We're taking the family for a little getaway in Fredericksburg next week. We know of Enchanted Rock to hike up and around, but are there any other "easy" hiking trails that we can take the kids to?

Also, any other nature type stuff that you could recommend? We're wanting to do things that we have not done before up there. We've seen the bats come out of the old train tunnel, we've done the shopping, etc.

Any good fishing spots, or streams that we can splash around in? I know a lot of the land is private property, so we're looking for specifics, and preferably some good directions on how to get to the good, fun, kid friendly spots.

tia

Pedernales State Park is just East of Fredricksburg, and is a nice place to splash around (Pedernales River) and do some hiking/biking for a kid's level. The place is clean, and the water is fun! It will be cold, so you will have to grit your teeth at first!

Once you pay to enter a State Park, you can go to any State Park during the paid time. If you go to Enchanted Rock, you can enter Pedernales State Park free, etc. Longhorn Tavern is not far either. You can walk down into the 3rd largest cave in the world. That is a great tour.

Also, ask anyone in Fredrickburg about 'The Scenic Loop' North of town. It is a pretty drive through and around a high hill North of Fredricksburg. You may see wild turkeys, deer, etc. If the flowers have started to bloom, it will be very pretty.

If you are going there from the East, headed West through Austin, take the highway through Wimberly, parrallel and south of 290. It is a nice scenic drive, and not that much slower than Hwy 290.

God's Peace,
Chuck


[This message has been edited by chucktheaggiejeweler (edited 3/7/2009 1:25p).]

Eckert James River bat cave.
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/texas/preserves/art6022.html

though the bats aren't there yet, i think you can take a tour of the empty cave.

quote:

---

If the flowers have started to bloom, it will be very pretty.

---

Worst drought since 1918. You'll be lucky to find any green grass much less blooming wildflowers.

Ugh, that may be true. I would check the level of the Pedernales with that in mind.

Longhorn Caverns is truly a spectacular place to check out. If you don't want to pay for the cavern tour, you can at least hike the trails. While you're there, you could also hit up Inks Lake; plenty of awesome trails out there. Last trip to Inks Lake resulted in a few VERY close encounters with some of the largest mule deer I've seen.

We'll be at Pedernales in two weeks (19-22) camping out in the primitive sites. I'm sure at least one day will be spent at Enchanted Rock. It's one of my favorite destinations with awesome wildlife.

LBJ State Park in Stonewall had a few fun trails that I enjoyed as a kid. I haven't been there in over 15 years, so I don't know now, but it should be good fun for a family.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lyndon_b_johnson/

[This message has been edited by aggietoolman (edited 3/8/2009 7:33a).]