Hiking & State Parks Near Lake Travis

The North Shore of Lake Travis is flanked by limestone ridges, cedar-oak woodlands, and the rolling terrain of the Texas Hill Country. From community trails near your rental to state parks within a couple of hours’ drive, the area offers serious hiking for all ability levels.

On the North Shore

The Hollows Trail System

The Hollows has miles of paved and natural-surface walking trails through the community, connecting neighborhoods with the community amenities and lake overlooks. Deer are a common sight. Ask us for a trail map when you check in.

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.

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 from The Hollows. Most charge a small day-use fee (the county parks are $5 per adult, cash only), and shoreline access depends on the lake 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.
• Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (northwest of Lago Vista): free hiking trails at Warbler Vista and Doeskin Ranch, open sunrise to sunset, with good birding in spring when the golden-cheeked warbler nests. No dogs or bikes on the trails.

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

State Parks Within About Two Hours

Pedernales Falls State Park (~1.5 hours southwest)

One of the most spectacular state parks in Central Texas. The Pedernales River cuts through layered limestone, creating dramatic waterfalls 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)
• Camping: Primitive and developed sites available
• Trails: Wolf Mountain Loop (5.5 mi round trip), Cypress Mill Loop (4.1 mi, crosses the river at Trammell Crossing, so expect wet feet)

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

Inks Lake State Park (~1 hour 15 min northwest)

A constant-level lake on the Colorado River framed by pink granite. Swimming, kayaking, paddleboating, 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 (~2 hours west)

A massive pink granite dome rising 425 feet above the surrounding countryside. 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 & Wildlife website in advance (up to 30 days out)

Lake Georgetown (~45 min 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.

Swimming Holes

Hamilton Pool Preserve (~1 hour 15 min 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 (~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 (~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 for trail running. The Hollows trail system is the most accessible option from our properties. For more challenging terrain, Pedernales Falls and Enchanted Rock offer excellent single-track.

Tips for Hikers

• Hydration: Always carry more water than you think you need. The Hill Country is hot and dry March–October.
• Rattlesnakes: Present throughout the Hill Country. Watch where you step and reach, especially on rocky trails.
• Sunrise starts: Summer hiking should start before 8 AM. Most trails have minimal shade.
• State park passes: the Texas State Parks Pass ($95/year since 2024) gives the passholder and guests unlimited day-use entry to Texas state parks, which pays off if you visit several parks in a year.

Browse our vacation rentals in The Hollows to stay close to the community trails.