7 Underrated Places In Texas That Even Natives Have Never Heard Of
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Texas is brimming with hidden gems – so many, in fact, that you could spend a lifetime exploring and still not discover them all. The following are seven underrated places that elude even those of us who have called the Lone Star State home since the day we were born.
The often-overlooked Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site is hiding way out in far west Texas. For thousands of years, people have journeyed to these huecos, or rock basins, to retrieve the rainwater that pooled inside them. Today, you can marvel at the petroglyphs left behind by the ancient peoples, in addition to hiking, rock climbing, bird watching, and several other outdoor activities. Please note: visitation is limited to protect the park's natural and cultural resources, and special rules apply. More information here.
Tucked away in a remote area of southwest Texas, far away from any semblance of modern life, is where you'll find Devils River. With some of the bluest, most pristine water in Texas, it's almost too beautiful to be real. Swim, fish, or paddle alongside lofty canyon bluffs and feel like you're a million miles away from it all. More information here.
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The lesser-known counterpart to Big Bend National Park, this 311,000-acre expanse deserves far more recognition than it receives. Visitors can enjoy a whopping 238 miles of multiuse trails, and the night skies are simply unparalleled. More information here.
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While not nearly as vast as the Palo Duro, Caprock Canyons State Park is still brimming with natural beauty. Its red rock walls seem to stretch endlessly into the distance, and 90 miles of trails allow for boundless adventure. You'll also see lots of native wildlife, including bison and bats! More information here.
This place is popular among birdwatchers, but much of the general population doesn't even know it exists. Nearly 400 species of birds can be found here, in addition to other wildlife such as butterflies, javelinas, and bobcats. Multiple observation platforms offer unparalleled views of the Rio Grande Valley, and seven miles of trails let you get up-close-and-personal with the tropical landscape. More information here.
Like a scene from Disney's Aladdin, the dunes at Monahans Sandhills State Park extend out far as the eye can see. If you've never been sand surfing before, it's seriously so much fun! More information here.
Nestled in the East Texas Piney Woods is one of the most ecologically diverse places on earth. Big Thicket National Preserve is where nine different ecosystems meet, and the possibilities for exploration are endless. More information here.
How many of these underrated nature spots in Texas have you visited? Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section, and check out our previous article for more hidden gems in the Lone Star State.
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Featured Addresses
Big Bend Ranch State Park, 21800 FM170, Terlingua, TX 79852, USA
Devils River State Natural Area, 21715 Dolan Crk Rd, Del Rio, TX 78840, USA
Big Thicket National Preserve, FM 420, Kountze, TX 77625, USA
Monahans Sandhills State Park, Exit 86, 2500 I-20, Monahans, TX 79756, USA
Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway, 850 Caprock Canyon Park Road, Quitaque, TX 79255, USA
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, 2800 S Bentsen Palm Dr, Mission, TX 78572, USA
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site, 6900 Hueco Tanks Road No. 1, El Paso, TX 79938, USA