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Hill Country SNA Trail 3a

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Highlights:

Tough hike but the views make it worth it
Near:Bandera, TX
Scenery:
Distance:6.09 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:389 ft
Hike Time:3.5 hours
Difficulty:Strenuous
Trail Condition:Poorly maintained trail
HikeType:Loop



Summary: This is a difficult hike but well worth the effort. The first half of the hike offers beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. This hike is not recommended for young children or people not sure of their footing, at times I was concerned with my year old son on my back. There is a difficult climb and descent made more treacherous by lots of loose rock. You will cross several creeks that are usually dry but may have running water during or after heavy rains. There are obvious signs of dangerous flash floods coming thru some of the creek beds so be aware of the weather. Trail 3a is not a complete loop so be sure to take a park map as you will be on trail 3 for a while. There are a few trail intersections that can be confusing if they don't get them marked more clearly so again be sure to bring a map. Also be sure you have water with you. I took the road to the trailhead but if you look at the map you can get to the trailhead by using other trails if you wish.
Trailhead: After checking in at the Ranger HQ get a map and then proceed past the HQ to the parking area at the Trailhead Equestrian Camp Area. This is the closest parking available. After parking continue down the road on foot until you can see the private residence sign. The trail is approximately 30 yards before the residence sign on the right. It should read Trail #3. Take this trail until you intersect with trail 3a. (Lat:29.64748 Lon:-99.19777)
Trail Guides for Hill Country SNA Trail 3a:
Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter,
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses,
Ranger Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife 512-389-8900
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kevin Reid, who has posted  9 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by Gino on 9/16/2012
If the ranger. Station is closed proceed to the pin board you can pay with envelope. Great hike lots of scenery, i took this hike middle of Sept great weather. Would not recommend hike in summer..

Reviewed by Sam R on 5/8/2010
Few Tips before I review this hike... Directions: If you're coming from San Antonio, take Bandera all the way to the town Bandera, make a left when you get to the main intersection of the town, and head South. Make a right onto Farm Road 1077. The trail is inside the Texas Hill Country State Natural Area, so if you don't want to hike 3A, there are plenty of other trails. There is camping there, but you must pay for a camping permit, and if you want to just visit the park for a day, it's $6 per adult, that's something I didn't realize, I didn't have any dollar bills, luckily my brother did. The scenery is beautiful inside the park. When you get to the ranger station, take the road heading east to get to the closest parking sp

Reviewed by Kevin B on 6/10/2007
I loved the hike, saw a couple deer. Hike was a little longer than I like but awesome for a one time deal. Wouldn't recommend in summer. Kevin, Goldsboro NC


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Texas Hiking, Texas Trails, Texas Hikes, Bandera County Hiking, Bandera County Trails, Bandera County Hikes


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