Two Parks, One Hike, 2/24/2018

After several rainy days, the afternoon looked more promising for some outdoor time. We have come to enjoy the Texas State Parks very much, so we decided to go to Government Canyon State Park for some hiking. 

When we stopped to pay the $6/adult entrance fee, we learned that only one trail was open (recent rain made all others very muddy and virtually impassable). And on that one open trail, dogs were not permitted. That’s not good!

We picked up a map (because we will likely return when more trails are open). Dogs are never permitted in the backcountry area of the park, but there are lots of other trails here where they are.

The ranger at the entrance gate provided us with a one-hour pass so we could go to the Visitor Center without paying the day-use fee (which I very much appreciated).  

There are exhibits on the exterior of the building and a separate building for educational programs. 

The gift shop has books, information on this state park and others, and a park ranger that provided information on hiking opportunities. I purchased a few postcards (which I always do!) and some of the brochures.

The Discovery Trail (the only one open) is near the Visitor Center, but, of course, we did not hike it because we could not bring our sweet doggie, Sadie, with us. 

For additional information about the state park, go to tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/government-canyon.

The park ranger at the entrance also provided us with a list of local parks with hiking trails (including which ones allow dogs). From the list, we randomly selected the Phil Hardberger Park (Natural Area) to visit. 

This is a 311-acre park with about 6.5 miles of hiking and biking trails, two dog parks, playgrounds, picnic facilities, and basketball courts.

We hiked the 1.2 mile Water Loop Trail first where there are both natural paths and boardwalks. There are epiphytes (air plants) all over many of the trees here as well as moss-covered oak limbs.

When we were on the Geology Trail (.8 mile) we came across these two young deer. 

Check out that white tail!

There were lots of families (and their pets) enjoying the Sunday afternoon in this park. We appreciated the tip from the ranger at the state park about this place. For additional information about the park, go to www.philhardbergerpark.org.