Guadalupe River State Park | Texas
Bald Cypress Trail
Mike’s Score: Solid park. The river is definitely the main attraction. Beyond that there is some decent hiking, but nothing else is particularly notable. Standard campsites at a fair price. 3/5
Location
Street Address: 3350 Park Road 31 | Spring Branch, TX 78070
HQ Coordinates: Latitude: 29.853084 | Longitude: -98.504463
Phone Number: (830) 438-2656
Park Description
Limestone bluffs and huge bald cypress trees cling to the banks of the Guadalupe River, the focal point of this beautiful park. The river’s sparkling waters attract people who come to swim, wade, tube, canoe, and fish. Tubers especially enjoy the four areas of rapids in the river. Nature lovers with sharp eyes may catch a glimpse of a rare golden-cheeked warbler or one of the park’s many other wild inhabitants.
Camping: the park provides a range of camping options, including campsites with water and electricity for RVs, as well as walk-in tent campsites for a more primitive experience. Additionally, the park offers group camping areas, making it a great destination for family gatherings or group outings.
Hiking: explore over 13 miles of trails that wind through the park's scenic landscape, including the popular 5-mile Guadalupe River Trail. The trails offer stunning views of the Guadalupe River and the surrounding Hill Country terrain, making them perfect for both casual strolls and more challenging hikes.
Fishing: the park's namesake river offers opportunities to catch bass, catfish, and sunfish. Anglers can fish from the riverbanks or bring a non-motorized boat to explore the river's waters.
Open year round. Self-pay station available for after-hours visitors. Park superintendent/law enforcement in residence on site.
The Guadalupe River
The park's most outstanding natural feature. Imposing bald cypress trees line the banks. On its winding path through the park, the river courses over four natural rapids. Two steep limestone bluffs reflect the river’s erosive power.
Trees in lower elevations and bottomlands include sycamore, elm, basswood, pecan, walnut, persimmon, willow and hackberry. In the uplands away from the river, the limestone terrain is typical of the Edwards Plateau. Oak and juniper woodlands fill this area, with some grasslands mixed in.
An area of virgin Ashe juniper woodlands provides nesting habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. In addition to numerous species of birds, the park supports a wide variety of wild animals. These include white-tailed deer, coyote, gray fox, skunk, raccoon, opossum, bobcat and armadillo. Other smaller species live here, as well.
Source | Texas Parks & Wildlife
Source | Texas Parks & Wildlife
Source | Texas Parks & Wildlife
Source | Texas Parks & Wildlife
