Hill Country, Texas: A Genuine Road Trip
Texas is a very big state, and as such, has a wide — if not complete — variety of topography. From rugged mountains to beaches and a lot in between, you can come across it in Texas, including the attractive "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 certainly deserves some attention for its magnificence and culture.
The hill country is probably one of the best 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 setting for sightseeing. One of the most recognized 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 listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a fantastic area for hiking and picnicking.
For those who enjoy hiking and scenery, Lake Georgetown is a key vacation spot. The lake is pretty much fully 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 wonderful views of the lake waiting at different points along the way. Cactus and cedar trees border the trails, and limestone boulders appear to pop up out of nowhere from time to time.
One more attraction for outdoor lovers is the area's latest park, Berry Springs Park and Preserve. This park is set up to accommodate walkers of all ability levels, with a main paved path fronting the park, and unpaved side trails and cross-paths along the way to entice the much more experienced 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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