Looking for recommendations for light wheeling here in Tejas. Somewhere kid or family friendly would be ideal.

Havent been in the offroad game in about 15 years so not sure whats changed.

Thanks for the help in advance.

Roger That said:

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OOooo there is a target down the road, good idea. Speed bumps too

Texas Hill Country Overland Route?

https://expeditionportal.com/overland-routes-the-texas-hill-country/

https://www.overlandtrailguides.com/post/texas-hill-country-tour

Flaith said:

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Texas Hill Country Overland Route?

https://expeditionportal.com/overland-routes-the-texas-hill-country/

https://www.overlandtrailguides.com/post/texas-hill-country-tour

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Thanks, ill add these to the list.

Head out to Mason:
https://katemcyrocks.com/

Hidden Falls out in MF has some trails suited for a stock 4x4.

They also have an area for camping with/without trailers, bunk houses, and an attached gun range. Gun range is good enough that I travel from Austin to shoot there.

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One takes them on the quickest path to Fredericksburg, passing the small town of Doss …

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Bro…

Big bend. Most of the trails on the southern half of the park are plenty wide to avoid scratches from brush if you are careful, and are not difficult for a stock 4x4, and the scenery is spectacular for Texas. I pretty much never needed my 4WD there unless I went on black gap trail or it had been raining. There's also the cutoff road on the west side of the park, and the river road. Lots of off-road trails that aren't rock climbing but just a good gravel and sand road with a few hills and bumps.

MouthBQ98 said:

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Big bend. Most of the trails on the southern half of the park are plenty wide to avoid scratches from brush if you are careful, and are not difficult for a stock 4x4, and the scenery is spectacular for Texas. I pretty much never needed my 4WD there unless I went on black gap trail or it had been raining. There's also the cutoff road on the west side of the park, and the river road. Lots of off-road trails that aren't rock climbing but just a good gravel and sand road with a few hills and bumps.

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Thanks got this already on the list. I've been wanting to take the fam down there for a long time.

I second Big Bend. Big bend can be as crazy as you want or as tame as you want.

Would these trails work for a stock AWD crossover?

They mention a Subaru as the recommended vehicle, so go wild my friend. This is high on my list of family trip plans

I gotta say kudos to the OP. We have a 2013 expedition EL 4x4. Bought it brand new and had to order it becasue for some u godly reason 4wd was too much to ask for from dealer stock anywhere in the state.

Taking it "wheeling" has never crossed my mind. Just doesn't seem like a very off-road geared kinda rig.

Maybe I should reconsider.

fixer said:

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I second Big Bend. Big bend can be as crazy as you want or as tame as you want.

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Big Bend can be an off-roader's choose your own adventure book. If you know how to drive you can get a minivan through all the 4x4 recommended roads. But you can get in trouble if you go looking for it.

LBJ grasslands?

Yea I think it'd be a blast!

ReloadAg said:

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Would these trails work for a stock AWD crossover?

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They aren't really "trails" in the sense most people would think. They're pubic FM/county roads. Still plenty of fun to cruise down. Any vehicle with decent ground clearance will be good to go as long as you aren't going right after a big storm when dirt roads might be sticky/sloppy.

Nealthedestroyer said:

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MouthBQ98 said:

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Big bend. Most of the trails on the southern half of the park are plenty wide to avoid scratches from brush if you are careful, and are not difficult for a stock 4x4, and the scenery is spectacular for Texas. I pretty much never needed my 4WD there unless I went on black gap trail or it had been raining. There's also the cutoff road on the west side of the park, and the river road. Lots of off-road trails that aren't rock climbing but just a good gravel and sand road with a few hills and bumps.

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Thanks got this already on the list. I've been wanting to take the fam down there for a long time.

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In case you're not aware, they're both the national park and Big Bend Ranch SP. I prefer the less traffic of latter, though I have only been 4x4 in the former.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_p4501_0152k.pdf

ReloadAg said:

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Would these trails work for a stock AWD crossover?

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I've done most of these on a stock 1981 Suzuki GS 750e. If an old UJM street bike can do it, your minivan can too.

Here's something in the greater Houston area - the "Cheeseburger Loop". I recall it being discussed in one of my old Jeep groups. Never made the run but it looked kinda interesting….

Here's a link to an overland group w maps and info…

http://txgxoverland.com/2022/07/cheeseburger-loop-in-texas-great-overland-trail/

Location: Located between the towns of New Waverly to the east, Montgomery to the south, College Station to the west and Bedias to the north, this trail is 170 miles long and travels mostly forest service roads, country gravel roads and some paved roads. There is a bridge that was washed out years ago that is scheduled to be rebuilt but until then will require a detour.

P.H. Dexippus said:

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Nealthedestroyer said:

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MouthBQ98 said:

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Big bend. Most of the trails on the southern half of the park are plenty wide to avoid scratches from brush if you are careful, and are not difficult for a stock 4x4, and the scenery is spectacular for Texas. I pretty much never needed my 4WD there unless I went on black gap trail or it had been raining. There's also the cutoff road on the west side of the park, and the river road. Lots of off-road trails that aren't rock climbing but just a good gravel and sand road with a few hills and bumps.

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Thanks got this already on the list. I've been wanting to take the fam down there for a long time.

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In case you're not aware, they're both the national park and Big Bend Ranch SP. I prefer the less traffic of latter, though I have only been 4x4 in the former.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_p4501_0152k.pdf

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The last time my wife went she said a lot of people have trashed the place. Any recent experiences?