Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

My review concerns the Doeskin Ranch location...there are others.Be careful that Google maps doesn't send you to those...This large natural area is set aside in the central Texas Hill Country. You get the opportunity to hike and enjoy spectacular views of the terrain, wildlife and lovely trees in this remote, quiet area. You will find adequate parking and pit toilets.... no water provided, however. A handicap accessible path gets access to some of the trails. Also available are benches for seating, interpretive displays, and a large covered pavilion. Be aware that this is snake country and behave yourself, it's a long way to the ER.

I visited in early May to attempt to view the Golden-cheeked warbler and Black-capped Vireo. The Headquarters location with the post Oak trail, Pollinator path trail are not available and there is a bird blind I was hoping to visit. I did hike all the other trails at the other locations, which are very nice, over two days with the Doeskin Ranch location being the largest. I was able to see Painted Buntings and other birds and after two days of hiking I stopped at the Shin Oak Observation Deck which doesn't have paths but a very nice deck to sit and look for birds. At this locations I was able to see the Black-capped Vireo (I have included two poor pictures and hope to capture better pictures on my next visit). I wish more of the land was accessible for hiking but I understand they need to restrict access to help the birds. It was to late in the season to see the Golden-cheeked Warbler and will be coming back next year in mid-March to mid April to see if I am able to see this bird. Take binoculars!

What an extremely beautiful place and there were many trails to choose from. The trails were easy to hike and very well marked. There were some more difficult Trails but also some less difficult trails. The wildlife was amazing and the views were awesome. This is good for families and a great time to take in all of the sites that nature has to offer. I would definitely recommend hiking here.

We started our trek on the Cactus Rocks trail and kinda circled around through the Ridgeline Trail. The southern sides of both of those trails can be very challenging for some people; you probably shouldn’t take it if you have trouble keeping your balance. I visited in mid March, and I was pretty shocked at the lack of birds on the trails; luckily, we did see two Golden-cheeked Warblers before the end of our walk. That kinda made up for it.

First time visit. Great trails; relatively easy depending on which trails and your ability. We are over 70/80 and were able to do the Rim Trail which is considered to be difficult. Beautiful views and I imagine it would be a great hike in the spring when 💐 are blooming. Will go back and try some other entrances and their trails.