Construction is Underway!
September 2025
By Ranger Anthony
- Nature Center
Construction has begun at the Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area!
Designed to protect the Hill Country’s unique ecosystem while inviting you to explore its beauty, we are building this space with the future in mind. This will be one of the few places where the public can see what the Hill Country looked like before the hills were claimed for development.
Soon, families will gather here for picnics under native oaks, students will learn about Hill Country ecology, and hikers will explore miles of scenic trails.
Construction of the Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area is paving the way for future hikers and campers.
Construction updates
Main roadways and the building sites have been cleared, and many foundations are ready for construction. Here are some details of what you can expect.
Hwy 46 entrance: Construction is underway on a turn lane on Highway 46 for easier access to our site.
Headquarters: Headquarters will house a gift shop and some park offices.
Interpretive Center: Most parking will be in this area, as will the nature center, an amphitheater and a group pavilion. We will collect rainwater from the roofs of these structures.
Camping: The campground will have cabins, primitive campsites and a bathroom. ADA campsites and an ADA cabin will be available.
- Six cabins (with electricity but without bathrooms)
- Four screened shelters
- 13 primitive tent sites
- Bathroom with showers and restrooms
We will also have backpacking tent sites and a group site in the backcountry area. Campers at these sites will have access to composting toilets.
Hiking trails: We will have about 25 miles of hiking trails, including front country, back country and 3 miles of accessible trail. All trails will provide views of what the Texas Hill Country has to offer: rolling hills, geological features, watershed creek beds and an abundance of wildlife.
Maintenance yard: Every park and natural area needs a maintenance yard. We will share ours with the TPWD Wildland Fire team that is working out of ABKSNA.
Other Notes
We will be conducting numerous surveys this fall:
- Vegetation surveys along Bessie’s Creek
- Surveys of proposed trail routes to avoid species of significant concern (SGCN) vegetation
- Golden-cheeked warbler surveys
- Deer camera and spotlight surveys
We use volunteers on fall surveys and special projects. Check TPWD’s Volunteer Management System for upcoming volunteer opportunities!
