The Best Fall Hiking Around New Braunfels
September 17, 2021
Feed your wild side and get outdoors this fall, because the New Braunfels area will be alive with gorgeous fall colors. Fill your lungs with the fresh autumn air, and feed your body and soul with these great hikes not far from Treeside RV Resort.
These hikes are all rated ‘easy’ to ‘moderate,’ and some are more lengthy than others.
Dante’s Trail. This is rated as ‘moderate’ and is almost 8 miles long. Located in Purgatory Creek Natural Area, stroll past majestic Southern oak trees, curious whitetail deer, and thriving cacti. The trail offers several options and is best hiked from April through October for the best weather.
Panther Canyon Nature Trail. One of the more popular hikes and located in Landa Park, it’s got a lovely rugged aesthetic with rare trees in an idyllic location. The trail traverses 49 acres of native plants and varied wildlife. The gently sloping trail is about 1.6 miles round trip. Walk under the shade of mighty oak trees, Ashe juniper, cedar elm, and under-story trees including Mexican buckeye, Texas persimmon and kidneywood.
Dry Comal Nature Trail. A 2 ¼-mile loop located off of Loop 337 and Dry Comal Creek. The trail is open to both biking and pedestrian traffic and is the only mountain bike trail in the area’s park system. Meander through several different habitats: savanna with mesquite trees and prickly pear cacti, an upland forest filled with old live oaks, cedar elm, Ashe juniper, and riparian habitat with boxelder, hackberry, and pecan trees.
Lost Maples Trail. About 30 miles north of Treeside RV Resort near Austin’s southern border, Lost Maples State Natural area features lots of Bigtooth Maples, lending a grand beauty to the place any time of year. But fall is really when this trail shines when fantastic fall colors explode from the leaves, luring many people to the area. If you want to visit this time of year, expect crowds, or try to hit it during the week. Get here early on weekends for prime parking. Be sure to bring your camera!
County Line Memorial Trail. Located in New Braunfels, this is an easy out-and-back trail that totals 4 miles roundtrip. The trailhead is located on the south side of County Line Road, where there is a small area for parking. This trail passes Kraft Park, Hoffman Park, and Fischer Park before ending abruptly at Seguin Avenue. The trail does not give much shade, so take that into consideration on those warm days.
Honey Creek State Natural Area. This area about 44 miles west of the resort rests along the southern rim of Guadalupe River State Park. The trail is a quiet, 2-mile loop adorned with teal Guadalupe, dwarf palmettos, and bald cypresses. A welcome respite if you need something peaceful.