Hill Country, Texas: A Genuine Road Trip
Texas is a very large state, and as such, has a wide — if not total — array of topography. From rugged mountains to beaches and almost everything in between, you can find it in Texas, including the beautiful "hill country." The lush rolling hills in the middle part of the state don't always come to mind when you think about Texas, but the region absolutely deserves some attention for its beauty and tradition.
The hill country is possibly one of the finest regions in the state to hike, ride bikes, or just hang out. The range of lush foliage and the occasional granite outcropping make it an amazing atmosphere for sightseeing. One of the most famous landmarks in this piece of the state is Enchanted Rock, a large, pink granite mountain that can be seen for quite some distance. This natural monument is now in the middle of a park detailed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a terrific spot for hiking and picnicking.
For those who like hiking and scenery, Lake Georgetown is a prime destination. The lake is nearly completely surrounded by a hiking trail, making it one of the longest in the state. It is not an easy hike, as the terrain is rocky and uneven. But for those who can manage the trails, there are great views of the lake waiting at various spots along the way. Cactus and cedar trees line the trails, and limestone boulders appear to burst up out of nowhere from time to time.
One more attraction for outdoor fans is the area's latest park, Berry Springs Park and Preserve. This park is set up to support walkers of all talent ranges, with a main paved path fronting the park, and unpaved side trails and cross-paths along the way to entice the much more skilled walker. The main pathway goes both east and west from the parking lot, with "turnarounds" at each end for those who want a workout without the adventure. At each of these turnarounds, though, are a sequence of unpaved paths and trails that extend on and traverse the park.
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