Blanco Shoals Trail

The Blanco Shoals Trail is a beautiful hike that’s perfect for walks with your pup. This loop trail is 1.6 miles long in total, and it’s located in the undeveloped 81-acre Blanco Shoals Natural Area. This natural area first opened in 2002, and since then, it has become a pawpular place for locals to go for hikes with their dogs. Pups are welcome to join you in this natural area on-leash!

Parking is available at the entrance to the natural area on River Ridge Road, and the Blanco Shoals Trail begins right next to this parking lot. The majority of the trail follows the picturesque Blanco River. There are tons of scenic shoals and high bluffs along the river, and the river is also home to lots of wildlife. Most of the trail is flat, making it easy for you and your pup to walk on.

As you walk along the trail, you’ll also pass by tons of native trees, including Cottonwoods, Sycamores, Gigantic Pecans, Mesquites, and Anancua trees that cling to the Blanco River’s banks. Hawks, woodpeckers, and bluebirds all make their homes in these trees, making this trail a pawesome place to go birdwatching!

You’ll also walk by a few open fields that are perfect for on-leash runs with your pup. You can also stop and have a picnic with your pup in one of these fields if you’d like. Be aware that there’s no water available in the Blanco Shoals Natural Area. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you on your hike, especially if you’re hiking on a hot day.

Blanco Shoals Trail is an easy, fun, and scenic trail that you and your dog are both sure to love! Remember to bring doggy bags so you can clean up after your pup while you’re on your hike, and have a great time trekking on this pawsitively amazing trail.