Welcome To CrissCrossing Texas!
Texas Hill Country
Red Bud Isle for Pooches and People
The open minded, free spirit of Austin extends not just to people, but to their pets as well. With more leash free areas for dogs per capita than any other... Read more
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Meet Mr. Buda
If you spend any time around the booming town of Buda, Texas, sooner or later, you’ll run into T.J. Higginbotham, the man I think of as “Mr. Buda.” A resident... Read more
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Childhood home of literary legend unders…
In the middle of Kyle, Texas, a growing city near Austin, sits a well-kept century-old house – the childhood home of Pulitzer Prize winner Katherine Anne Porter. The home, known... Read more
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The Bullock and The Blanton, Texas Histo…
Merging the border between the Capitol Complex and the sprawling University of Texas campus in Austin are two of the top museums in the state. The Bob Bullock Texas State... Read more
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Take a trip backward to Aquarena Springs…
Here’s the thing about the Aquarena Center in San Marcos. It’s a delightful mix of educational opportunity, breathtaking nature scenes, and good old-fashioned kitchiness that any boomer is bound to... Read more
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Hyde Park - Small Town Texas in the Hear…
Residentially, Hyde Park has experienced growth and a real estate price increase over the last decade. Small apartment complexes line the larger streets such as 45th and Red River, while... Read more
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Texas Gulf Coast
Sharks and Sea Turtles, Orchids and Ferns Sloths and Birds, Oh My!
in GalvestonAs you are approaching the island of Galveston, the tops of the Pyramids for Moody Gardens can be seen. However,…
A World as Big as the Texas Sky
in HoustonSeveral months before relocating to Houston, Texas, my husband and I spent a great deal of time, thought and effort…
Saint of a Microbrewery Big Adventure in Houston
in HoustonUntil 1994, Houston was the largest city in the United States without a microbrewery. To beer lovers this may seem…
Beamont Fire Hydrant Among The World's Tallest
in BeaumontDozens of interesting sites await tourists in Beaumont, on the upper Texas coast. But perhaps no sight is more peculiar…
Texas Prairies and Lakes Region
Texas Hill Country
Diamond in the Rough - McKinney Roughs Nature Park
- Details
- Written by Criss Crossing
Located on Highway 71 between Austin and Bastrop, McKinney Roughs Nature Park is an 1100 acre property that has almost 18 miles of well maintained hiking and horseback riding trails that meander through 4 distinct ecosystems. The park has a well stocked headquarters with a small store and nature exhibit area. Owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the park is a combination natural hiking area, research and learning area, and community meeting center.
The 18 miles of hiking trails are a series of connecting loops which offer a variety of hikes from short strolls to an exhilarating 4 hour tromp that has multiple elevation changes and takes you through all 4 ecosystems.
I
n the higher elevations, hikers work their way through beautiful Loblolly pine trees with vast views of the Colorado River valley sprawling out below. Descending the trail from the Piney Woods, the trails take you through the mid elevation Post Oak Savannah area down to the Colorado River. The Riparian section features the pecan lined river and all the wildlife that use it for their main source of water.
In addition to the day hiking opportunities, McKinney Roughs Nature Park is home to the Mark Rose Natural Science Center. The center is dedicated to science learning programs conducted by trained educators and professional staff. It is available to public school and private groups who have an interest in learning about water conservation and land stewardship. Day and overnight programs can be arranged through the park's staff with overnight accommodations in the onsite dormitories.
The park also has a conference center with meeting rooms, a catering hall and housing which is available for rent to nonprofit, government and corporate groups. The facilities can cater up to 250 people and house up to 128 overnight.
Hours and Contact Info:
Mon.- Sat.: 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Sun.: Noon - 5 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.
Phone:
(512) 303-5073 or
(800) 776-LCRA, Ext. 8021
Address:
1884 Hwy 71 West
Cedar Creek, TX 78612
24-hour equestrian trail info:
1-800-776-5272, Ext. 7427
