The Guadalupe River is among the top ten most endangered rivers in the country. The land for the park was deeded to the state in 1974. The park contains a total of 1938 acres so it is on the smaller side. There is about four miles of river frontage in the park and I will say it had one of the most beautiful picnic areas I have ever seen anywhere. It is a terraced area above the gravel beach across from the steep canyon wall on the opposite bank.
But I ain’t here to picnic or swim but to hike. Of course I parked at the furthest point I could from the river and to the river and back is the hike!
I started my hike on the Painted Bunting Trail to the Live Oak Trail. It was pretty easy hiking. At about two miles I reached the river.
Of course swimming and tubing are the big activities at this park. I hiked up the river a bit and found these beautiful Cypress Trees along the bank.
The trail became a road so I turned back and visited the canyon.
Then I headed downstream to visit the Rapids of the Guadalupe. This is one of the places marked on the map as a “must see” or area of interest.
Let’s say the rapids were a bit disappointing. I thought I might see a class two or three rapids but these would probably not classify as a class 1.
I returned to the car via the Barred Owl Trail which took me to the only overlook in the park.
Again a bit disappointing because I figured I’d see a nice view of the river. Not a real exciting hike but another Texas State Park off the list. I will return because this is only half the park. Across the river is what is known as the Bauer Unit and much more hiking.
Old Man Wandering 
Looks like a cool place!
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