Old Tunnel State Park
10619 Old San Antonio Rd • Fredericksburg, TX 78624 • 866-978-2287
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/old-tunnel
The Old Tunnel in Fredericksburg is a must for bat enthusiasts! The abandoned railroad tunnel is home to up to three million Brazilian free-tailed bats. Great emergences and easy access starting in May!
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
16710 Ranch Road 965 • Fredericksburg, TX 78624 • 830-685-3636
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock
At Enchanted Rock, you will see the usual animals found in Central Texas. Rock and fox squirrels are common, as are armadillos, rabbits and other small animals. Look for lizards and vultures on and above the Rock year-round. Birders will find varied and abundant species. Ask for a bird checklist at park headquarters.
Kerr Wildlife Management Area
2625 FM 1340 • Hunt, TX 78024 • 830-238-4483
www.tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/wma/find_a_wma/list/?id=12
Kerr Wildlife Management Area is a wonderful secret as well! It provides one of the finest Black Capped Vireo locations on the planet. Other wildlife species found on the Kerr Wildlife Area include white-tailed deer, bobwhite quail, javelina, wild turkey, mourning dove, fox squirrel, bobcat, raccoon, skunk, armadillo, ringtail "cat", rabbit, gray fox, and many species of reptiles and migratory birds. It is an easy trip with helpful Texas Parks and Wildlife staff on hand. This education facility offers so much it will be a favorite of yours as well!
Hill Country State Natural Area
10600 Bandera Creek Rd • Bandera, TX 78003 • 830-796-4413
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/hill-country
Tucked away in the rugged terrain southwest of Bandera is Hill Country State Natural Area, an undeveloped and secluded retreat. Approximately 40 miles of multi-use trails wind up grassy valleys, cross spring-fed streams, and climb steep limestone hills. Hill Country State Natural Area is a scenic mosaic of rocky hills, flowing springs, oak groves, grasslands and canyons. Large numbers of birds live in the park.
Deer, armadillos, raccoons, ringtail cats, rabbits and rodents, as well as various reptiles, can also be viewed. In addition, several different plant communities reside in the park.
South Llano River State Park
1927 Park Road 73 • Junction, TX 76849 • 325-446-3994
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/south-llano-river
The park has two miles of river frontage, a large pecan bottom, and typical Hill Country areas. A very well kept series of bird blinds that have been maintained for many years provide a great secret here in the Hill Country. This park is producing some incredible bird sightings due to the wonderful volunteer's that maintain the blinds. Other animals include wood ducks, white-tailed deer, squirrels, jackrabbits, javelinas, foxes, beavers, bobcats, cottontails and armadillos. Several exotic species such as axis deer, black buck antelope and fallow deer are often spotted in the park.
We are thrilled to help the Park with donations of WBU bird seed to ensure you have an enjoyable time while you are there. Please put this Park on your MUST visit list - it has become a favorite of ours as well!
Lost Maples State Natural Area
37221 FM 187 • Vanderpool, TX 78885 • 830-966-3413
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples
Visitors enjoy picnicking, camping, backpacking, sightseeing, hiking, photography, bird-watching, fishing, swimming and nature study. The park is an outstanding example of Edwards Plateau flora and fauna. The park is extremely popular during the fall and is often crowded. Parking is limited to 250 cars, so for maximum enjoyment and serenity, we suggest visitors schedule trips during the weekdays, if possible. Rare species of birds, such as the green kingfisher, can be seen year-round. The endangered black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler nest and feed in the park in spring and early summer.
Wild animals include gray fox, white-tailed deer, armadillo, raccoon, bobcat, rock squirrel and javelina.
Garner State Park
234 RR 1050 • Concan, TX 78838 • 830-232-6132
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/garner
Fun traditions and beautiful scenery bring people back to Garner State Park time after time. Besides easy access to the Frio, the park offers many miles of hiking trails and camping options.
Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area
101 N. Sweeten St., Rocksprings, TX 78880 • Tours: (830) 683-2287 • Administrative Office: (830) 563-2342
http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/devils-sinkhole
The main attraction, the Devil's Sinkhole, is a National Natural Landmark that houses one of the state’s largest colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats. Evening bat emergence tours, day tours to see the sinkhole, nature hikes, and even morning bat return flight tours bring visitors to the sinkhole and beyond to explore this unique piece of the Edwards Plateau.