First Day Hikes!

Take your first hike of the year in the beautiful hill country!

Let your first hike of 2024 be a good one! Join us for a guided hike along one of several different trails! Choose your difficulty, length, and what you'll see along the way! Afterward we'll have first day stickers for everyone who joined!

Guided hikes:

• 8:30am - Hackenburg Loop Trail - Comfortable Difficulty. This 1.5-mile trail traverses a large field and forest area before descending down to the Pedernales River. Beautiful views of the river lead to some steep spots along the ridge that overlooks it. The trail is mostly dirt with a half/half sunlight and shade. The trail ends at the Falls Overlook. Meet at the Main Falls Parking Lot to join.
• 11:00am - First Day River Walk - Moderate difficulty. This hike descends down into the river valley, then climbs back up into a hike along a forested dry creek bed. There are steep climbs and a steep stair case downhill, and rocky terrain. The trail loops back to the parking lot and is about 2 miles long. Meet at the Swimming Area Parking Lot to join.

Self-guided hikes:

Want to hike on your own schedule? Try out these trails for your first day hike! Find the hidden First Day animals scattered on the trail and earn a gift from us!

• Hackenburg Loop - Easy Difficulty - 1.5 miles. This trail takes you down to the river where you can see the largest trees in the park and the damage that floods have wrought. 
• Wolf Mt. - Moderate Difficulty - 5-6 miles. Completing the entire trail adds up to 8 miles but you can always shorten that. This wide trail is great for mountain biking, and takes you across several small creeks. It has some gentle slopes and is mostly gravel.
• Cypress Mill Loop Trail - Challenging - 5.5 - 8 miles. This trail is for adventure seekers! Park at the Picnic Area,  and take Coyote Crossing to link to Trammell Crossing Trail. Take that steep trail down to the river, and cross to the other side (you will get wet here). A steep uphill hike will get you up to the main portion of the trail. Hiking to the overlook and back is 5 miles or so from the Picnic Area. Add on additional trails to make this longer!

Normal entrance fees are required to enter the park, no additional fees or registration required to attend these programs.

Reserve your day pass and pay entrance fees ahead of time to guarantee your entrance on the busiest of days! Go to our website to reserve!

All hikes listed are dog friendly. Dogs must be on a leash at all times and must be picked up after.

Dress for the weather! Bring water to drink as well.