Best Biking Trails in the Hill Country
The Texas hill country offers some of the most scenic routes around with no shortage of wildflowers, lakes, parks and wildlife. Many of the State parks have paved trails which are excellent for beginners, and the hilly environment of the country itself offers many different levels of terrain for more experienced riders. Here are a few trails to check out next time you’re in the hill country.
Photo by Jim NIx
McKinney Falls State Park
A beginner trail in South Austin, McKinney Falls State Park features a 3 mile loop of paved bike trails perfect for beginners. With plenty of scenery from Onion Creek and the surrounding foliage, its easy to forget you’re in the city at all!
Photo by Don J Schulte
Pedernales Falls State Park – Johnson City
This 5,000 acre park in Blaco County features a 20-mile trail for mountain biking and exploring. While the terrain can get a little rough in areas, it is still suitable for beginner to intermediate riders.
Photo by Dave Hensley
Willow City Loop
The hill country is best known for the massive spread of wildflowers that stretch over the area every spring, and the Willow City Loop is a favorite among local riders for that very reason. A 13-mile road through the hills around Fredericksburg showcases the wildflowers as far as the eye can see during the Spring seasons, but is just a beautiful any other time of year.
Photo by Ed Schipul
Longhorn Caverns State Park
For a more difficult but unique challenge check out the Longhorn Caverns. The route is almost 40 miles long and features a lot of hills and rougher terrain for the more experienced riders but circles through the natural, underground caverns for an experience like no other. The Park also features many shorter, paved trails around the caverns.
Lost Pines Cruise - Bastrop
An intermediate level loop, the Lost Pines Cruise is a secluded trail through the pine forests of Bastrop. The entire loop is 37 miles through farmland and paved roads. While the roads are smooth, the terrain is hilly and can be challenging for less experienced riders.