Take a hike—for free—in Burnet County

Hit the trails at no charge at the following scenic and peaceful outdoor destinations in the Highland Lakes of Burnet County.

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Refuge headquarters, 24518 RR 1431 East in Marble Falls

Find a map of its trail systems here.

Miles of trails, ranging from easy to difficult, run throughout the 23,000-acre Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, which spans parts of Burnet, Travis, and Williamson counties. Hikers can hop on a trail at headquarters or any of the refuge’s three trail systems: Warbler Vista, Doeskin Ranch, and Shin Oak Observation Deck. You’ll be wowed by the views as well as the flora and fauna on this protected land, which is lovingly maintained in part by the Friends of the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. 

Dogs are strictly forbidden within the refuge. Public restrooms are available. Refuge headquarters is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays; the trail systems are open from dawn to dusk seven days a week. 

Marble Falls Hike-and-Bike Trail

Connects Westside Park, 1610 Second St.; Johnson Park, 230 Avenue J South; and Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Drive

This easy, 2.7-mile out-and-back trail runs from Lakeside Park to Westside Park, passing through Johnson Park in Marble Falls. The path stretches along Backbone Creek for a ways and winds through wooded areas in Westside Park. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail. You can let your four-legged friend off leash at Ruff Park, located in Westside Park. Public restrooms are available at Johnson and Westside parks.

Longhorn Cavern State Park

6211 Park Road South in Burnet

Backbone Ridge Trail System

Above-ground activities, including hiking, are free at Longhorn Cavern State Park. The privately run state park has five short and easy trails through woody, rocky areas on a 2-mile loop, but you can shorten your walk by following the trail signs. Leashed dogs are welcome above ground. Public restroom is available.

Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery

345 Clay Young Road in Burnet

The hatchery has 6 miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult and varying in distance from 0.18 mile to 1.26 miles, all open to the public. Hikers will find water views, wildlife, and a spectacular overlook. Leashed dogs are welcome. Public restroom is available.

Leo Manzano Hike, Bike & Run Trail  

Quarry Park, 2221 N. Phillips Ranch Road in Granite Shoals

Named after a hometown Olympian, the city of Granite Shoals’ Leo Manzano Hike, Bike & Run Trail is a 2.1-mile loop with a bonus trail, the 0.44-mile Leo’s Loop, which circles a pond at Quarry Park. Walk through wooded areas, granite vistas, and bird-watching habitat (with a bird blind). Leashed dogs are welcome. Public restroom is available.

Hamilton Creek Trail 

Highland Lakes YMCA Park, 1601 U.S. 281, to Hamilton Creek Park, West Jackson Street in Burnet

This trail connects the YMCA park and Hamilton Creek Park in the city of Burnet. The easy, 2.7 mile out-and-back trail follows the shaded banks of Hamilton Creek. Leashed dogs are welcome. Public restroom at Hamilton Creek Park.

Haley-Nelson Park Trail

Haley Nelson Park, Garden Trails Drive in Burnet

The flat trail encircles the 51-acre Haley-Nelson Park. The city park has soccer fields, disk golf, a picnic area, and an amphitheater. Leashed dogs are welcome.