SAN ANTONIO – Want to start the new year off with a fresh start?
Every year, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) encourages people of all ages and skill levels to participate in their annual First Day Hike event. This nationwide initiative promotes outdoor activity and the enjoyment of nature.
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While Jan. 1 has passed, there’s still plenty of time to explore the trails of Texas state parks in the new year.
Trails vary in length and difficulty, allowing for both family-friendly strolls and experienced hikers to participate.
Events such as bike rides, self-guided and ranger-guided walks, paddling trips and polar plunges are also part of the fun at Texas state parks.
Here are some parks that are within a day’s trip from the Alamo City:
- Bastrop State Park: Bastrop
- Blanco State Park: Blanco
- Choke Canyon State Park: Calliham
- Colorado Bend State Park: Bend
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: Fredericksburg
- Garner State Park: Concan
- Goose Island State Park: Rockport
- Government Canyon State Natural Area: San Antonio
- Guadalupe River State Park: Spring Branch
- Hill Country State Natural Area: Bandera
- Inks Lake State Park: Burnet
- Lake Corpus Christi State Park: Mathis
- Lockhart State Park: Lockhart
- Lost Maples State Natural Area: Vanderpool
- McKinney Falls State Park: Austin
- Mustang Island State Park: Corpus Christi
- Palmetto State Park: Palmetto
- Pedernales Falls State Park: Johnson City
- South Llano River State Park: Junction
If you want to visit more than one state park in Texas throughout the year, you can buy a Texas State Park Pass (TSPP) for $70, which will waive entrance fees for passholders and guests in their vehicle for a full year, according to a news release
The release said passholders also get discounts on overnight reservations, state park store purchases and more.
To get a day pass or TSPP, visit the website or call 512-389-8900 during regular business hours.
Find a list of trail maps by going to TPWD’s website.
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