Five Unique Things to Do in Hill Country Texas
If you're thinking about visiting Texas for your next vacation, there are a number of unique things to do while you're there. One of the most popular activities is hiking, but you can also explore caves, swimming holes, and more. To help you get started, here are five of the most unique things to do in Hill country Texas.
Natural Bridge Caverns
Natural Bridge Caverns is a unique ecosystem in the Texas Hill Country. It is located just west of New Braunfels. In fact, it is the largest commercial cave in the state.
There are several tours at Natural Bridge Caverns. The tour takes you into a series of caves, each with a unique formation. If you want to know more about the history of the site, you can attend a hands-on Discovery Day.
Natural Bridge Caverns was discovered in 1960 by four college students. They stumbled upon a huge cavern system. Their expedition led to the discovery of numerous artifacts, including spear points dating back to 5,000 B.C. At the entrance, they also found the jaw bones of a grizzly bear and an Indian leg bone.
The entrance to the caverns is a 60 foot limestone slab bridge, spanning an amphitheater setting. Archaeologists found that the area was once covered by a warm shallow sea. During the Cretaceous period, sediments were collected from the ocean floor and compacted into limestone layers.
One of the most impressive features of the caverns is the flowstone. Flowstone is a sedimentary rock, consisting mostly of calcite. These formations shimmer as water travels down through the rock.
Natural Bridge Caverns has been named a National Natural Landmark. The caverns are open year-round, and are illuminated with indirect lighting. Visitors can choose from several different tours, each lasting about an hour.
You can even take an adventure tour, which takes you through some of the undeveloped sections of the caverns. This tour includes repelling, climbing and sliding. It is also fun for kids.
Visiting Natural Bridge Caverns is a once in a lifetime experience. You will be able to see ancient formations, such as a 100 foot long room called the Hall of the Mountain Kings. You will also visit a room with one of the largest flowstone formations in the entire cave.
You can also visit Big Daddy's Sweets, Treats and Brew, which is modeled after an old-fashioned general store. They serve delicious fudge, hearty meals and cold beer.
Hiking trails
If you want to experience some of the best hiking trails in Texas, head to the Hill Country. This region is filled with rugged hills and towering limestone bluffs. With scenic views and low-impact workouts, you will have a truly memorable experience!
Pedernales Falls State Park offers nine hiking trails. Each one features different scenery and terrain, ranging from a quarter mile loop to a nearly nine-mile trail. The hikes offer beautiful rock formations and cool springs.
Blue Hole Regional Park includes a stunning natural swimming hole. You can take a 4.5-mile hike or a 1.6-mile walk to the swimming hole. The trails are well maintained and provide access to soaring peaks and majestic canyons.
Enchanted Rock is a 425-foot granite dome that is reminiscent of slick rocks in Utah canyon country. You can hike around the rock or even zip line across it. In the spring, there are pink rock islands made of pre-Cambrian gneiss.
There are many parks to choose from. One of the more popular is Lost Maples State Natural Area. It is located near the Hill Country State Natural Area. The park offers many camping and driving-to sites. However, the trails are quite steep and windy.
If you're a bird lover, you'll love the Patsy Glenn Refuge. The refuge is a bird sanctuary that features a butterfly garden and a viewing platform.
If you're looking for a more adventurous trek, consider the Trail to Del Rio Rock Paintings. A six-hour hike will give you a closer look at the rock paintings and rock formations.
The Texas Hill Country has several parks with excellent hiking trails. Some of these parks include Reveille Peak Ranch, Pedernales Falls State Park, and the Hill Country State Natural Area. These parks offer a variety of trails that are suitable for all levels.
Other parks to consider are Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area and Turkey Bend Recreation Area. Both of these parks are on the shores of Lake Travis. They have scenic lake views and beautiful bluebonnet fields in the spring.
Hiking in the Texas Hill Country is an experience you will never forget.
Swimming holes
Texas is filled with swimming holes, but in the Hill Country there are even more. These natural watering holes combine scenic beauty with refreshing coolness, making them the perfect way to cool off.
One of the most popular and cool swimming holes in the region is the Jacob's Well Natural Area. It's an artesian spring and it's located in the town of Wimberley, which is a 45-minute drive from Austin. The well is open for swimming from May through September. In addition to the watering hole, the area has hiking trails and other things to do.
Another popular swimming spot in the Texas Hill Country is the Frio River. This river is surrounded by bald cypress trees and limestone cliffs and it's known for its crystal-clear blue-green waters. There are also RV and camping areas along the river, as well as screened shelters and cabins.
Another popular swimming spot is Blue Hole, which is located near Wimberley. The Blue Hole Park is a beautiful natural swimming hole that is open to the public during the summer months. You can enjoy the crystalline water and a rope jumping area.
Some other great swimming holes in the area include the Guadalupe River, the Blanco River, and the Inks Lake State Park. Each has a designated area for lounging, as well as boating and fishing opportunities.
The Barton Springs Pool is another popular option. The water is 68-70 degrees year-round, and it's been a favorite for Austinites for a long time.
If you want a more adventurous swim, you can head to the Devil's Watering Hole. This unique swimming spot features a large, pink granite outcrop, surrounded by high rock formations. People jump from the rocks and the water is refreshing and cool.
Hamilton Pool Preserve is another interesting swimming spot in the Hill Country. A 50-foot waterfall is one of its main attractions.
The Lower Colorado River Authority manages the lake and the park. They have created paddling trails that can take you on day trips around the area. To learn more, visit their website.
Boerne Escape Rooms
Boerne Escape Rooms is a family owned, Woman owned, business located in Boerne, Texas. They offer four uniquely themed puzzle rooms designed by them with everyone in mind, adults and kids alike.
Founded in 2022 by Angela Reynolds and Matthew Robinson, Boerne Escape Rooms is located at 18 Scenic Loop Rd, Suite 200A, Boerne, TX 78006.
The escape room is open from 9am to 10pm, 7 days a week. They accept online bookings, and bookings by phone (830) 755-8568. Every group that books, from 2-10 players, gets a private experience in the themed room of their choosing. In addition, there are options to book party packages on the website as well - HERE
If you are looking for a fun time in Boerne that offers mysteries, puzzle solving, bonding time, all at reasonable prices, try Boerne Escape Rooms.
