BASTROP STATE PARK

LOST PINES LOOP • 4.3 MILES

For a physical, tangible example of what a new start looks like, take a first day hike in Bastrop State Park where you can explore the new growth that is taking place after the wildfires that swept through the park several years ago. A hike to a historic CCC shelter will provide a scenic overlook of the park and a peaceful place to stop and think about the new year in front of you. Start your hike at the parking area near the park road and the Lost Pines Loop southern trail head (near the #7 Point of Interest on the park map). From here, it’s a short 0.75 mile hike to the overlook. Explore more of the trail if you’d like to lengthen it.

LAKE COLORADO CITY STATE PARK

ROAD RUNNER LOOP TRAIL • 1.8 MILES

Nestled on the Colorado River between Abilene and Midland lies Lake Colorado City State Park, home to a 1,600 acre lake and over 300 species of birds. The Road Runner Loop Trail is a moderate loop hike that provides access to a hidden pond and a scenic overlook that makes a great picnic spot. At just under 2 miles, this is a great Panhandle hike for novice hikers.

SEMINOLE CANYON STATE PARK

VARIOUS TRAILS • 1-6 MILES

When thinking about new goals, a renewed self and setting your sights on the future, sometimes it helps to revisit the past. And at Seminole Canyon State Park, you do exactly that. We recommend visiting this park to view some of the best preserved ancient rock art in North America. These Texas cliffs are full of incredible pictographs from early inhabitants and are only accessible via guided hike by the park rangers. Check the parks event page before planning your trip to make sure you arrive for one of their daily guided hikes to these wonderful sites!

Note: The park is currently open for tours and hiking only. The camping closure is scheduled to last through June 2020.

ATLANTA STATE PARK

WHITE OAK RIDGE TRAIL • 1.2 MILES

Tucked away in the far North East corner of the state is Atlanta State Park, home to towering pines, 33,000 acre lake, and 5 miles of trails that can entertain the novice to the experienced. We recommend exploring the White Oak Ridge Trail, a 1.2 mile trail that has a few high scenic points and lake access that will provide any hiker a full experience of what this little corner of Texas has to offer.