TPWD Veteran Mental Health Awareness Ruck Hike
Sat, September 26, 2026
Join us at South Llano River State Park for our 2nd Annual Veteran Mental Health Awareness Ruck Hike!
This event aims to raise awareness about veteran mental health and suicide, during Veteran Suicide Awareness Month. How many laps can you complete in the name of Veteran Suicide Awareness?
Where: Meet at Main Day Use Parking Lot
What to Expect: We will begin the hike together, with both park staff and visitors walking about a one-mile loop. The walk and ruck will start at Main Day Use Parking and proceed in a clockwise loop down the paved road, turning right on Park Road 73, and a right onto the Interpretive Trail to complete the loop back to Main Day Use Parking. We encourage participants to complete as many loops as they would like, recording their final distance at the Hike & Ruck beginning point.
We will calculate the total distance walked to support Veteran Suicide Awareness!
Path Conditions: A little more than half the route is on paved surface, through the bottomland area at South Llano River State Park. The remainder of the route follows the Interpretive Trail, which will include some uneven surfaces, and minor inclines and declines.
**An accessible route will be available.
What to Bring: We recommend comfortable shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. Water stations will be available to refill water bottles at the start/finish table, as well as the halfway point.
Cost: Park fees will be waived for participants. Please check in at HQ and let the staff know you are participating in the Veteran Ruck Hike.
You do NOT need to register or make a reservation for this event.
South Llano River State Park is collecting non-perishable food items and hygiene products to donate to Kimble County Veterans Office at the Ruck Hike. - Canned goods, dried meats, non-refrigerated items, and hygiene items all welcome.
Optional: If you would like to complete the loop as a ruck hike, please bring your own ruck and weights.
If ADA assistance is required, please request modifications using this form or email the accessibility team at least 30 days in advance.