Health & wellness
BY SARAH HERNANDEZ
Trail guide With its scenic views of the Texas Hill Country and various ecological environments, Hays County has a multitude of areas available for hiking, biking, nature exploration and more. Here are some to check out around San Marcos, Buda and Kyle. This list is not comprehensive.
Length: 1 mile Trail type: Hiking, biking • 4440 Old Stagecoach Road, San Marcos • www.hayscountytx.gov/ive-mile-dam-park Ringtail Ridge Natural Area Located in northeastern San Marcos, this 45-acre area includes two trails. According to the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance, Ringtail Ridge’s stock ponds o er unique bird and bug walks. Length: About 3 miles Trail type: Hiking, biking
San Marcos
Historic Stagecoach Park Buda’s 51-acre park includes a loop o ering views of large trees and occasional wildlife. Length: About 1 mile Trail type: Hiking, biking • 880 Main St., Buda • www.budatx.gov/291/historic-stagecoach-park
Manchaca
45 SW Trail Located 10 minutes north of downtown Buda in Manchaca, this paved trail runs along the 45 tollway from FM 1626 to Escarpment Boulevard in South Austin. South access to the trail is available from the Bliss Spillar Trailhead. Length: 4.5 miles Trail type: Hiking, biking • 2841 1/2 Bliss Spillar Road, Manchaca • www.mobilityauthority.com/projects-programs/ shared-use-paths/45sw
• 1814 Ranch to Market 12, San Marcos • www.smgreenbelt.org/text-blocks/ ringtail-ridge-natural-area
Buda
Kyle
Cullen Country Park Trail This park features a greenbelt/trail that backs up to Garlic Creek Park. The natural, tree-shaded trail o ers picnic tables and benches along the way. Length: 8 miles Trail type: Hiking • 211 Cullen Blvd., Buda • www.budatx.gov/286/cullen-country-park
Spring Lake Natural Area San Marcos’ second-largest natural area o ers multiple natural-ground trails for hiking, biking, birding, photography and more. An “ecological jewel,” the Spring Lake area o ers trails like Tonkawa, Blue Stem and Buckeye varying in length and diculty. Certain trails are closed March through May annually. Length: Varies by trail Trail type: Hiking, biking • 921 Aquarena Springs Drive, San Marcos • www.smgreenbelt.org/new-map-spring-lake-preserve
Plum Creek Trail This trail connects Steeplechase Park, Lake Kyle, Bunton Creek Park and Waterleaf Park. Leashed pets are allowed. Length: 3.5 miles Trail type: Hiking, biking • 108 Decker, Kyle • www.cityofkyle.com/recreation/page/trails
Purgatory Creek Natural Area A popular destination for hikers, bikers, birders and nature explorers, Purgatory Creek Natural Area contains multiple trails with varying levels of diculty. Its trails like Dante, Beatrice and Malacoda o er a variety of vegetation to explore.
Length: Varies by trail Trail type: Hiking, biking • 2102 Hunter Road, San Marcos • www.smgreenbelt.org/natural-areas
San Marcos
Five Mile Dam The trail around the Five Mile Dam Soccer Complex features a natural setting with access to the Blanco River.
SAN MARCOS 510 Barnes Dr (512) 392-0366
CREEKSIDE TOWN CENTER 263 Creekside Crossing (830) 608-1969
SOUTHPARK MEADOWS 9900 IH-35 Service Rd S (512) 280-7400
NEW BRAUNFELS 1671 IH-35 S (830) 629-0434
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