.
Located just a few miles from downtown San Marcos, Purgatory Creek Natural Area is an ideal destination for a quick getaway or a leisurely day in nature. As you explore, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. It’s a perfect spot for birdwatching and nature photography.
Trinity River Audubon Center
Dallas is home to the biggest urban hardwood forest, and the Trinity River Audubon Center is sometimes referred to as the Gateway to the Trinity River Forest. This site has a unique history—it was once an illegal dumping ground before being transformed into a thriving habitat for local wildlife. The center offers five miles of trails, some of which wind through the forest, giving a scenic overlook of the Trinity River, and some of which go over boardwalks.
There are also nature trails that go through the wetlands. It’s an ideal spot for birdwatching, learning about the crucial role of wetlands, and serves as a testament to the transformative power of environmental reclamation.
Garner State Park – Blinn River Trail
The Blinn River Trail in Garner State Park is a serene and less-traveled hiking path that offers a peaceful escape into nature. This beautiful trail runs alongside the Frio River, providing stunning views and a chance to enjoy the park’s diverse wildlife. While not as popular as some other trails in the park, the Blinn River Trail allows you to experience a more secluded side of Garner State Park.
Just remember to check the trail conditions before your visit, as some sections may occasionally be closed due to erosion.
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Bob Jones Nature Center
Bob Jones Nature Center is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition in the area. Situated along Lake Grapevine, this nature center offers over 20 miles of trails for exploration. The main parking area features a well-maintained nature center with several trails and a pavilion. However, beyond these trails, you can access an extensive equestrian trail network that follows the lake’s shoreline and meanders through the surrounding woods.
Be mindful of where you step; although you may not see horses, signs of their presence are often visible. With picturesque lake views and ample grounds to roam, Bob Jones Nature Center provides a perfect setting for a day of scenic enjoyment.
Eisenhower State Park
Escape to Eisenhower State Park, a hidden hiking treasure on the shores of Lake Texoma! Just an hour north of Dallas, this stunning park offers over four miles of well-marked trails. These trails meander through diverse terrain, showcasing breathtaking cliffside views and lush forests. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or exploring on foot, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with nature. Local wildlife is especially abundant along the scenic Hillview Nature Trail.
Read More: Scenic Hikes Around Dallas & Fort Worth
Explore Hidden Hiking Trails in Texas: FAQs
What is the hardest hiking trail in Texas?
Hiking to the summit of McKittrick Ridge is famous for being the most challenging trek in Texas. This demanding journey is ideally tackled as an overnight adventure. It allows hikers to rest and rejuvenate amidst the stunning night skies at the McKittrick Ridge Wilderness Campground.
What are the biggest trails in Texas?
The Lone Star Hiking Trail stretches nearly 100 miles in length. It proudly claims the distinction of being the longest continuous hiking trail in the State of Texas.
What region in Texas has the most hiking?
In West Texas, Big Bend National Park offers hikers a paradise with more than 150 miles of trails. Both experienced backpackers and day hikers can revel in the boundless beauty of this West Texas masterpiece. Among its trails, the most renowned is the 12.6-mile South Rim, widely regarded as the most famous hike in Texas.
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Explore Hidden Hiking Trails in Texas: Final Thoughts
Texas offers a bunch of the best hiking trails for hiking enthusiasts to discover and enjoy. From the historic site at Hueco Tanks State Park to the tranquil cascading waterfall at Colorado Bend State Park, each trail offers a unique blend of green spaces and historical significance.
Whether exploring the diverse landscapes of the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Preserve or venturing along the trails of Eagle Mountain Park, these lesser-known spots provide an opportunity for a natural escape and to appreciate the Lone Star State’s great outdoors.
Last Updated 2 months ago by Jessica Serna | Published: October 27, 2024
