INKS LAKE STATE PARK

PECAN FLATS + LAKE TRAIL

Best Season: Spring

Easy

4 miles round trip

Connecting the Pecan Flats and Lake Trail provides hikers with 3.8 miles of scenic hill country views that twist and turn along the shores of Inks Lake and atop plateaus of pink granite. Spring time is the best season to visit as native Texas wildflowers cover the majority of these trails.

Starting in the parking lot just past the headquarters, hikers begin on the Lake Trail until reaching a “Y” intersection at about 0.35 miles. Take the hiker's left for the Pecan Flats Trail, cross Park Road 4, enter through the gate and follow the trail to hikers right. As you approach 0.75 miles, you will be find another intersection. Take hikers right and follow the Pecan Flat trail as it crosses through a low meadow, climbs a small hill and provides panoramic views of the hill country and Inks Lake. This area can be seen in our picture which was taken during a fiery sunrise on an early spring morning.

Trek until you reach the Connecting Trail at 1.18 miles, follow the Connecting Trail until it intersects with the Woodland Trail. Take hikers right and follow the Woodland Trail until you cross Park Road 4 again. After crossing, connect with the Lake Trail and turn hikers left as you begin to climb a small granite hill that will reward you with 360 degree views of the hill country and Inks Lake. This is the highest point of the hike and provides some wonderful panoramic views of the surrounding area. Descend the hill, cross a small footbridge and return to the trail head on the Lake Trail the same way you began.

DEVIL'S WATERHOLE

Best Season: Spring / Summer

Easy

2 miles round trip

The Devil’s Waterhole is a hill country splendor and best known as a treasured swimming hole to cool down on those hot Texas days. The hike to the main swim hole is a short 0.5 miles in and out. Pack a towel, swim trunks, and drinking water — you’ll want to hang out for a bit!

Start at the parking lot near Devil’s Waterhole Nature Trail and begin your hike towards the lake. After 0.25 miles, you will reach the main swimming area. On a crowded day, you’ll see swimmers, kayakers and cliff jumpers leaping into the lake! To continue, hike up the granite hill to hikers right and explore the features of the Devil’s Waterhole. If you aren’t swimming by now, continue your hike further back until reaching Valley Spring Creek Trail. This trail connects with the Devil’s Backbone Nature Trail that will lead you around to the opposite side of the swim hole where you can find unique vantage points to view the lake from.

To exit, return the same way you hiked in. If participating in cliff jumping, make sure to check the bottom of all your entry points before jumping in.