From stunning lakes and waterfalls to picturesque fields of flowers, the great state of Texas boasts a diverse array of natural beauty. Specifically, these five breathtaking landmarks are sure to inspire your next road trip and expand your Texas bucket list.
- Hamilton Pool
-
Image Credit: https://www.ellieteramoto.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Hamilton-Pool-In-The-Summer-Colors-Texas1.jpg
Located 24 miles west of Austin, Hamilton Pool features a 50-foot water that cascades into a body of crystal-clear water below. Hamilton pool invites visitors to cool off from the scorching summer heat while offering a perfect escape from the bustling city nearby. Be sure to make reservations in advance of your visit, as spots are limited and fill up months in advance during busy months.
- Caddo Lake
-
The only natural lake in Texas and the second largest in the South, Caddo Lake is located along the Texas-Louisiana border. The lake spans a massive 25,4000 acres and visitors can fish, paddle, or hike along the lake while admiring the mystical and at times haunting landscape reminiscent of a romantic painting.
- Gorman Falls
-
ImageCredit: https://media4.trover.com/T/5a92eca4ced189a86f0117ba/fixedw_large_4x.jpg
Located along a three-mile hiking trail in Colorado Bend State Park, Gorman falls looks like a landscape taken straight from a fairytale. While hiking through the breathtaking scenery of the Texas Hill Country, visitors can marvel at a 70-foot waterfall surrounded by impossibly green trees. Better yet, the trail is pet friendly, so you can bring your favorite fury friend along for the journey.
- Willow City Loop
-
Image Credit: https://texashillcountry.com/wp-content/uploads/Willow-City-Loop.png
Located in Fredericksburg, Willow City Loop takes visitors through a 13-mile scenic drive of the Texas Hill Country. While driving through rolling hills and stunning meadows, viewers witness a picturesque scene painted with colorful wildflowers, including the iconic Texas bluebonnet. A landmark of Texas scenery, Willow City Loop is a must see, and can be best enjoyed during the springtime when the flowers are in full bloom.
- Lost Maples State Natural Area
-
Image Credit: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples/gallery/lost-maples_959.2_647.jpg
Lost Maples State Natural Area provides refuge for a special strand of maple tree called the Uvalde bigtooth maple and is best known for its explosion of color during the fall months as maple leaves morph into stunning hues of red, orange, and yellow. When reflected into the water below, these colors blend and create the effect of a real-life impressionist painting. Visitors can camp, fish, or hike along the water’s edge while revealing in the beauty of the colors that surround them.