From the mountains of the west to the rugged canyonlands of the Panhandle, there are plenty of gorgeous scenic overlooks in Texas. One of the best - and most underrated - can be found at Bastrop State Park. The aptly named Scenic Overlook Trail is short, sweet, and leads to a panoramic Hill Country vista that's almost too beautiful for words.
Tucked away in Bastrop State Park, Scenic Overlook Trail definitely lives up to its name. The 3.5-mile hike leads to a breathtaking panoramic vista - and there's plenty to see along the way, too.
Although the overlook is the main attraction, pretty much the entire trail parallels a lush hillside. That means you can admire the vast Hill Country landscape from start to finish!
You'll feel like you're in a fairytale as you cross a series of wooden footbridges. Depending on the season, you might also catch glimpses of vibrant wildflowers lining every inch of the path.
At about the halfway point, you'll reach a covered pavilion and some picnic benches. Pack some snacks to enjoy while you relax and take in the views!
The pavilion frames the surroundings in a truly remarkable way. It's like staring into a picture that offers a different perspective depending on which way you look.
Far as the eye can see, flourishing greenery extends out into the distance. Plus, it's so quiet that you could easily hear a pin drop.
Bastrop suffered a terrible fire in 2011, and it's incredible to see how well nature has rebounded since then.
The view is best at sunrise or sunset, so we highly recommend hitting the trail at one of those two times if you're able. Nothing beats seeing the Hill Country bathed in an amber glow!
Visit the hike's page on AllTrails for more information.
Have you ever hiked the Scenic Overlook Trail? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience! Tell us in the comments. Don't forget to check out our previous article for more breathtaking scenic overlooks in Texas!
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