5 ●●● Let's Go Outdoors

This is, by far, the easiest of the Go-See-Its. You can do it during a den meeting, you can take a hike during a campout, or you can plan a special hike.  One year, we took the kids to the zoo; we figured it was outdoors and they'd be hiking around.  It was a great visit.  

Below are some of my favorite hikes that will appeal to the younger crowd; caves, peacocks, waterfall and dinosaur prints.  What's not to love?? 

Dinosaur Tracks in Leander

About a half mile west from the 183 bridge that crosses the South Fork of the San Gabriel River is a truly amazing sight!  Approximately 12 (maybe 11) dinosaur footprints are embedded in the rock of the river bed.  

There is something amazing about looking down and seeing a trail of dinosaur footprints that are over 100 million years old!  

At this site there are no fences, no signs, nothing but a trail of prints on a dry riverbed.  

Trail head details

Mayfield Preserve

Many people are familiar with Mayfield park and its wonderful peacocks and manicured grounds.  A definite place to visit and see.  

But what many haven't discovered are the great hiking trails located at the back of the park!

There are two trails that lead off from the park.  
The western trail leads down to a sliver of Lake Austin.The eastern trail leads to a small creek, with teeny tiny frogs small fish and more. The trail then leads over the creek to an upper area with small caves that are perfect for climbing into and around.  

Hamilton Pool to Pedernales River

Hamilton Pool is a Travis County park located about a half hour southwest of Austin. 

While Hamilton Pool is mostly known for its wonderful swimming hole, there is also a really nice hike on premise!  

So, after hiking down the quarter mile down to the pool, check out the .6 mile hike out to the Pedernales River. 

The hike takes you from the verdant pool area through more typical Texas landscape and then out onto the Pedernales River.  


Goat Cave Karst Preserve
The Goat Cave Karst Preserve hike is very short (about .15 miles) but has three points of interest. 

The first point of interest, located only steps down the path, is the Wade Sinkhole.  

This is a four foot hole eroded out of the rock. Bring your flashlights and climb into the hole to check out the cave below the ledge!  

The second point of interest is a bit further down the path - called Hideout.  This one is only open to exploration by wildlife (and scouts don't count!)  

The final cave, Goat Cave, is entirely blocked off by a chain link fence.  You cannot even see the entrance to the cave.  The cave opens into a 25 foot drop, so the fence is four our protection.  But it does limit the interest!  

The trailhead is located along the side of Deer Lane (off of Brodie).There is no special parking lot, so just park on the side of the road!

Bull Creek Greenbelt
The Bull Creek Greenbelt is a gem of a hike, located near 2222 and 360.  The 3.5 mile hike has lots of small waterfalls, gorgeous wildflowers and all sorts of critters.

A short hike along the creek will take you to a less populated area, where dogs frequently roam free. With the drought the water isn't flowing as much, there is still water flowing through the creek.

Trailhead:  Park in the parking lot for Bull Creek Park and head down to the creek.  Cross the creek to get to the south side and you will see the trail start up.  You can also hike along the creek bed, but you will have to haul yourself up some steep rocks to get past the waterfall above and back onto the trail.  To continue on to the northern part of the hike, head back down to the creek after the second falls and continue under the Mopac bridge.


Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls

This hike is minutes from downtown, and yet hiking along the Barton Creek Greenbelt, you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere!  

Right now, the creek is mostly dry :o( but when it rains, it quickly fills up and provides a great swimming hole. However, even without the creek, it is still a nice hike!

Twin Falls is located about a half mile from the trail head, along a well-tended and downward heading trail.  

About a mile past Twin Falls is Sculpture Falls. You will pass high limestone cliffs riddled with caves, huge, old live oaks, and a variety of wildlife!  

More details

I hope this helps your den to plan their Go-See-Its.  If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email Annemarie at bloggeradmin@austintop50.com.

Thanks!


Planning Your Go See It

1: Making My Family Special

2: Where I live

3: Keeping Myself Healthy and Safe

4: How I Tell It