The South Fork of the San Gabriel River flows through the northeastern part of River Ranch County Park. Covering 1,354 acres, the park includes meadows, forests, hills and steep slopes. Those who want to explore the landscape on foot or horseback will find 20 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails there. The park also has an approximately 4,800-square-foot Interpretive Center with interactive exhibits and a library.
River Landscapes and Trails
Blue Hole offers a different view of the water: the scenic lagoon on the South Fork of the San Gabriel River is bordered by wooded limestone cliffs. At Lake Georgetown, the focus is on activities on the water. Fishing, camping, water sports and swimming in shallow water are all possible there.
Jim Hogg Park provides access to Georgetown Lake for boating via a boat ramp. It also has 142 reservable campsites. Since availability can change, check reservation options if you’re planning a stay there.
Trail information varies for hiking and cycling: the San Gabriel River Trail loops around Lake Georgetown, is 26 miles long and is considered challenging. It is open to hikers and cyclists. River Ranch, by contrast, lists hiking and horseback riding trails. This lets you distinguish between the different activities and the specifically noted challenge of the San Gabriel River Trail when making your choice.
Parks with Different Highlights
The 670-acre Old Settlers Park combines facilities for baseball, softball and soccer with disc golf and cricket. An approximately 3.3-mile paved trail connects Dell Diamond, sports facilities, pavilions, playgrounds, the lake and the disc golf parking lot. The trail length and listed connections give a specific overview of the park’s different areas.
At Play for All Park, the focus is on outdoor play: it gives children of all abilities a place to play and develop their skills. Rock'N River Water Park has zero-entry pools that are wheelchair accessible, as well as ADA-compliant lifts. Check the latest accessibility information before your visit.
The Southwest Williamson County Regional Park offers rides on the Cedar Rock Railroad miniature train. The Quarry Splash Pad operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Since this is a seasonal offering, you should check the operating period again before your visit.
Discover Culture and History
The natural attractions also offer distinct highlights: Inner Space Cavern is one of the best-preserved caves in Texas. The Gault Site is one of the largest known Clovis sites; it also contains deposits from the pre-Clovis period. The Gault Site is on private property, and access is available only by advance reservation. Tours last about two hours. Confirm your reservation and the latest access information before your trip.
Admission to the Williamson Museum is free; check the latest admission information before your visit. In Georgetown, Preservation Georgetown offers a self-guided downtown walking tour. It passes preserved historic buildings around the Square and on the adjacent streets. Art enthusiasts can take part in monthly classes and workshops for adults and teens at the Georgetown Art Center. Dates may change, so it’s worth checking the current program.
Georgetown’s architectural history is marked by two different dates: the Palace Theatre was built in 1925. The Grace Heritage Center is a former Episcopal church dating to 1881. At Berry Springs Park & Preserve, a century-old pecan grove with historic trees is one of the park’s defining features.
A Train Ride
The Hill Country Flyer departs from the Cedar Park Depot of the Austin Steam Train Association and covers 66 miles round trip. Along the route, the train crosses the South San Gabriel River and travels through Short Creek Canyon. Since schedules may change, check the latest times when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Cedar Park, Georgetown, Round Rock, Hutto, Taylor, Liberty Hill, Howard, Eastland County.
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