Garner State Park and Frio River

Welcome Y'all!

Transitioning from Summer to Fall brings so much joy. The cooling down of the temperatures, colors of the trees, sight of pumpkin in everycorner and getting ready for the season of giving thanks and spreading joy! 

Thinking about Fall, I think of Arkansas. This State has beautiful mountain tops and tall trees that allow you to unwind peacefully. Thinking about a closer destination, Garner State Park in Concan, Texas has amazing Fall colors and a variety of activities based on what you are up for.  Below is how much we explored during a day's visit.

 For Hikers: Old Baldy Trail

0.5miles one way and 1800' elevation

This is our third time visiting the park and this trail is our favorite! What makes it so special - 1800' elevation, a 360 scenic overview and a damn good cardio! This is exactly how the trail looks like all the way up. Throughout the hike, there are several stops that offers a unique angle to the scenic overview, limestone cliffs and deep canyons. Sunsets are gorgeous here and the Frio looks like a narrow strip of blue-green water-body when it is actually 2.9 miles long. You know you have reached the summit when you spot an American Flag. An instagrammable spot for social media enthusiasts and worth the picture as you own the bragging rights to have made it all the way to the top.

For Swimmers and Floaters: Frio River

2.9 miles

Whether you travel with teens, toddlers or adults, this stretch of river has something for everyone to do. You could rent a paddle boat, kayak or simply soak up in the water. If you plan on renting, be sure to carry a ID. The shades of Bald Cypress trees and the lush green waters with a painting like mountain in the view, is a real weekend gateway if you are visiting or camping over night.

There is plenty of history to this State Park including the early settlers to CCC building the park with local materials. In addition to checking out other trails, do stop by the Pavilion where jukebox dances happen every year and the mini golfing area. 

The park's website has park map and trail maps if you like to plan ahead! 

Nearby Attractions: Driving up from Austin, there were plenty of unharvested cotton fields that made me curious to want to read more about it. Winter Garden is the stretch from Laredo to San Antonio centered in Frio county where about 20,000 acres of cotton fields are planted and harvested between March and September. Great spot to stop by for learning if you are traveling with curios kids or just a good spot for pictures. 

Checkout Lost Maples State Park and Uvalde, TX a nearby city.  

Eatouts: supportlocalbusiness Checkout Haby's Alsatian Bakery, a locally owned bakery since 1950s. From macroons to cookies, they had some really good pastries. There is also a mural on the exteriors of the bakery depicting history of the early settlers.

 

If you visited the park, leave a note with your favorite activity in the park!

 

Cheers,

J :)