There’s so much to love about exploring a Texas State Park in the Highland Lakes in February. Sure it’s cold, but you also have the trails to yourself. Or, you can have a blast in the outdoors with a special someone or a group of beloved friends during events and activities at Inks Lake State Park, Longhorn Cavern State Park, Pedernales Falls State Park, Colorado Bend State Park, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site, and Blanco State Park.

Parks can fill up quickly, so consider booking a day pass online before you visit.

INKS LAKE STATE PARK

Located at 3630 Park Road 4 West near Burnet. Daily entrance is $7 for ages 13 and older and free for children 12 and younger. Call the park at 512-793-2223 or visit its webpage for details.

Cowboy Coffee — Warm up with a hot brew made the Old West way. Bring your own mug or thermos and gather ’round the campfire with a park ranger and other morning people. Enjoy a breakfast treat cooked in a dutch oven. Takes place from 9-10 a.m. Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18, and Feb. 25.

Guided Nature Hike — Go on a short, easy hike to Devil’s Waterhole and listen to a park ranger talk about native plants, animals, and geology. Takes place from 1-2 p.m. Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18, and Feb. 25.

LONGHORN CAVERN STATE PARK

Located at 6211 Park Road 4 South near Burnet. Daily entrance, parking, and hiking are free. Cave tours and gem mining for a fee. Call the park at 512-715-9000 or visit its website.

You can explore Longhorn Cavern State Park above ground and below the surface. No special events are currently scheduled.

PEDERNALES FALLS STATE PARK

Located at 2585 Park Road 6026 near Johnson City. Daily entrance is $6 for ages 13 and older and free for ages 12 and younger. Call the park at 830-868-7304 or visit its webpage for details.

Birding with a Ranger — Spot local and migrating birds — some rare — on a ranger-guided hike. Takes place from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Feb. 4 and Feb. 25.

Prehistoric Hunting: The Atlatl — Could you survive as a prehistoric hunter? Probably not, but you can still test your skills with this ancient tool used long before the bow and arrow. Ages 8 and older can participate. Adult supervision required for ages 17 and younger. Takes place from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Feb. 4, 10-11 a.m. Feb. 12, and 2-3 p.m. Feb. 18.

Wildlife Hike — Sneak a peek at reclusive birds and creep along the water’s edge to spot fish and reptiles, all of which are at home in the park. Join a park ranger on this informative hike down a beautiful trail. Takes place from 9-10 a.m. Feb. 5.

Hiking Through History — Journey by foot through modern history down to 300 million-year-old fossils. Takes place from 1-2 p.m. Feb. 11.

Skins, Skulls, Scales and Scat — Learn about the park's wildlife from what they leave behind. Takes place from 3-4 p.m. Feb. 11.

Star Party — The Austin Astronomical Society leads this stargazing event at the park’s Star Theater. Enrich your night sky knowledge with group members’ expertise and telescopes. RSVP required. Takes place from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 11.

Falls and Fossils — Uncover the secrets behind the park’s namesake Pedernales Falls. Includes an optional half-mile hike over rough terrain. Takes place from 2-3 p.m. Feb. 12.

Astronomy 101 — Learn the basics of stargazing using various types of equipment. Takes place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Feb. 18.

Stories in the Stars — Visit the Star Theater for a view of the heavens with the naked eye and hear stories and legends behind seasonal constellations. Takes place from 7-8 p.m. Feb. 18.

Stargazing with a Ranger — A leisurely look at the night sky. Takes place from 7-8 p.m. Feb. 19.

COLORADO BEND STATE PARK

Located at 1201 Colorado Park Road in Bend west of Lampasas. Daily entrance is $5 for ages 13 and older and free for ages 12 and younger. Call the park at 325-628-3240 or visit its webpage.

There are no events scheduled at the park in February, but the 35 miles of hiking trails are open and ready to be explored. You can also mountain bike, paddle, fish, and swim. See all of the park's activities.

ENCHANTED ROCK STATE NATURAL AREA

Located at 16710 RR 965 in Fredericksburg. Daily entrance is $8 for ages 13 and older and free for ages 12 and younger. The park quickly reaches capacity, so reservations are encouraged and also required on weekends, holidays, and school breaks. Call the park at 830-685-3636 or visit its webpage for details.

Guided Summit Trail Hike — Join Master Naturalists on a hike to the top of the rock. Learn about its geology, biology, history, and folklore. Takes place from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18, and Feb. 25.

LYNDON B. JOHNSON STATE PARK AND HISTORIC SITE

Located at 199 Park Road 152 in Stonewall. Entrance is free. Call the park at 830-644-2252 or visit its webpage.

Smokehouse Secrets — Learn how sausage was made back before refrigeration. Takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 18.

BLANCO STATE PARK

Located at 101 Park Road 23 in Blanco. Daily entrance is $5 for ages 13 and older and free for ages 12 and younger. Call the park at 830-833-4333 or visit its webpage for details.

There are no events scheduled at the park in February, but it is open for fishing, swimming, hiking, and more. The Blanco River is stocked with rainbow trout every winter.

For more state park events, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website. And check out the Highland Lakes Hiking Guide before you head out for useful information.

editor@thepicayune.com

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