A quiet cove, fully submerged trees and outcrops of granite and gneiss define the Stumpy Hollow Paddling Trail. The loop is 3.4 miles long and combines a specific paddling route with striking geological formations. The Highland Lakes also tell the story of a landscape shaped in different ways: five man-made lakes were created by dams on the Colorado River. Natural rock formations and human-made bodies of water stand side by side here as different facets of the landscape.
Water, Trails and Landscape
Park Road 4 offers a different perspective. The 15-mile historic road was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and offers a scenic drive through the Hill Country. At Inks Lake State Park, water activities take center stage: swimming, boating, water skiing, scuba diving and fishing are all possible there. The two places offer different ways to experience water and landscape—on a drive or through an activity on the lake.
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect the nesting areas of the black-capped vireo and the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. Visitors can enjoy overlooks and 10 miles of hiking trails. At Canyon of the Eagles, there are panoramic views of Lake Buchanan, as well as several miles of hiking trails. When exploring the landscape, both designated trails and overlooks are in view.
The Ultimate Eagle Cruise by Vanishing Texas River Cruises departs from Lake Buchanan. The four-hour trip travels the entire navigable length of the Colorado River and features waterfalls, eagles and a diverse array of wildlife. The duration is clearly specified for planning purposes: the cruise takes four hours, while the hiking trails and paddling routes described are measured by their length.
Caves, History and Culture
Longhorn Cavern State Park offers guided cave tours, hiking trails and picnic areas; an exhibit is dedicated to the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Corps cleared the cave and built the park facilities and scenic access road in the 1930s. The exhibit and the buildings bring two sides of this history to life: the work inside the cave and the development of the park grounds.
Fort Croghan recalls the history of the former frontier fort through authentic pioneer log cabins, a working blacksmith shop, a one-room schoolhouse, an original stagecoach station and a sorghum mill. The site also includes original fort buildings. In Bertram, the Globe Theatre is a restored 1935 Art Deco cinema. It hosts live music, classic movies, comedy shows, themed dance parties and special events.
The history of technology is represented too: the Hill Country Motorheads Museum displays restored and original motorcycles from the 1960s through the 1980s. The Highland Lakes Squadron is a working museum dedicated to preserving historic World War II aircraft and other valuable artifacts. Its scope ranges from motorcycles spanning several decades to the history of wartime aviation.
Wine Tastings and Local Traditions
Perissos Vineyards offers casual tastings of six wines from its current selection; no reservations are required. Torr Na Lochs offers seated wine tastings and serves wines made from 100% Texas-grown fruit. Those comparing the two will find different highlights: Perissos’s relaxed format and specified number of wines, and Torr Na Lochs’s table service and the origin of its fruit.
The Burnet Bluebonnet Festival is an annual tradition. The program includes live music, carnival attractions, family-friendly activities, classic cars, races, food, shopping and antiques. The mix combines entertainment with offerings centered on vehicles, food and shopping—and gives the festival a different character from the nature and history experiences you can also discover in Burnet County.
Explore More Destinations
Explore more destinations: Spicewood, Marble Falls, Burnet, Bertram, Brazoria, Blanco County, Houston County, Bandera
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