New Braunfels, Texas, is known for its Comal River tubing, historical significance, country music venues, German roots, and underground caverns. However, outdoor enthusiasts will be pleased to discover an array of semi-remote natural areas, green spaces, and state parks near the city’s heart. Birders, photographers, backpackers, and casual hikers alike are merely a hop, skip, and a jump away from several of the most picturesque New Braunfels hiking trails. And the perfect place to start and finish each day of exploration and relaxation is inside one of New Braunfels Escapes’ finest vacation homes, such as Canyon Lake’s Blue Diamond Retreat or the waterfront Texas River Haus.

The 10 Best New Braunfels Hiking Trails: Feed Your Wild Side

Not all of these New Braunfels hiking trails lie within the city’s limits, but each destination is a short drive from downtown (or Gruene, for that matter). The trails vary in length, locale, and aesthetic, ranging from long-preserved swamp walks to lengthy strolls through oft-overlooked state parks. To ensure that your next escape to Texas Hill Country is nothing short of fabulous, we’ve compiled 10 distinct trails that wholly encapsulate the area’s allure. Enjoy!

  • Dante’s Trail: San Marcos’ Purgatory Creek Natural Area is home to one of the lengthiest paths in the area: Dante’s Trail. Who could resist eight miles of easy, free-flowing hiking past towering Southern live oaks, curious whitetail deer, and thriving cacti?
  • Ottine Swamp: Very few locals know about Palmetto State Park. This undeniably tranquil, 1.3-mile walk features dwarf palmettos, mesquite flats, and hungry fauna.
  • Photo of the Teal Guadalupe River from One of the Best New Braunfels Hiking Trails.Panther Canyon: Landa Park’s Panther Canyon is, without a doubt, one of the most popular New Braunfels hiking trails, mainly because of its idyllic location, rugged aesthetic, and rare trees.
  • Spring Lake Preserve: Spring Lake is yet another quiet green space that features a babbling brook, bald cypresses, and sprouting cacti.
  • Bald Cypress: Despite its title, Bald Cypress is actually one of the region’s most desirable destinations for leaf-peeping.
  • Bauer Trail: This peaceful 3.5-mile loop has it all: wildflowers, prairies, Guadalupe River access, ancient windmills, and plenty of sunshine.
  • Ringtail Ridge: San Marcos’ Ringtail Ridge remains one of our favorite boardwalks in the region. Bicyclists love it too.
  • Madrone Trail: This easy, breezy, one-mile loop boasts the area’s prettiest Canyon Lake overlook.
  • Fischer Park: Fischer Park’s 1.6-mile loop is the most accessible walking path in the city.

Guadalupe River House Rentals

Photo of a New Braunfels Guadalupe River Home, Just Minutes from Some of the Best New Braunfels Hiking Trails.After an hour or two on some of the most popular New Braunfels hiking trails, make time for another activity or pursuit. Read the newspaper at a coffee shop, devour a tray of Texas BBQ, hook a rainbow trout in the Guadalupe River, visit a local winery, or paddle into Canyon Lake. Finish each glorious day of New Braunfels-flavored adventure inside your luxurious Guadalupe River vacation rental, equipped with direct river access, an outdoor pool, a full kitchen, a fireplace, and distinct Texas decor. To book a long-awaited getaway from San Antonio or Austin, please check availability online (or call us directly at 830-632-5455).