If you had to choose

[Breezy]

one park which one would it be?
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Perdernales Falls State Park
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Blanco State Park

and why.
Or would you choose something totally different?
we are staying at Canyon Lake and I want some good photo ops and since we have never been there I have no clue where to go or what to do.
TIA
Breezy

[Steelsun]

Can't help, as I've only been to Perdenales out of those, and that was a long time ago.
But I am interested in the replies, as I am trying to figure out where to camp in that area around Turkeyday weekend

[Breezy]

Thanks Brian hopefully there will be some replies. I certainly haven't found much through google lol

[studiocygnet]

Pedernales Falls SP. It took me a while to decide, and here is my reasoning.

Hamilton Pool has probably got the most beautiful single geological feature, but otherwise it's small without a lot of space to get away from other folks, and it's often got a lot of people on weekends. Hamilton Pool also closes after heavy rains due to run off water contaminating the pool, so you have to call ahead and make sure they are open.

Enchanted Rock is a wonderful hike, and interesting geologically for the mound itself, with great long distance views from the top, but not much in the way of water in the park, just a very small creek. And Enchanted Rock is so busy on weekends that they sometimes have to temporarily close the park, and let one car in as one leaves.

Blanco is mainly a camping place for the kids to swim at the dam, not a whole lot of nature there. You can see pretty much the whole park from Hwy. 281.

Pedernales has the falls themselves, which are actually multiple drops over a section of the river probably more than a quarter mile long. You can hike up the river and get away from other people at the falls. You can also hike out the Wolf Mtn. trail for up to 5 or 6 miles, and there are some old ruins and such on that trail. Or you could cross the river at a low water crossing down the bluff from one of the campgrounds, and you've got a large area with more trails where almost no one ever goes. There are multiple access points to the river along each side. One caveat about all this, if it has just rained a bunch and the river is up to high, they will close the falls to hiking, and you wouldn't be able to cross at the low water crossing.

If you end up going to either Hamilton Pool or Pedernales SP from Canyon Lake, make your way over to Hwy. 281 and north up to Blanco, you will see Blanco SP on your left as you drive into town. Check out the town square with the courthouse, and then take the two lane east of town, Hwy. 165 that goes to Henly. Just after you pass the turnoff for Wimberley, you will go up a big hill, make sure to stop and look behind you, a fabulous view of hills going off into the distance forever. When you get to Hwy. 290, turn left, and the turn to FM 3232 (I think that's the number) going toward Pedernales will be just up on your right maybe a mile or so. If you are going on to Hamilton Pool go this same way, but don't turn into the entrance to Pedernales SP, at that T from 3232 continue right on what is either Fitzhugh Rd./Blanco Co. 201/Hays Co. 101 and take it to Hwy. 12 near Dripping Springs. Turn left, and then left again at the T which is Hamilton Pool Rd. You will be facing an old timey bar/grocery called Bert and Ernie's. Stop in and get a soda before you get to Hamilton Pool.

[Breezy]

Thanks for the great advise Tom I greatly appreciate it and will keep it all in mind.
This rain seems to be killing this vacation :( but atleast the command won't be as likely to call lol. Last week they called him in off of leave and the rest of the days they called 2-3 times a day!! Drives me nutts.
Thanks again

[Arnor]

I've been couple of times to Enchanted Rock and many times to Blanco ( if you go there, make sure that you eat at that BBQ restaurant which name I can never remember<g> It's accross the street from city hall if I'm not mistaken - some of the best BBQ I've had!

I haven't been to Padernales, been meaning to for the past year, so I guess it's time to go:) Not much help, I know:(

Best regards,

[xseption]

I was at Enchanted Rock this past weekend and there is more water than I have ever seen. There is many different types of wildlife and flora out there and many different types of views. It is one of my most favorite places to visit

I would recommend Enchanted Rock even if you just drive by the place.

[Breezy]

thanks for all of the opinions.
Is there some sort of annual pass? so that it would be cheaper than paying for each indiviual park if we decided to go to several?
TIA

[Cope]

Originally Posted by Breezy

thanks for all of the opinions.
Is there some sort of annual pass? so that it would be cheaper than paying for each indiviual park if we decided to go to several?
TIA

Even if it doesn't fully pay for itself in one use, it is a good investment in the aprk system.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/parkinfo/passes/

[Steelsun]

Yep, get that park pass above - let's the whole vehicle go in.
Some parks give you discounts on camping also.

When I got the pass, I started going to Brazos Bend every weekend. well worth it.

[Breezy]

thanks for the link Alan.
Again thanks to all who posted, we are heading out the door in just a few. So I will be back in a week or so :D