Get the true Texas Hill Country experience in Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, less than an hour away from Austin. The park should be at the top of every hikers bucket list for their trip to the capital city. When the Spanish arrived in the area in the 1600s and viewed the hills from the plains they said, ‘balcones’ or balconies.
There are steep canyons and deep banked streams to explore within the seven miles of trails in the preserve. The Doeskin Ranch unit includes a National Recreation Trail, there are many loops so it is advisable to snap a picture of the map before heading on your hike. The park is a habitat for two endangered songbirds, the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo.
It is also a home for 245 migratory bird species, birdwatchers should consider bringing a pair of binoculars.
A walk along the clear turquoise creek is dreamy.
A motif in the area, stones are set up so that hikers can hop across without getting their boots wet.
Discover a lovely small waterfall which would be even more dramatic if the area received a solid rainfall.
This portion of the preserve certainly has bold and lush colors, sit awhile and watch for wildlife.
Some elevation change along the route provides gorgeous views.
Over the course of the hike see how the landscape changes from juniper trees to Indian grass.
Don’t miss seeing the namesake Doeskin Ranch itself, from the 1850s, and read about how it fits in to the historical context of the area.
For additional birding, visit the Shin Oak Observation Deck.
Here you can learn more information about the birds that travel through the area along a short and accessible walk.
You may be able to spot golden-cheeked warbler, the black-capped vireo, or any number of the 200+ bird species that live in the park.
Use of the trails in the park is entirely free.