maximus

Hey everyone...I need to respark an old hobby!

I'm 24 years old, an Eagle Scout and a former Marine.

As a teenager I grew up in Western Montana. So when I say backpacking, I'm into the carry everything you need, leave town for a week, and backpack from lake to lake or campsite to campsite. We used to go out for 7-8 days and cover 75-100 miles without seeing another person. It was AWESOME!

I'm new to Austin, and am trying to find somewhere I can get back into that...even if I have to start off small. I understand that kind of land isn't just readily available...but any ideas would be great! Especially if I can stay within just a few hours drive of Austin.

PLEASE HELP!

Troop198

There are loads of day hikes around Austin, none quite as far as you are asking for, closest hike in is Hill Country State Natural Area near Bandera (link)http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/f.../hill_country/

and Lake Georgetown Good Water trail http://www.austinexplorer.com/Hiking....asp?HikeID=25

this link leads to other hikes also.

ploddinTod

You may want to do Lost Maples State Park and Hill Country SNA on the same trip since they're close together.
Once you get back into backpacking, you may want to venture over to east TX to the national forests where you'll be able to put together longer hikes. The Lone Star Trail in Sam Houston National Forest is 125 miles long, including the loops off of the main trail.

This is probably the longest trail in the state. The problem with backpacking in TX is that 97% of the land is privately owned.

Oh, and welcome to the state and these forums.

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PloddinTod

Neville

Don't forget to take a look west as well. Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend National Parks offer quite a bit of hiking opportunities with Guadalupe being less visited. While your near Big Bend NP, check out Big Bend Ranch State Park and hike the Rancherias Trail. There's a good chance you'll be alone out there, although the trail is gaining popularity.

BigBendHiker

The Rancherias Trail is a great suggestion. One other suggestion would be the the Dodson Trail or Outer Mountain Loop Trail (as some call it) in Big Bend National Park. It is a 30 mile hike that takes 3-4 days. Visit www.bigbendchat.com if you have any questions or want details on that hike (plus others in BIBE).

BBH

toejam

Try the 26 mile trail around Lake Georgetown. One of my favs.

aggiehiker92

What in the world is a FORMER Marine? That's like saying you're a FORMER Aggie. No such thing.

Another vote for the Lake Georgetown loop. Be aware of the "dammit rocks" on the trail along the south side of the lake; for sure an ankle twister.

Bastrop SP has some nice trails to get out and away; I believe there are some primitive camping opportunities there also.

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