Hiking Gorman Falls with Kids: A Fun Day Trip to Texas Hill Country

Located about two hours northwest of Austin, Colorado Bend State Park is a scenic gem near San Saba, Texas. Nestled along the Colorado River, this rugged wilderness offers over 35 miles of hiking and biking trails, winding through canyons, waterfalls, and limestone cliffs—perfect for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike.

Gorman Falls from Tinaja Overlook

How to Reach?

Address: 1201 Colorado Park Road, Bend , TX 76824

Park Hours: 6 AM to 10 PM 

Entry Fee : $5 per person, kids under 12 yrs - free

This state park offers a hike to a cave, waterfalls, natural springs, fishing, camping, and swimming in spring-fed pools.

Best Time to Visit?

Since it's Texas, the best time to visit is not on a sunny day :-) Trails are not shaded. The waterfall looks amazing after rain, but the trail might be slippery after rain. 

A cloudy day would be good to enjoy the scenic view of the Colorado River, hike Spicewood Canyon, or enjoy Gorman Falls.

Where to Stay?

Austin is only 2 hrs away. That would be a good place to stay, but there are some cabins on Lake Buchanan and unique stays and resorts around the area.

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Here are some options:

 

Things to Do?

Hike Gorman Falls and Tinaja Overlook :

This is the most popular hike in the park. This 70-foot waterfall is accessible by a 3-mile round-trip trail. There is a restroom available at the trailhead. 

Here is our guide for a family-friendly hike to Gorman Falls. The first half of the trail is flat and easy. After 0.5 miles into the trail, there is a path that leads to Tinaja Overlook. It's 0.75 mile leading to a viewpoint of Colorado Bend, adding 1.4 miles out and back, but it is really worth the extra miles. There is a deck with a place to sit, relax, and enjoy the view. 

If you can brave it, you can carefully walk to the rock, which gives a clearer view. You can see Gorman Falls from this point as well. It's amazing. That viewpoint is Instagram worthy :-)

Another popular but difficult trail is the Tie Slide Trail, 2.3 miles one-way. This connects to the Tinaja Overlook.  

Beautiful view of Colorado River

Tinaja Overlook

Then, we joined our main trail again. Another 0.4 miles is easy. The last part of the trail is steep with rocky terrain. There are chains on the sides of the trail to hold on to while climbing down to the falls. This is the hardest part, and kids need more help. 

The waterfalls are beautiful. They are spread over multiple rocks, and one part of the falls is covered with trees. It is not easy to capture the falls on photos, but this needs to be enjoyed personally. 

There is a cool spot to sit, have snacks, and take a break. Heading back, of course, is a little tough as we have to climb up at least for 0.5 miles. It is easy after that. 

The trail took 2 to 3 hrs, I guess, for us with photo and snack breaks. We went the day after a heavy rain, so the waterfalls were gushing with force. 

By the way, our return hike was not smooth. Unfortunately, there were lightning and thunderstorms followed by heavy rain. Fortunately, we reached the car safely, but completely drenched. 

Gorman Falls

The green moss

Swim in Spicewood Springs:

Enjoy a series of spring-fed pools and refresh on a hot summer day along the Spicewood Springs Trail. Spicewood Springs Canyon Trail is a 3.8-mile loop. 

You might need water shoes for this trail, as there are a few water crossings. Spicewood Springs Trail is 1.3 miles out and back. We couldn't do it due to heavy rain, but I definitely recommend it. 

Try the Cave tour if you are up for an adventure!

This website allows you to book cave tours. They offer tours for different difficulty levels. There are around 400 caves in this area. These caves are not regular tourist-friendly ones. You should be ready to crawl, squeeze, climb etc., 

A headlamp/ flashlight, sturdy shoes are required, and you should be ready to get dirty and wet :-)

There is also an activity called Bat Hike, organized by park staff.

Visit Fiesta Winery

Address: 18727 W FM 580

Lometa, TX 76853

This local winery offers wine tastings, pizza, and cheese boards. With $25, you can experience a complimentary wine and taste your choice of 6 wine samples.  This winery is only 20 minutes away from the State park. They also have large outdoor seating. 

Check here for hours. 

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

So, that's about a quick trip on a weekend. How do you like it? Do let me know in the comments.

Anything else we missed in this area? Do let us know.

Until next time,

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Enchanted rock state natural area - Hill country, Texas

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is 20 mins away from a town inspired by German heritage - Fredericksburg. This large granite dome is challenging to hike, but this hike gives beautiful 360 degree views of Texas hill country.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/brianmrussell/9566091370

Enchanted Rock is 425 foot pink granite dome , also known as Batholith rock. Batholith means, a large mass of rock that forms when magma rises and solidifies. 

Address: 

16710 Ranch Rd. 965Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Hours: 10 am to 10 pm (please check website for the latest hours)

Reservations are recommended through their site while visiting the park. Entrance fee is $8 per adults and children under 12 years are free to enter.

Legends about Enchanted Rock:

Tonkawa tribes used to be scared that some ghost fires flicker at the top of the dome and there are some frightening sounds coming from the stone.

Scientists later confirmed that dome glitters on clear nights after rain due to the reflection from collected water. The dome also groans and creaks as temperature changes.

Activities in Enchanted Rock State Park:

Hiking:

There are 11 miles of hiking trails here. 

Summit trail climbing to the top of the rock is the most popular one. This 0.8 mile challenging trail might take 45 mins to 1 hr. Take your time climbing and stopping in the middle to enjoy the 360 degree views. 

Please don't under estimate this trail. Carry enough water and any snacks. Plan to hike on a cloudy day or when it is not too hot. 

Echo canyon trail is 0.7 mile moderate to challenging trail where you can checkout the giant boulders and other exfoliation features of little rock. 

Rock Climbing:

This park offers rock climbing for enthusiasts. The rock climbers should check at park headquarters to get the park map and understand climbing rules. 

Stargazing :

Enchanted rock has many legends and mysteries. This is one of the best places for star gazing. This is designated as International Dark Sky park.

This page tracks real time sky darkness. This will help you to know the days with clear skies to observe. 

This park also offers camping, picnicking, wild life watching, interpretive exhibits and a park store. 

So, that's a good place to visit in Spring break if it's not too hot. You can also spend some time in Fredericksburg.  You can stop by Llano and visit museums. Also, if you have time, drive the Peach loop if you are interested to watch wild life. There are some observation points on the way. 

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Until next time,

Pennybacker Bridge, Austin TX

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Pennybacker Bridge in Austin is across Lake Austin that connects northern and southern sections of Loop 360 highway. This is commonly called as 360 degree bridge. 

This bridge constructed in 1982 is named after Percy V. Pennybacker Jr, who was a pioneer in the building technology and designed many bridges for the Texas highways. Now, that's about the history.

Pennybacker Bridge Overlook

This view point is amazing overlooking the Bridge and the Lake. 

I have seen this Bridge and Overlook in many Austin travel magazines, news channels and blogs. This seems like an Austin trademark kind of place.

The trailhead is just before the Pennybacker bridge/ 360-degree bridge. There is not a lot of place to park cars and the Sunset is the busiest time.

Trust me when I say this simple hike with little elevation will blow you away. The view of the bridge, lake and the surrounding houses is a treat to watch. It never disappoints.

There are 2 paths to hike. One is to scramble through rocks and climb higher elevation in less time. Other is meandering towards the right side, which goes up slowly, and has a clear path between trees.

After going to the top, you can walk right side to get more views of the lake and many people come here for surprise date nights and have picnic watching the Sunset as well.

That's a cool romantic spot :-)

So, that's about a nice hiking spot in Austin with a beautiful view.

Accommodations in Austin:

Affordable options to fly to Austin:

Until next time,

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This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2023

3 Beautiful Scenic View points in Austin

Austin is the State Capital of Texas and is a music lover's paradise. This place is also famous for hiking trails with many beautiful lakes and parks around. 

Since we moved from Colorado springs, we still search for scenic views, especially the best lookouts anywhere we go. Iam glad to find these beautiful scenic View points in Austin. With lady bird lake in the heart of the downtown, rolling hills and several state parks around, Austin is scenic when compared to other cities in Texas.

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Here are 3 beautiful View points in Austin:

Mount Bonnell:

This is the spot we take all our visitor friends and they are always amazed at the beauty of Austin. This is the best place to watch Sunset, but getting parking is a little tough.

You can take the steps or hike from the right to a view point with the view of Lake Travis, Pennybacker Bridge and the surrounding areas. It's an easy hike / walk. Read the travelogue here.

Overlook from the top of Mt.Bonnell

Pennybacker Bridge Overlook:

I have seen this Bridge and Overlook in many Austin travel magazines, news channels and blogs. This seems like an Austin trademark kind of place.

The trailhead is just before the Pennybacker bridge/ 360-degree bridge. There is not a lot of place to park cars and the Sunset is the busiest time.

Trust me when I say this simple hike with little elevation will blow you away. The view of the bridge, lake and the surrounding houses is a treat to watch. It never disappoints.

Oasis on lake Travis:

Another trademark place in Austin. It's a must-visit. Either having date night or just strolling around, it's completely worth the trip.

The road leading to Oasis is also beautiful with many ups and downs.  I can see why they say Austin as rolling hills.

This is a beautiful place to have special dinner with a view. The shops and the sculptures are also wonderful. Read the full travelogue here.

Restaurants with a View

Have you watched these places in Austin? How do you like them? Do let me know in comments.

Accommodations in Austin:

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Until next time,

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2023

The Texas State Capitol, Austin

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The Texas State Capitol building is in Austin downtown which houses the offices of Texas Legislature and Governor of Texas. 

This 3 story limestone structure costed around $150,000 when completed in 1853. This capitol building is standing 14 feet higher than the US Capitol building in Washington D C. An extensive renovation happened in 1900's which costed around 200 million dollars.

How to reach Austin and where to stay?

A few accommodation options:

Architecture and Detailing:

The architecture and detailing inside the building is impressive. The dome at the center is exquisite and the hand rails and the brass door handles get our attention for sure. 

218 feet above, a star is installed on the dome which measures 8 ft from point to point. 

The Texas State Capitol was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986. 

Address: 1400 Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78711

Admission is free but please check times at this official website. 

Tours:

The free guided tours happen periodically between 9.30 to 3.30 Pm on weekdays and 12.30 to 3.30 pm on weekends. 

The Capitol building is open for self touring from 7 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 6pm on weekends.

Parking:

The Parking is located at 1201 San Jacinto St. and it is free to park for the first 2 hrs.

How did you like the photo tour? Please do let me know in comments.

Until next time,

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Radha Madhav Dham, Austin, TX

Radha Madhav Dham is a Hindu temple, a non profit organization and an Ashram in Austin.

This is one of the largest and oldest Hindu temples in USA. The Dham also provides classes on hinduism. It also supports charities in addition to the spiritual growth of devotees.

Located in rolling hills of South Austin, this place spread around 200 acres is build in 1990. This temple is a representation of a place called Braj in India where Radha rani and Lord Krishna appeared 5000 years ago. There is an ashram and resident accommodations to devotees who want to follow the path of devotion.

This place is well built with great architecture and is serene. People from all faiths are welcome to visit.

Address:

JKP Radha Madhav Dham
400 Barsana Road, Austin, TX, 78737 

Phone: (512) 288-7180

Highlights of the Visit:

Shree Rajeswari Radha Rani Temple: 

The temple of Lord Krishna and Radha rani is the main place where all devotional services take place like aarti and puja. The architecture, paintings inside the temple are beautiful. Maintain silence, leave footwear outside and experience aarti.

Barsana Hill: 

5000 years ago, Radha rani appeared at Barsana hills in India which is a hill with flowering gardens. Radha Madhav dham is constructed similar to that place in India. So, we can see small hill and flowering gardens around the temple.

There are many peacocks too in the campus.

Radha Kund: 

There is a small pool with fountains which is beautifully designed. Visitors can walk around the pool and watch the amazing paintings of Krishna and Radha on the walls.

Overall, it is peaceful place to spend time. Visitors who are interested in devotional services can experience bhajans and kirtans. 

Please check temple hours on official site before you visit. 

Until next time,

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Sitagu Buddha Vihara, Austin TX

The Sitagu Buddha Vihara was founded in Austin in 1996 by the venerable Ashin Nyanissara. The main purpose of this temple is to provide a center for the practice of Theravada Buddhist meditation and Dhamma study in USA.

The place sits on 16.1 acres with private cottages and public facilities. This Buddhist monastery very beautifully constructed with a golden pagoda and large Buddha statues inside.

The place around is maintained clean and nearer to nature making it a great place for meditation. This is also a great place for amazing architecture and good for photography.




The address:

9001 Honeycomb Dr., Austin, TX 78737

Visitors are always welcome, but they suggest to send an email before dropping by. Instructions about the location and contact info can be found here.

We visited it twice and I will recommend it to all. It is quiet and peaceful place to visit on a weekend evening. 

As it's a religious place and monks will be meditating, it is recommended to maintain silence and take care of kids running around. 

Public restrooms are available. Parking is limited. 

Until next time,