DRIVES Scenic
DEVIL’S BACKBONE R.M. 32 from U.S. 281 just south of Blanco toward San Marcos follows a ridge called the Devil’s Backbone. The drive offers great Hill Country views.
BRACKETTVILLE Take R.M. 674 north to Rocksprings or R.M. 334 northeast to Texas 55. The two roads lead into scenic landscapes along the West Nueces River winding among steep cliffs and hills.
BURNET Take Texas 29 west and R.M. 2341 northwest to Spider Mountain, which according to legend, was a Native American burial ground. Below the landmark is Bee Bluff, a noted fishing spot. R.M. 2342 offers excellent views, especially at a turnout near the conflu- ence of the Llano and Colorado rivers.
CONCAN/LEAKEY Take U.S. 83 north to Leakey, then west on R.M. 337 and south on Texas 55; or at Leakey, east on R.M. 337 to Vanderpool (near Lost Maples SNA), and south on R.M. 187 to Sabi nal. This is some of the most spectacular scenery in the Texas Hill Country. Texas 39 east along the Guadalupe River is picturesque.
JUNCTION Follow U.S. 377 southwest as it travels along the South Llano River. An excep- tional overlook is about 22 miles south at a highway rest area.
LAGO VISTA R.M. 1431 offers breathtaking scenery over winding curves and hills, with fre- quent glimpses of the Highland Lakes. Spring is exceptionally beautiful.
MARBLE FALLS Both R.M. 2147 (not shown on most maps), along the western shore of Lake Marble Falls, and Texas 71 through the Hill Country are memorable routes.
NEW BRAUNFELS The River Road to Sattler along the Guadalupe River displays true Hill Country beauty.
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Find fall color at Lost Maples State Natural Area near Vanderpool.
launch additional locations in South Padre Island and Galveston.
★ FIND YOUR WINGS For additional thrills, fly through the Hill
Country skies with an adrenaline-inducing zipline tour. Take in extraordinary views and feel free as a bird while gliding over treetops, off platforms and cliffs, and over vast expanses of the Texas landscape. Top outfitters include the Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, Cypress Valley Canopy Tours, and the Wimberley Zipline Adventures. Te Cypress Valley Can- opy Tours also include zipline-accessible tree house accommodations. Te adventures continue in the region’s six
protected State Natural Areas and 12 state parks, all perfect for outdoor recreation at its best. Visitors are embraced by pristine sur- roundings and treated to a true testament of the Hill Country’s astounding beauty. Spend some time bird watching or simply take in the peace and quiet.
★ NATURALLY PAINTED In the springtime, nature offers glimpses of
wildflower landscapes spectacularly painted across the Hill Country. Get the best views with a drive from Austin to Burnet and Mar- ble Falls. Check out the displays in Llano, Johnson City, Kerrville and more. Travel
the Fredericksburg Willow City Loop that winds through wildflower-filled landscapes in March and April. Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower
Center is the epicenter of the state’s wild- flower culture, offering a beautiful display of native blooms and serving as a resource for wildflower viewing. In the fall, head to Lost Maples State Natu-
ral Area, where the stage is set for the most re- markable showcase of fall foliage. Take advan- tage of the opportunities to hike, birdwatch and camp amid the rich palette of the park’s leaves. Like Lost Maples, each of the region’s state natural areas has its own special char- acteristic. Enchanted Rock State Natural Ar- ea’s shining star is its pink granite dome that draws a capacity crowd who hike to the top to enjoy the views and soak up its mystery.
★
UNDERGROUND WONDERS With all the adventures across the Hill
Country landscape, it’s hard to believe there could be more, but look deeper and you’ll find the majority of the state’s show caves are right under your feet. Boerne’s Cave With- out a Name, a National Natural Landmark, is a living cavern that continues to form sta- lactites, stalagmites and other awe-inspiring earth-made formations. Find cliff and leopard frogs, Mexican brown bats and salamanders in Cascade Caverns, also in Boerne.
PHOTO: KEVIN STILLMAN/TXDOT
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