State Parks Getaways - Fall 2015

Fall for autumn in Texas! Parks are recovering from flooding, fall events abound, staff hike pick at Franklin Mountains State Parks, and more!

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State Parks Getaways - Fall 2015

In This Issue:

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A Quick Recovery, Thanks to Volunteers

Blanco State Park Flooding

The Memorial Day weekend floods had a huge effect on our state, including damage to more than 50 state parks. But after a summer of extraordinary hard work by community members and park staff statewide, only four state parks currently remain closed due to flood damage: Cedar Hill, Lake Somerville, Lake Whitney, and Lake Ray Roberts. 

This quick recovery would not have been possible without the help of more than 300 dedicated volunteers who, thus far, have donated 6,500 hours of their time to cleanup. At Lake Ray Roberts State Park, volunteers have contributed a massive 1,180 hours toward restoration efforts! We’re lucky to live in a state where so many people don’t just talk about how much they love Texas, they take action to prove it. A shout out to all the volunteers and folks who donated money and equipment – you make us proud.

If you would like to help with the ongoing cleanup, or at state parks, please check our website for volunteer opportunities and join us! Our state parks are shining gems on the Texas landscape and with your help, they will continue to shine for many generations to come.

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Creating a New Park = Building a Small Town

Powderhorn Ranch Video When planning a new park Texas Parks and Wildlife thinks far into the future; and there are a lot of moving parts to think about: public use, roads, water, utilities, sanitation, structures, parking, conservation, etc. It’s like building a town!

Acquiring a property is the first step. The land itself, its flora, fauna and cultural resources (like fossils and pictographs) are examined. Based on those findings, it’s decided which areas of the future park will be for recreational use and which areas will be protected.  That plan is presented to the public for input. Then park planners create a public use plan of essentials like utilities, structures, and trails.

Texas Parks and Wildlife then has to secure funding (typically state funding through the Texas Legislature) to pay for the design phase. This includes surveying, mapping and architectural plans. Next comes the construction phase, when all that planning and design is physically plugged in. Lastly, the management plan is created, which guides the operations of the park. This entire process can take many years.

Sometimes a property is so special that Texas Parks and Wildlife turns to a coalition of partners to conserve it. This is the case with the 17,000-acre Powderhorn Ranch, where the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) is raising the needed funds to acquire it for the people of Texas. Considered one of the most magical places on the Gulf, it’s the largest unspoiled tract of coastal prairie in the state. See it for yourself in this video.

It is a goal of Texas Parks and Wildlife that every state park will be a source of enjoyment for generations of Texans to come. Next time you visit a state park, know that it was not only built to last, but also with you in mind.

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Join the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation Powderhorn Ranch is one of the projects made possible by supporters of Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, our Nonprofit Partner.

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Learn the Ins and Outs of Camping

Texas Outdoor Family tent camping

Our ancestors camped for thousands of years, so it’s only natural to enjoy setting up a tent, building a campfire and cooking a meal outdoors. If you don’t know how it’s done, let us help you and your family gain the skills: Texas Outdoor Family will provide all the gear and know-how needed for up to six people to learn how to camp. You just bring bedding and food.

Once camp is set up, we’ll find things to do, like hiking, swimming or stargazing. This short video shows how much fun learning to camp can be. Autumn is the perfect time to be outdoors in Texas so don’t wait, find a camping workshop and we’ll see you around the campfire.

If you are already a camper, please consider sharing your skills. Help families and children learn about nature and the outdoors by enrolling in a Master Outdoor Leadership Training course and make a positive impact on your community and our state parks. 

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A Few of Your Favorite Things About Parks

Find Your Park Video Do you have a favorite park? We would love to hear your park story and so would the National Park Service. Next year will be its 100th anniversary, and as part of the celebration, all Americans are asked to Find Your Park and to enter the Centennial Project contest, which will celebrate the top 100 Find Your Park stories.

Here’s how you can participate. This short video shows Texans that have already shared their favorite things about parks. Check it out, then make your own sign, post a photo of you holding it and add the hashtags #TxStateParks and #FindYourPark. Let's share our state park pride with the world! 

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Camping License Plate Ad
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Cool Autumn Events in Your State Parks

Bison Music Festival drummer

Who doesn’t fall for autumn in Texas? We’re all pushovers for the cool breezes, changing leaves and the fact that you can actually wear a sweater! It’s the perfect time to be outdoors and the perfect time for state park events

One of our bigger events, the 5th Annual Texas State Bison Music Festival, takes place Saturday, September 19, in Quitaque, about 3 miles south of Caprock Canyons State Park. It kicks off at 10 a.m. with arts, crafts, food vendors and other activities. The music starts at 3 p.m. and features Lee Roy Parnell and Gary P. Nunn. You can get tickets in advance or at the gate the day of the show. This event helps raise funds for the continued restoration of native bison into Caprock Canyons State Park.

Halloween is also big fun at state parks. This year, we’ve got Zombie Apocalypse Hikes, Halloween at the Hatchery, plus campsite decorating and trick-or-treating. Halloween events are still being brewed up, so check our calendar or your favorite state parks for more events. See you at the parks!

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Find Your Flow at Guadalupe River SP

Guadalupe River State Park

Ancient cypress trees, limestone cliffs, flowing water and glow-in-the-dark crawdads are just a few of the attractions you’ll find at Guadalupe River State Park. Created to give people easy access to the Guadalupe River, this park is just 30 minutes from San Antonio and an hour-and-a-half from Austin.

The river has shallow banks where the kiddos can wade, while the current in the middle is thrilling for tubers. But this park is not all about the float. There are plenty of wild experiences here, including: : 

  1. Fishing (the park will loan you fishing gear, bring your bait)
  2. Hiking (bring your dog, but not as bait)
  3. Birdwatching (bring your eagle eye, birds provided)
  4. Biking 
  5. Horseback  Riding 
  6. Canoeing/Kayaking
  7. Ranger Programs (bats, archery lessons and more – check the calendar for what’s up)
  8. Outdoor Cooking (grilling, Dutch oven meals, hot dog over a fire)  

Private outfitters near the park supply tubes, bikes, canoes and kayaks. So get away from the roar of the city and into the purr of a flowing river at Guadalupe River State Park. Bring your kids, bring your horse, bring your dog, bring your bait – you’re all welcome! 

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Staff Hike Pick: North Franklin Peak Trail

Franklin Mountains Hike

Are you ready for a challenge? Well, here it is: the 8-mile North Franklin Peak Trail at Franklin Mountains State Park. With a more than 2,000-foot elevation gain, your heart will be pumping on this amazing trek!

Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: Difficult for terrain and climb

You begin on a gradual incline over scree and rubble; as you hike, listen for mule deer dislodging rocks. Next, you transition to a steady climb over loose rubble along an old jeep road to Mundy's Gap. From this point, the trail meanders up and across the ridgeline to the highest peak in the park, North Franklin Peak. Here your hard work pays off, with a 360-degree view of Mexico, El Paso and New Mexico. Take a peek at the park in this video.

Want more hiking choices? You’re in luck. At 24,000 acres, this park contains over 100 miles of multi-use trails. It’s the largest urban wilderness park in the continental United States and contains an entire Chihuahuan desert mountain range within the city limits of El Paso.


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State Park Mobile App Coming Soon

Coming soon, you'll be able to use the new Texas State Parks Official Guide mobile app to find your perfect state park escape. Search by activities, overnight accommodations or amenities such as RV hookups or kayak rentals. Download facility maps and trail maps for your visit. Use the map to get driving directions or to find a park near you. Available for Apple and Android devices. 

Sign up to be notified as soon as it's available for download.


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La Quinta
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Did You Know?

At 4,000 years old, the pictographs at Seminole Canyon State Park are some of the oldest in North America.

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Thanks to the following sponsors and partners:

Toyota
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Nature Rocks