{mosapa album="State Parks"}
INKS LAKE STATE PARK
It may not be on the largest of the Highland Lakes, but this park just is one of the most popular in the area, and probably the state. And for good reason.
Inks Lake State Park keeps drawing people back time and again. And when you go there this incredible park will cast its spell on you.
The park covers about 1,200 acres and features facilities from setups for the largest RV to the rustic campsites for backpackers who carry everything in and everything out. Hiking is available on several miles of trails around the park.
The park hosts several events during the spring and summer including “Go Fishing with a Ranger,” canoe skills clinics, guided hikes and even a family outdoor workshop. Inks Lake offers anglers plenty of fishing opportunities from shore or boat. The park has the only public boat ramp on the lake.
White-tailed deer are common sights in the park. Other wildlife includes turkey, quail and a variety of songbirds. For more information on the park, call (512) 793-2223.
And it also features a nice nine-hole golf course. The park is found on Park Road 4 a few miles west of U.S. 281 in Burnet County.
ENCHANTED ROCK STATE PARK
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a must-see. You may even experience why so many people say it’s more than just a rock.
Native Americans even felt it was spiritual. If you drop everything and head over there you might soon feel the same way.
The park is located south of Llano and north of Fredericksburg on RR 965, right on the county line or near it.
And don’t think you’re the first to lay eyes on this remarkable work of nature. Humans have visited this fascinating area for more than 11,000 years. The rock is a huge, pink granite dome rising 425 feet above ground.
Tonkawa Indians believed ghost fires flickered at the top, and they heard weird creaking and groaning, which was caused from the rock’s heating during the day and contracting when it cooled at night. NOTE: The park reaches capacity (in terms of parking) and frequently closes on weekends (sometimes as early as 11 a.m.) Reopening usually occurs at 5 p.m. Call ahead or have alternate plans if you arrive at the park and find it closed.
Primitive backpacking, camping, hiking, technical and rock climbing, picnicking, geological study, bird watching and stargazing are some of the park’s activities. Restrooms, showers, tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, hike-in primitive sites, pavilion, an interpretive center; and park store are available.
For more information and to check conditions, call (830) 685-3636.
