• Walk down scenic trails in Texas state parks.hiking with friend image by sarssa from Fotolia.com
  
  According to the official Texas State Park Guide, "Few states can match the breadth of activities offered by Texas state parks." Mountain biking, horseback riding, camping and fishing are just some of the ways to enjoy the Texan outdoors. If you're looking for a quick weekend getaway, there are parks near urban centers. But if a longer vacation and a break from urban sprawl is what you're after, there are also plenty of parks in more scenic and remote areas.
  
  

Pedernales Falls State Park

• Near Austin, Texas, one of Texas' youngest and fastest-growing cities, is Pedernales Falls State Park. Swimming and fishing are popular recreational activites. A spring-fed river that runs over limestone hills creates the water falls of this park's namesake. The first three miles of the river (including the falls) are reserved for swimming, tubing and wading. Further up along the river are ideal conditions for fishing. There are also trails for hikers. Bird watchers will enjoy looking for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler that makes its home in the park.
  
  Pedernales Falls State Park
  2585 Park Road 6026
  Johnson City, TX 78636
  830-868-7304
  tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/parkguide/rgn_hc_014.phtml
  
  

Huntsville State Park

• In the Houston area of Texas is Huntsville State Park. This park is known for its trails and wooded atmosphere as well as a 210-acre lake that offers fishing and canoeing opportunities. There is also a lodge on site available for rental for weddings, reunions and parties. One of Huntsville's most attractive draws are its on-site equestrian stables, where both inexperienced riders as well as avid outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the park's extensive trails on horseback.
  
  Huntsville State Park
  P.O. Box 508
  Huntsville, TX 77342-0508
  936-295-5644
  tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/parkguide/rgn_pw_012.phtml
  
  

Franklin Mountains State Park

• Secluded in the western-most tip of Texas is Franklin Mountains State Park. Camping and picnicking are popular activities at this park, but this site is also a mountain biker's or hiker's dream. With 37 square miles of wilderness and 100 miles of open space with extensive trails, some trails lead into the mountains, which can reach almost a mile in height. On the opposite side of the park you can take a Swiss tram ride high above the park's skyline and view up to three states as well as Mexico.
  
  Franklin Mountains State Park
  1331 McKelligon Canyon Road
  El Paso, TX 79930
  915-566-6441
  tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/parkguide/rgn_bb_005.phtml
  
  

Big Bend Ranch State Park

• Deep in the mountainous desert wilderness of Texas is Big Bend Ranch State Park. This park has over a quarter million acres of stunning landscapes to view and explore. Recently, more than 40 primative campsites have been developed, and according to the Texas State Guide this park has become a popular location for back-country camping. An appealing feature of the park is access to the former owner's furnished ranch home, where visitors can use the kitchen. There is also a lodge with separate bunks for both sexes that can accommodate large groups.
  
  Big Bend Ranch State Park
  P.O. Box 2319
  Presidio, TX 79845
  432-229-3416
  tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/parkguide/rgn_bb_010.phtml