Hiking & State Parks Near Lake Travis

The short answer: the closest great hiking to Lake Travis’s North Shore is at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, a free refuge about 20 to 30 minutes from The Hollows. Within an hour you also have lakeside county and LCRA parks, and within about two hours sit three of the best-known parks in Texas: Pedernales Falls, Inks Lake, and Enchanted Rock. Add swimming holes like Hamilton Pool and Krause Springs and you can fill a week without repeating a trail.

This guide is written by our local team at Hill Country Lakes Rentals for guests staying in The Hollows, Jonestown, and Lago Vista. Drive times are approximate from The Hollows.

Lake Travis Hiking at a Glance

Park	Drive from The Hollows	Best for
The Hollows trails	From your door	Easy walks, lake overlooks
Balcones Canyonlands NWR	20 to 30 min	Free trails, views, birding
Arkansas Bend Park	About 15 min	Shoreline, picnics, easy trails
Lake Georgetown	About 45 min	Long-distance hiking
Pedernales Falls State Park	About 1.5 hr	River falls, full-day hikes
Inks Lake State Park	About 1 hr 15 min	Pink granite, swimming
Enchanted Rock	About 2 hr	Iconic summit hike
Hamilton Pool Preserve	About 1 hr 15 min	Grotto waterfall (reservation required)

Trails Closest to Your Rental

The Hollows Trail System

The Hollows has miles of paved and natural-surface walking trails through the community: more than 8 miles according to the developer, and over 10 according to the property owners association. They connect neighborhoods with the Beach Club, the Trailhead Club, and lake overlooks, and deer are a common sight at dawn and dusk. Ask us for a trail map when you check in, and see our complete guide to The Hollows for the amenities along the way.

Escalon Ranch

Our Escalon Ranch estate in Lago Vista sits on 49 private acres, and guests can walk the property’s own paths, with intermittent streams and a seasonal waterfall after rain.

Where Can I Hike for Free Near Lago Vista?

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (20 to 30 min)

The refuge protects Hill Country habitat northwest of Lago Vista, and its two trail areas are free and open sunrise to sunset, every day of the year.

• Doeskin Ranch: about 4.5 miles of connected loops. The easy 0.5-mile Pond and Prairie Trail suits young children; the 1.6-mile Rimrock Trail is rated difficult and climbs to the best views.
• Warbler Vista: short trails and an observation deck looking over the canyons toward Lake Travis.
• Rules: no dogs and no bikes on refuge trails. Bring water; there is little shade.

Lake Travis Parks Closest to The Hollows

You do not have to drive to a state park to get on a trail or the shoreline. These lakeside parks are run by Travis County, the LCRA and the City of Jonestown, and most are a short drive away. Most charge a small day-use fee (the county parks are $5 per adult, cash only), and shoreline access depends on the Lake Travis water level, so check each park’s page before you go.

• Jones Brothers Park (Jonestown): the city park closest to The Hollows, with two boat ramps. Non-residents pay a daily fee at the kiosk ($20 per day to launch or park as of 2025), and ramp status changes with the lake level, so check the city’s parks page first.
• Arkansas Bend Park (Lago Vista): 323 acres with two miles of shoreline, multi-use trails, fishing, picnic areas, 18 campsites with hookups, and two boat ramps.
• Gloster Bend Recreation Area (west of Lago Vista): an LCRA day-use park, open sunrise to sunset, with over a mile of shoreline, two secluded coves, picnic tables and grills, and a boat ramp. Check ramp status with the LCRA before towing a boat.
• Turkey Bend Recreation Area (off Shaw Drive, further west toward Marble Falls): a large LCRA park with 30 lakeside campsites, swimming areas, hiking trails, and horseback riding.
• Pace Bend Park (Spicewood, across the lake): about 1,368 acres with more than nine miles of shoreline, limestone cliffs, swimming coves, and improved and primitive camping.
• Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area (Spicewood, across the lake): an LCRA park with miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, and one of the area’s best bluebonnet displays in March and April.

For everything in the county park system, see the Travis County trail list and park map.

State Parks Within About Two Hours

Texas state parks can reach capacity on weekends, holidays, and spring break. Reserve a day pass on the Texas Parks and Wildlife reservation site before you drive out.

Pedernales Falls State Park (about 1.5 hours southwest)

One of the most spectacular state parks in Central Texas. The Pedernales River cuts through layered limestone, creating dramatic falls and swimming holes. Hiking ranges from the 0.5-mile Twin Falls Nature Trail to the 9.7-mile Juniper Ridge Trail.

• Swimming: natural river swimming in calm sections below the falls, when water levels permit (swimming is not allowed at the falls themselves)
• Camping: primitive and developed sites available
• Trails: Wolf Mountain Loop (5.5 miles round trip), Cypress Mill Loop (4.1 miles, crosses the river at Trammell Crossing, so expect wet feet)

Address: 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636

Inks Lake State Park (about 1 hour 15 minutes northwest)

A constant-level lake on the Colorado River framed by pink granite. Because the level holds steady, Inks Lake is a good backup when Lake Travis is low. Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking trails along the lake and granite outcrops.

• Highlight: Devil’s Waterhole, a swimming cove almost completely enclosed by pink rock
• Trails: several short trails, including the 1.3-mile Devil’s Backbone Nature Trail and the 2.2-mile Woodland Trail

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (about 2 hours west)

A massive pink granite dome rising 425 feet above the surrounding countryside, and one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Texas.

• Summit hike: short but steep, about 425 feet of climbing on exposed granite with no shade
• Best time to visit: gates open at 6:30 AM; weekends and holidays often reach capacity
• Pro tip: reserve a day pass on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website in advance (up to 30 days out)

Lake Georgetown (about 45 minutes northeast)

Lake Georgetown, on the North San Gabriel River, offers excellent hiking through cedar-dominated Hill Country terrain. The Good Water Loop is a challenging trail of roughly 26 to 28 miles around the lake, and shorter sections make good day hikes.

Milton Reimers Ranch Park (about 1 hour 15 minutes south)

A Travis County park on almost three miles of the Pedernales River, best known for its limestone climbing walls (roughly 300 routes) and about 18 miles of mountain bike trails, plus hiking and river access. It sits on Hamilton Pool Road, so it pairs well with a Hamilton Pool reservation.

Swimming Holes Near Lake Travis

Hamilton Pool Preserve (about 1 hour 15 minutes south)

A collapsed grotto ringed by 50-foot limestone walls, with a waterfall spilling into a jade-green pool. One of the most photographed swimming holes in Texas. Reservations are required every day (book via Travis County Parks), and swimming is allowed only when water quality permits, so check the status before you go.

Krause Springs (about 1 hour southwest)

A family-owned swimming hole near Spicewood with 32 springs, a small waterfall, and a cypress-lined swimming area. Day use is first come, first served.

Blue Hole Regional Park, Wimberley (about 1.5 hours south)

The Cypress Creek swimming hole at Blue Hole is a beloved Hill Country classic. Swim-season reservations are required.

Trail Running

The North Shore terrain (limestone ridges, cedar breaks, and canyon drainages) is well suited to trail running. The Hollows trail system is the most accessible option from our properties. For more challenging terrain, Pedernales Falls, Muleshoe Bend, and Enchanted Rock offer excellent single-track.

Tips for Hiking the Texas Hill Country

• Go early in warm months: from May through September, start before 8 AM. Most trails have minimal shade. October through April is the most comfortable hiking season (see our month-by-month guide to Lake Travis).
• Hydration: carry more water than you think you need, about a liter per person per hour in summer.
• Rattlesnakes: present throughout the Hill Country. Watch where you step and reach, especially on rocky trails.
• Flash floods: low-water crossings and river trails can flood fast after rain. Never cross moving water.
• Reserve ahead: Hamilton Pool, Blue Hole (in swim season), and busy state parks like Enchanted Rock need reservations or fill early.
• State park passes: the Texas State Parks Pass ($95 a year since 2024) gives the passholder and their guests unlimited day-use entry to Texas state parks, which pays off if you visit several parks in a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hike near Lake Travis?

For most visitors staying on the North Shore, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is the best nearby hike: it is free, about 20 to 30 minutes from The Hollows, and has short loops with big Hill Country views at Doeskin Ranch and Warbler Vista. For a full-day trip, Pedernales Falls State Park (about 1.5 hours) has river falls and trails from half a mile to almost 10 miles.

Are there free hiking trails near Lago Vista and Jonestown?

Yes. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, northwest of Lago Vista, has free trails at Doeskin Ranch and Warbler Vista, open sunrise to sunset every day. Dogs and bikes are not allowed on the refuge trails. Guests staying in The Hollows can also walk the community’s own trail system.

Do I need a reservation to hike Enchanted Rock?

A reservation is strongly recommended. Texas Parks and Wildlife sells day passes up to 30 days ahead, and Enchanted Rock often reaches capacity on weekends and holidays. Without a pass you may be turned away at the gate.

Do I need a reservation for Hamilton Pool?

Yes. Travis County requires a reservation every day for Hamilton Pool Preserve, and swimming is allowed only when water quality permits. Check the preserve’s status before you go.

When is the best time of year to hike near Lake Travis?

October through April. Spring brings wildflowers (bluebonnets usually peak in late March and April) and fall brings mild, dry days. From May through September, start before 8 AM: most Hill Country trails have little shade and afternoon heat is serious.

Are there trails inside The Hollows on Lake Travis?

Yes. The Hollows has more than 8 miles of paved and natural-surface trails, according to the developer (the property owners association says over 10 miles), connecting neighborhoods, community amenities, and lake overlooks. Guests registered with the community can use all trails.

Is a Texas State Parks Pass worth it?

If you plan to visit several state parks in a year, usually yes. The Texas State Parks Pass costs $95 a year and gives the passholder and their guests unlimited day-use entry to Texas state parks.

Stay Close to the Trails

Make the North Shore your base camp. Our vacation rentals in The Hollows put community trails outside your door, the refuge 20 minutes away, and the lake in view when you get back. For more ideas, see things to do around Lake Travis and where to eat after a long hike.

Header photo: Lake Travis from Arkansas Bend Park, by Memer15151, CC BY-SA 4.0. All photos are cropped and resized.