I live in Austin, and while I heart the Town Lake trail, I'm interested in other hikes, especially hilly ones. I haven't lived here long, so the only ones I've done have been out at Enchanted Rock, and short ones at Inks Lake and Pedernales. Would love suggestions for any of your favorite hikes any distance from Austin. I'd prefer an hour's drive or less, but I'm open to other ideas for possible overnight trips. Thanks!

McKinney Falls Park (sp?)

Barton Creek trail to twin falls. Not a long hike, and better when there is water running (to flush away all the dog #$W%^). You can park at Mopac just off loop 360.

There are some really nice stretches of path along the Barton Creek, but no public access that I know of - all along private property.

Thanks, J62- I actually went to McKinney Falls this morning I had a hard time finding/staying on the Homestead trail, but the Onion Creek one was nice and relaxing.

I live right by Barton Springs, but I haven't tried the Barton Creek trail yet, so I will look into that one.

Your post made me think of an article I read in a recent issue of Texas Highways. I went to their website but I couldn't locate the same article. However, I did find this one you might find helpful. http://www.texashighways.com/index.p...x-10-top-hikes

We enjoy the trail around Lake Georgetown. We have done parts of the hike but not the complete loop.

Pace Bend Park has an extensive set of trails. The base trail map they give is nothing compared to the map trails they actually have. You could literally spend all day hiking all the trails, and the relief is quite impressive. I'd guess there is 10+ miles of the base trails and 15+ other auxiliary trails not listed on the map given at the entrance. Warning: it is easy to get lost on the trails.

The other great thing about Pace Bend is that the trails are virtually empty - everyone is at the beach and hanging out at the lake.

Information on the hikes:

http://www.austinexplorer.com/Locati...ocationID=1372

It will be longer than an hour drive, but Lost Maples State Natural area is a gorgeous hike in the late fall when the maples are changing. It's sort of hard to time it properly, but we've hit the color pretty well around the 1st of November...maybe a bit later.

The drive out (from San Antonio) is pretty scenic in itself. We do it as a day trip, leaving early, which you must do, as in the fall, the parking lot can fill up and they will close it. There are some loop trails, well marked, with steep sections not being terribly long. It's best to wear hiking boots. It's truly one of the prettiest hiking areas in south central Texas.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/f...s/lost_maples/