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BY METEOROLOGIST MIKE HERNANDEZ
Editor’s Note: Please check the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for the most current information regarding Covid guidelines and any fees or reservations required for Texas Parks before you plan your trip. Tpwd.texas.gov.
It’s easy to get a little claustrophobic these days with all of the concerns surrounding the pandemic. Here’s a little good news, if you live in South Central Texas you don’t have to travel very far to get away from all the hustle and bustle of city life. There are some beautiful state parks just a few short miles from wherever you may live. Whether you like to hike trails or camp for the day or weekend, fish, or go tubing down one of our many spring fed rivers that wind through the parks, there is something for you!
A big bonus this time of year is that the winter doldrums are replaced by an explosion of amazing spring colors! The leaves fill the trees with a million shades of green. The fields of emerald grass return and the melodic sounds of the creeks filling with the rains that are so common during these first spring months are so abundant. Let’s start our journey with a few of the State parks that we’re so blessed with.
GARNER STATE PARK
Located west, about an hour and a half drive from San Antonio near a small community named Concan in Uvalde County. It’s perhaps my personal favorite because of all the wonderful memories I have of this place. When I was in high school we took several day trips there for our junior and senior outings. I remember walking along the Frio River, taking off my shoes and dipping my toes in the cool water. I sat by the river and listened to the sounds of the Frio and watched for passing fish for what seemed like hours. We ate by the water and tossed a ball around, totally enjoying both the park and the fact that we were soon to be graduates.
For me the joy of the park was simple, but there’s so much more to do there than just spend the day by the river. There’s 16 miles of scenic hiking trails, camping sites, and during the warm summer evenings there is dancing in the park’s concession building. Although I just dipped my toes in the Frio you can swim or even tube along the lazy current or rent a paddle boat if you’d like. Although at this writing, paddle boats were not being rented due to Covid.
ENCHANTED ROCK
Located 18 miles North of Fredericksburg it’s one of the most popular parks in the entire Lone Star State! if you’re planning on going, go early and take plenty of water and some snacks with you. It’s claim to fame is a massive pink dome shaped rock that rises more than 400 feet above the rugged but beautiful park. It’s actually a state designated Natural Area with more than 10 miles of hiking trails, for bird watching or just enjoying nature. It’s also a huge draw for rock climbers or those that just like to get some exercise climbing the dome.
By the way, if you are wondering where the name, “ Enchanted Rock” came from there are a couple of really cool legends and myths. The Tonkawa Indians thought the ghost fires flickered on top of the dome and this frightened them. Another myth tells of an Indian maiden that threw herself off the dome after seeing her tribe killed by the enemy. Enchanted Rock is both beautiful and mysterious.
The last spot I want to highlight is:
COLORADO BEND STATE PARK
Nestled in the Hill Country northwest of Lampasas. If you like to fish, this is an excellent spot! Like most of the parks it has miles and miles of hiking trails and camping. What struck me though, was the 70 foot Gorman Falls. If you go there for no other reason, the falls will make the trip worthwhile. The cascading falls mixed in with trees that are wedged between them are gorgeous.
I’ve only highlighted three of more than 50 State Parks in the state and each one has its own features that make it special.
Enjoy your journey and all of the beauty that Mother Nature has to offer in South Texas!
Mike Hernandez is a retired TV Meteorologist and local personality. He currently owns the “Mike Hernandez Realty Group,” and has clients, both buyers and sellers, all across South Texas.
Contact Information:
Mike Hernandez
(210)-870-0725
Weathergolf@yahoo.com
