Visitor's Guide to Hill Country, Texas
Texas is a very large state, and as such, has an extensive — if not total — assortment of topography. From rugged mountains to beaches and everything in between, you can come across it in Texas, such as the attractive "hill country." The lush rolling hills in the middle part of the state don't immediately come to mind when you think about Texas, but the area certainly deserves some attention for its magnificence and tradition.
The hill country is probably one of the best areas in the state to hike, ride bikes, or just hang out. The variety of lush greenery and the occasional granite outcropping make it a wonderful environment for sightseeing. One of the most famous landmarks in this portion of the state is Enchanted Rock, a large, pink granite mountain that can be observed 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 wonderful spot for hiking and picnicking.
For those who like hiking and scenery, Lake Georgetown is a leading destination. The lake is nearly entirely 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 irregular. But for individuals who can manage the trails, there are great views of the lake waiting at numerous spots along the way. Cactus and cedar trees border the trails, and limestone boulders appear to burst up out of nowhere from time to time.
One more attraction for outdoor enthusiasts is the area's latest park, Berry Springs Park and Preserve. This park is set up to accommodate 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 more skilled walker. The main pathway goes both east and west from the parking lot, with "turnarounds" at each end for individuals who want some exercise without the excitement. At each of these turnarounds, though, are a sequence of unpaved paths and trails that go on and traverse the park.
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