Seven Best Hiking Spots Near Marble Falls

Stunning views, luscious lakes, wonderful wildlife—it’s all in the Texas Lakes and Hill Country near Gregg Ranch. We love exploring the hiking opportunities and discovering new trails every time we venture out, especially with our perfect Fall temperatures. From hidden waterfalls, to mysterious caves and never-ending views, our favorites range from great family hikes or a leisurely stroll, to an adrenaline-filled day of vigorous vertical adventure. Check out our top seven and let us know your favorite spots to hike through gorgeous hill country.

1. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

At 23,000 acres, it’s the largest park in the area, located about 20 miles southeast of Marble Falls. Try out one of the nearly seven miles of trails with amazing views, vegetation and wildlife. In the Doeskin Ranch area, choose from the Pond and Prairie trail, a short hike through prairie and woodland forest; the Creek Trail, along a creek with plenty of shade; the 2.2-mile Rimrock Trail with panoramic views; or the Indiangrass Trail through a quiet forest.

24518 RR 1431, Marble Falls, TX https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Balcones_Canyonlands/visitor_activities/wildlife_watching_and_nature_trails.html

2. Colorado Bend State Park

Don’t miss this! A little over an hour northwest of Marble Falls is Colorado Bend State Park, with 37 miles of beautiful hiking trails through lush greenery, desert terrain, caves and more. The Gorman Falls hike is the highlight of the area, with a 70-foot spring-fed waterfall. Prepare for a three-mile round trip hike over rough and rocky terrain. It’s definitely worth the trip!

2236 Park Hill Drive, Bend, TX

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/colorado-bend

3. Longhorn Cavern State Park

Love caves? This one’s fascinating! Longhorn Cavern State Park is about 25 miles northwest of Marble Falls. The shady refuge is around 68 degrees all year, with calcite crystals and dripping stalactites. Technically, it’s a flow cave formed by a river. It was once a speakeasy during Prohibition, served as an emergency bunker during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration, and is rumored to have $2 million in cash hidden in the cave. A bit strenuous, with 52 steps in and out of the cave. No entry fee, but cave access is by guided tour only at $18 adults, $13 ages 3-12, infants free.

6211 Park Road 4 South, Burnet, TX

https://visitlonghorncavern.com/

4. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Nearly 11 miles of hiking trails are waiting for you about an hour north of Marble Falls at the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. It’s busy on weekends and holidays, so be prepared for a wait to get in, but it’s worth it and once inside, there’s no noticeable congestion on the trails. The Loop Trail is a four-mile hike around the perimeter of the dome, or there’s the Summit Trail if you want to tackle a steep climb of 425 feet in 0.6 miles. Gorgeous views at the top!

16710 Ranch Road 965, Fredericksburg, TX

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock

4. Inks Lake State Park

About 30 minutes northwest of Marble Falls on the Colorado River, you’ll find nine miles of hiking trails through rocky hills and shady forests by a refreshing lake at Inks Lake State Park. Pecan Flats Trail takes you to the highest elevation, a fairly short and easy climb, where you can see Texas Hill Country and the Falkenstein Castle. Another nice trail leads to Devil’s Waterhole, a deep blue sinkhole, with pools for swimming and waterfalls. It’s a perfect day trip!

3630 Park Road 4 West, Burnet, TX

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake

5. Pace Bend Park

With impressive views from a paved road that loops around the park, Pace Bend Park is about 30 minutes southeast of Marble Falls. The hiking area is in the center, with 15 miles of trails through mesquite trees and green oak. Try the Wookiee Way trail, featuring rocky cliffs, sharp turns and wooden bridges, where you can see Lake Travis and several mansions in the hills. Trails are mostly easy, but the park has little signage, so go prepared. A surprising amount of wildlife, including deer, may be spotted. $10 per car to enter.

2011 Pace Bend Road North, Spicewood, TX

https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/pace-bend

6. Pedernales Falls State Park

Named for the river that flows through it, Pedernales Falls State park is about 45 miles south of Marble Falls, with 20 miles of trails that range from easy to challenging. Try the half-mile Twin Falls Nature Trail and stop at the scenic overlook by the falls or tackle the six-mile Wolf Mountain Trail. The views can’t be beat, and you may come across a herd of deer, a jackrabbit, an armadillo or even a wild hog.

2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, TX

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/pedernales-falls

Don’t forget the sunscreen, sturdy hiking shoes and bring a buddy. Once you complete a few of these trails, you’ll begin to understand what Texas hiking is all about!

Located in charming Marble Falls, Texas this 240-acre master-planned community is northwest of Austin and is anticipated to be home to approximately 700 single-family and 250 multi-family residences. A central community area with an outdoor pool, ramada, barbecue area, shaded play area and bocce ball and horseshoe pits are planned. Gregg Ranch outdoor amenities will also include 5.5 miles of jogging and biking trails throughout the community, plus a dog park. The community is conveniently located at the intersection of State Highways 281 and 71, and is a short drive to Lake Marble Falls, Lake LBJ and the famed Texas Lake and Hill Country. Visit http://greggranch.com/ to learn more.

Reference: https://www.101highlandlakes.com/hiking