Spring Lake Natural Area

Review №1

Rating: 5

Pristine scuba diving!

Date: 2 months ago

Review №2

Rating: 5

My dog and I love the peaceful walks, be cautious for deer! Your dog may catch chase.

Date: 4 months ago

Review №3

Rating: 5

Date: 4 months ago

Review №4

Rating: 5

Very nice trails. Only difficulties might be watching your step for larger rocks as to not roll your ankle. Not crowded at all. There are a few benches scattered along the trails.

Date: 6 months ago

Review №5

Rating: 5

Date: 8 months ago

Review №6

Rating: 5

I do my daily runs here where I run the 2 mile loop. I do wish the city would pull water from the aquifer. I grew up in Utah and Idaho and the topography is reminiscent of what Im used to.

Date: 9 months ago

Review №7

Rating: 5

Like it so much

Date: 10 months ago

Review №8

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №9

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №10

Rating: 4

The trail we visited had an interesting start, as our team arrived around noon while already in a drunken state. Initially, we were looking for a water body referred to as a pond, but upon closer inspection, it turned out to be nothing more than a small body of water. It seems some people may have exaggerated its size, leading to some confusion and disappointment. Despite the underwhelming water body, the journey to reach it was truly enjoyable. The trails proximity to the town was a standout feature, as we could simply walk from downtown and reach the trailhead within 10 minutes. This close proximity made it unique, as it offered a nearby hiking experience without the need for extensive travel. One of the trails charms was the feeling of being immersed in nature, despite its close proximity to the town. The dense jungle-like atmosphere created a sense of adventure and made us feel as though we were truly lost in the woods. It provided a rustic experience that was surprisingly accessible within a short 10-minute walk from town. The trail was a bustling hub, attracting a vibrant mix of visitors. It served as a popular destination for dog owners, who leisurely strolled alongside their four-legged companions, enjoying the serenity of nature. The energetic ones among us embarked on brisk jogs, relishing the invigorating exercise amidst the scenic surroundings. There were also those who sought solace and an escape from the ordinary, venturing into the trail to immerse themselves in an enchanting world that evoked a sense of being lost in time. Families found joy in exploring this outdoor haven, creating lasting memories as they gathered for delightful picnics and playful interactions. The presence of a captivating sun clock atop the trail added an element of fascination. Visitors eagerly posed for photographs, positioning themselves strategically to capture both their radiant smiles and the suns position, providing a unique way to track time while reveling in the beauty of the surroundings. Throughout the trail, intermittent maps and directional markers dotted the path, ensuring hikers remained on the right track. However, its important to note that the whims of technology occasionally interrupted the journey. The transient loss of mobile network coverage meant relying solely on ones intuition and the guidance provided by the trails features. While Google Maps could be an invaluable tool, it was wise to temper reliance on it due to potential connectivity issues, encouraging a more authentic, self-guided exploration of the trails hidden gems.

Date: a year ago

Review №11

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №12

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №13

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №14

Rating: 5

The best place for local mountain biking trails.

Date: a year ago

Review №15

Rating: 3

Date: a year ago

Review №16

Rating: 5

Nice little stroll in the woods, find a shady spot, roll one up and kiss the sky!

Date: a year ago

Review №17

Rating: 4

Date: a year ago

Review №18

Rating: 5

Well kept trails, predominantly shaded, very little traffic (this Sunday afternoon, at least). We got in 5 miles and probably saw fewer than 15 other folks and 3 or 4 dogs. Trails are mostly pretty easy, with some moderate hills here and there. Today was wet from last night s rain, so it was a bit slippery in patches, especially with exposed limestone. All in all, great local trail!

Date: a year ago

Review №19

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №20

Rating: 4

Great nature area for hiking and biking!

Date: a year ago

Review №21

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №22

Rating: 3

Date: a year ago

Review №23

Rating: 4

Much bigger than first thought. A lot of great space and different habitat areas. A very nice urban park to enjoy. One thing to note is that mountain bikers use it a lot. They are almost always polite & friendly, but be ready for them to scream by so be careful.

Date: a year ago

Review №24

Rating: 5

Beautiful

Date: a year ago

Review №25

Rating: 5

Opportunity for numerous loops, several gorgeous views, and plenty of room to relax. Great park for a morning hike.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №26

Rating: 5

Nice view.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №27

Rating: 4

Date: 2 years ago

Review №28

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №29

Rating: 5

Nice place to go when water is up

Date: 2 years ago

Review №30

Rating: 5

These are some really cool trails. Highly recommend, its a little over 4 miles long but its an easy hike. Lots of side trails not marked as official paths. So pay attention if you are trying to keep it short and sweet.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №31

Rating: 5

Beautiful place, gorgeous river and springs. Just pick up YOUR TRAsHHH !!!

Date: 2 years ago

Review №32

Rating: 5

Very pretty area!!

Date: 2 years ago

Review №33

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №34

Rating: 5

Finding the hiking trails was confusing but the boat tour was so amazing!

Date: 2 years ago

Review №35

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №36

Rating: 4

Hard to find parking for the trails but some locals said you can just park in in front of anyones house.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №37

Rating: 5

Hadnt been out there in several years, but always enjoyable outing.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №38

Rating: 5

Love walking this area and my dog enjoys it too

Date: 2 years ago

Review №39

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №40

Rating: 4

Date: 2 years ago

Review №41

Rating: 5

We enjoyed it immensely. There were a number of families with small kids like ourselves, and the trails proved to be easy enough for everyone to navigate. Well maintained (clean) and the trails heads are clearly marked with additional markers along each one. Will be visiting again

Date: 2 years ago

Review №42

Rating: 5

Awesome trails for bikes and for people. Nice blend of city and nature in the sights (e.g. graffiti and drainage pipe, but a great sunset spot on the dam)

Date: 2 years ago

Review №43

Rating: 5

Is good has trees, makes the forward march of time less painful.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №44

Rating: 5

Nice walks

Date: 2 years ago

Review №45

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №46

Rating: 5

Take a break from going to purgatory and check it out.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №47

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №48

Rating: 5

Very pretty trails. Benches for sitting.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №49

Rating: 5

Awesome nature

Date: 2 years ago

Review №50

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №51

Rating: 4

Date: 3 years ago

Review №52

Rating: 5

Terrible. Dont come here. Lol. Jk. I only say that because Im selfish and I live these trails so much that I dont want them to get crowded.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №53

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №54

Rating: 5

Lovely trails

Date: 3 years ago

Review №55

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №56

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №57

Rating: 5

Good place to hike and close to river

Date: 3 years ago

Review №58

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №59

Rating: 5

Great Trails for everyone

Date: 3 years ago

Review №60

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №61

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №62

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №63

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №64

Rating: 4

Date: 3 years ago

Review №65

Rating: 4

The parking lot is super small, but I guess that means less hikers. The trails are sooth and plentiful. Some road noise, but mostly quiet. Curious about the goldfish in the pond...

Date: 3 years ago

Review №66

Rating: 4

Fun Wetland. I didnt even know we had a wetland area so this was a pretty cool find. The glass boat and scuba diving businesses were not open right now (pandemic) but we did walk the wetland trail which is a lovely metal bridge that meanders over the wetlands so you can enjoy them and watch the wildlife. The trail signage is also wonderfully educational and it was fun to look for the animals they said lived Cons. -Its super small and so theres not really much to do. Maybe theres more and I just need to spend more time exploring. -It appears that normally you must pay for parking which seems unreasonable given its size - There isnt much signage so you kinda just have to stumble about until you find what youre looking for.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №67

Rating: 5

Great hike

Date: 3 years ago

Review №68

Rating: 5

I LOVE IT

Date: 3 years ago

Review №69

Rating: 4

Nice trail

Date: 3 years ago

Review №70

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №71

Rating: 5

Thanks to Covid-19 I have recently started hiking, I found this area to have some great trails with some very nice scenery. Still have some trails to head out there and explore but am looking forward to them.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №72

Rating: 5

Great MTB trails

Date: 3 years ago

Review №73

Rating: 5

This place is Rad, Brah...

Date: 3 years ago

Review №74

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №75

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №76

Rating: 5

I love hiking with my dog but people need to put their dogs on a leash. They should not be allowed to be there without one.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №77

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №78

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №79

Rating: 5

Spring Lake Natural Area was Ammmaizng!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №80

Rating: 5

Another great greenspace in San Marcos. Nice trails and accessible from a couple of different locations. Some of the views make you forget that you are in the middle of town. Parking at the river center is tough as it is closed due to COVID, and the parking lot is blocked off.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №81

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №82

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №83

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №84

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №85

Rating: 5

Spring Lake Natural Area was a really large and nice park where we took my friends puppy. The weather was nice but it was obvious that the area is prone to standing water. Lots of bugs and even more mosquitos. Bring some repellent, water and you re sure to have a good time.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №86

Rating: 4

Date: 4 years ago

Review №87

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №88

Rating: 4

A great place to go and relax, I use to drive the glass bottom boats when it was Aquarena Springs and its definitely a really nice ride and you see a lot of cool things, natural springs that look like cream of wheat and theres a spring that puts out 18,000 gallons a minute. Take the kids they will love it. They can feed the ducks and geese that r there.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №89

Rating: 5

Love it!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №90

Rating: 5

Great variety of hikes

Date: 4 years ago

Review №91

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №92

Rating: 4

Date: 4 years ago

Review №93

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №94

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №95

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №96

Rating: 4

Date: 4 years ago

Review №97

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №98

Rating: 5

This area is a part of Texaa State University. It includes tours of the lake in glass bottom boats. Also hiking trails are next to the lake. All part of the Meadows Center for Aquatic Studies. Theres also an aquarium next to the lake. Theres a boardwalk over a porton of the lake. There is a small charge for the glass bottom boats.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №99

Rating: 5

Great place that was close by!!! Nice hiking trails, great for my family.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №100

Rating: 5

Great hiking

Date: 4 years ago

Review №101

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №102

Rating: 5

Beautiful trails and nature area! Lots to explore, and best of all, dogs are allowed as long as theyre leashed and you clean up after them. I loved hiking along the centipede trail.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №103

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №104

Rating: 5

Allway peaceful and relaxing

Date: 4 years ago

Review №105

Rating: 1

Never did find the waterfall thats in the picture I walked around there for over 2 hours did see a deer

Date: 4 years ago

Review №106

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №107

Rating: 5

Really enjoy this place. Love the small waterfall.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №108

Rating: 5

Lovely!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №109

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №110

Rating: 5

My son and I have hiked these trails many times. We always enjoy the feeling of being out in the middle of nowhere, although this is 5 minutes from downtown San Marcos. It s a beautiful place.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №111

Rating: 4

It was a nice 6 mile hike! Some very beautiful areas, with a few short hills, flat areas and lots of rocks!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №112

Rating: 5

Love hiking here

Date: 4 years ago

Review №113

Rating: 5

Really nice hiking trails!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №114

Rating: 5

Beautiful, quiet area

Date: 4 years ago

Review №115

Rating: 5

This was my second time to the park I wondered almost all the way through but turned around to go back to Key Line

Date: 4 years ago

Review №116

Rating: 5

Great trails and wonderful wilderness in suburbia.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №117

Rating: 5

New favorite spot! Its a quick 20 min trail with a scenic pond to stop and admire the schools of fish. My dog loves this place and its nearly impossible to get lost :)

Date: 4 years ago

Review №118

Rating: 4

The beauty is calming.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №119

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №120

Rating: 5

thats all

Date: 5 years ago

Review №121

Rating: 4

Date: 5 years ago

Review №122

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №123

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №124

Rating: 2

Ok to hike or bike through, but, the junk and waste thrown behind the buildings and, plus the non-management of invasive aquatic vegetation is disgusting. It could be managed a lot better, in my opinion.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №125

Rating: 5

A natural oasis deep in the heart of texas yall. This spring that feeds the San Marcos river never stops flowing not even in the worst of droughts.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №126

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №127

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №128

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №129

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №130

Rating: 5

This is a great park. Ive gone on strolls here with my lady and Ive gone mountain biking here and quickly gotten over my head in some of the rock gardens. This park has twisty turny trails that take some time to get used to so if you are visiting, snap a picture of the trail map so you dont get turned around up on the hill. This is my go to park for mountain biking because there are some challenging areas but mostly its pretty approachable runs. Great park!

Date: 5 years ago

Review №131

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №132

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №133

Rating: 5

Love that there is a lot of shading on the trails. And it s not too steep that you will tire easily. Will definitely be coming again with the family and puppers

Date: 5 years ago

Review №134

Rating: 5

Nature loving fun trails.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №135

Rating: 5

Hiked from the Lime Kiln trailhead to the N. LBJ and back. The perfect mix of flat grassland hiking and forested hills hiking. I think it ended up being about 5 or 6 miles after we took a couple scenic detours. Definitely need to bring the mountain bike next time.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №136

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №137

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №138

Rating: 5

Gorgeous, wild, natural area with clear, well-marked trails.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №139

Rating: 5

Great for a nice peaceful stroll through nature.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №140

Rating: 4

Great place for a nature hike and to see the wildlife.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №141

Rating: 5

Love this place to the max

Date: 5 years ago

Review №142

Rating: 4

Very nice area, very secluded. I have 5 kids and they are all Nudists. So very peaceful place to be in the nude without anyone around

Date: 5 years ago

Review №143

Rating: 5

Great hiking and views

Date: 5 years ago

Review №144

Rating: 5

Spring Lake Natural Area offers many trail options and activities including glass bottom boat tours.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №145

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №146

Rating: 2

Date: 5 years ago

Review №147

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №148

Rating: 3

Date: 5 years ago

Review №149

Rating: 4

Love it

Date: 5 years ago

Review №150

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №151

Rating: 4

A little Muddy but a good walk. Would have been good to know most of trails were closed due to endangered bird breeding season

Date: 5 years ago

Review №152

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №153

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №154

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №155

Rating: 5

It was amazing!!

Date: 5 years ago

Review №156

Rating: 5

We had a great time hiking the trails here. We were only able to hit about half of the trails here, as the northern half is closed March-May for the nesting period of an endangered bird who calls the preserve home. Still, what we were able to see was great, and the trails had some good inclines and rocky paths to keep it interesting.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №157

Rating: 4

Great place for a day hike!

Date: 5 years ago

Review №158

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №159

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №160

Rating: 5

Great peaceful area. Natural beauty

Date: 5 years ago

Review №161

Rating: 5

Great trails. Fast and fun single track, water crossings, and never too crowded.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №162

Rating: 5

Very beautiful

Date: 5 years ago

Review №163

Rating: 4

Date: 5 years ago

Review №164

Rating: 4

Date: 5 years ago

Review №165

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №166

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №167

Rating: 3

A lot of deer! Decent hills, easy peaceful hike, nothing spectacular.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №168

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №169

Rating: 3

Its a nice area to walk around.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №170

Rating: 4

Date: 5 years ago

Review №171

Rating: 5

Great short hike with a couple of good hills! Close to home yet feels very remote. Also minimally trafficked. Saw some prints early part of summer that looked like large feline (possible mountain lion?) There are sightings at purgatory but haven t heard of any here. I d be cautious going alone at dusk. Have definitely seen several boar though!

Date: 5 years ago

Review №172

Rating: 4

Good option of trails, but all the entrance are in bad locations.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №173

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №174

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №175

Rating: 5

I love this place, the trails are always well marked and clean. Dog friendly (as long as they are on a leash) and is always a nice little hike. We park at spring lake reserve and use the trail behind the matinence shed.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №176

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №177

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №178

Rating: 5

Beautiful, quiet and wooded

Date: 6 years ago

Review №179

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №180

Rating: 4

Date: 6 years ago

Review №181

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №182

Rating: 5

This is where I have started jogging, its peaceful and has many trails and interesting views.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №183

Rating: 5

Nice place to walk

Date: 6 years ago

Review №184

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №185

Rating: 5

I just love that place!!!

Date: 6 years ago

Review №186

Rating: 3

We had a hard time finding where to park for the trail head and they require dogs to be on a leash. The views are great and we saw goldfish in the pond.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №187

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №188

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №189

Rating: 5

Multiple trails that can be linked for varied mileage. Hills,meadow and stream. Wild flowers are coming into bloom. Trees are well leafed. A beautiful day for a walk.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №190

Rating: 4

Date: 6 years ago

Review №191

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №192

Rating: 5

Beautiful hikes, glass bottom boats, and educational.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №193

Rating: 4

We love this place because it has a lot of mid level trails for hiking and biking. We have a 2 year old and teenagers and they all enjoy it. Good for picnics. About 8ish miles of trails, mostly covered. So good in all seasons. A little Rocky in some places.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №194

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №195

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №196

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №197

Rating: 4

Date: 6 years ago

Review №198

Rating: 4

Date: 6 years ago

Review №199

Rating: 5

Miles of quality trails. Easy access right in the heart of San Marcos.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №200

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago