The 6 Best LCRA Parks for Hiking in Texas
Crowds. As a hiker, I hope that word didn’t scare you. We are all trying to avoid groups of people when we want to explore a park we love or want to see for the first time.
We can name at least one place in Texas that deals with this problem. Don’t get me wrong; it is amazing to see a park getting the love it deserves (it helps to keep our park systems alive). It’s just that, as a hiker who loves a little more solitude and doesn’t want to worry about not grabbing a day pass in time, I crave a good park that is available for me to explore any day.
This is where Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) parks take center stage. Keep reading to learn what the heck LCRA parks are and uncover some of the best ones for hiking.
Photo of Lake Bastrop from the North South Trailway at Lake Bastrop South Shore
What is a Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) park?
In a nutshell, LCRA produces and delivers power, manages the water supply in the lower Colorado River basin, and maintains parks and recreation areas. They have 42 public parks between San Saba and Matagorda Bay, mostly along the Colorado River and lakes like Lake Bastrop.
How is it different from a Texas State Park?
LCRA parks are a part of a separate parks system and they stand out because of their unique amenities to guests. Some have mini-golf and kayak rentals, and others are ideal for the camper who wants a primitive experience. Every single one is different in its own way.
6 LCRA Parks For Hiking
1. Grelle Recreation Area
Grelle Recreation Area is located in Spicewood, TX, and has over 8 miles of multiuse trails along the hills and coast of Lake Travis. Check out Hawkeye Point and the Overlook Trail for some nice views of the lake. Keep in mind that there are no flushing toilets here, so plan accordingly.
Fee to Enter: $5
Trail Map: View Here
2. Lake Bastrop South Shore
Lake Bastrop South Shore is the perfect match if you are looking for a park with it all. You can hike the 4.5-mile North South Trailway for a scenic day trip between both parks off of Lake Bastrop (the other is Lake Bastrop North Shore which is mainly for glamping/camping).
Fee to Enter: $5
Trail Map: View Here
3. McKinney Roughs Nature Park
On the way out to Bastrop from Austin, TX, you will find McKinney Roughs Nature Park nestled right off of 71. Over 17 miles of trails at this park wind through piney forests and lead you along the Colorado River.
Fee to Enter: $5
Trail Map: View Here
4. Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
Also located in Spicewood, TX, Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area offers a place to relax and adventure outdoors. For hikers, there are 9.8 miles of multi-use trails with beautiful views of Lake Travis. And if you visit in April or May during the wildflower season, you can see blankets of bluebonnets!
Fee to Enter: $5
Trail Map: View Here
5. Pedernales River Nature Park
This park, located in Johnson City, is great if you want to spend the day in the water and do a little hiking near the Pedernales River. There is a 1.8-mile trail that loops around the entire park. Make sure to pay the entrance fee at the self-pay station when you enter the park!
Fee to Enter: $5 (cash)
Trail Map: View Here
6. Shaffer Bend Recreation Area
Located along the lower Colorado River, Shaffer Bend Recreation Area offers sandy beaches and stunning views of Lake Travis. There are 5.2 miles of trails that allow you to see the entirety of the park. Afterward, take a dip in the water to cool off during the summer!
Fee to Enter: $5
Trail Map: View Here
LCRA Parks in Texas for Hiking
For the Texas hiker who wants to break away from the packed trails at other popular locations, LCRA parks might be your next obsession. Pack your hiking backpack and get to exploring all the parks that LCRA has to offer along the Colorado River down to the coast of Texas. Do your research beforehand to understand what each park will have available to you (like flushing toilets).
Happy hiking! If you have an LCRA park that you love, please let me know in the comments.
