Palmetto State Park
4:00 AM
Scott and I are fortunate to live within a couple of hours of a lot of Texas State Parks. Palmetto is among our favorites. It's far enough from Austin to feel like we've been able to leave the city far behind, but not so far that we can't make a round trip easily.
This park has four miles of hiking trails, which makes it pretty easy to hike all of it in a day with plenty of time to spare. We often come and have lunch and then hike the trails together. This is a CCC-built park. In the 1930s many parks were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). At these parks, you can find buildings and trails that these men built all those years ago.
(this photo is from the park website)
Buildings like this refectory are beautiful and fun to walk up to. Make sure you see this and the CCC water tower. It's history you can see and touch.
While Scott and I like to hike year-round, shade is pretty important for much of the year due to heat. Most of the trails at Palmetto have wonderful shade and, because of the nearby river, they are cool.
Yeah, this place makes us happy.
A larger palmetto (with Scott hiding behind it.
Suggested Hiking Routes:
Get the park map HERE.
Our favorite route (2-4 hours depending on your speed):
Drive past The Refectory and park in the parking area near the San Marcus River Trail.
Walk along the San Marcus River Trail until we get to Mossycup Spur
Take Mossycup Spur to Canebrake Spur
Take Canebrake Spur to San Marcus River Tail.
You won't stay on the San Marcus River trail for long before you get to Mesquite Flats Trail*
Take Mesquite Flats Trail* to the Ottine Swap Trail
Take the Ottine Swap Trail to The Refectory (enjoy that) and walk along the road back toward the Palmetto Interpretive Trail.
Walk back to your car and drive to the restrooms near Oxbow Lake.
Starting with the tail to the side of the restrooms, take the Oxbow Lake Trail (this loops back around so you end up back at your car)
*Mesquite Flats Trail isn't well-shaded. Avoid during the hottest months.
The quick tour highlight route (30-45 minutes):
Park near The Refectory
Walk to the Palmetto Interpretive Trail
Take the Palmetto Interpretive Trail to Mesquite Flats Trail
You won't stay on Mesquite Flats Trail long before you turn onto Ottine Swap Trail
Walk along the boardwalk area. When you reach the end, turn around and go back to Mesquite Flats Trail and take the Palmetto Interpretive Trail back to the road and your car
For a hot day, a shorter hike (About 1 hour):
Drive past The Refectory and park in the parking area near the San Marcus River Trail.
Walk along the San Marcus River Trail.
Then, enjoy the Palmetto Interpretive Trail
Facts to know:
Is this a CCC park? Yes!
Do you need to make a reservation? While always recommended, this one isn't often at capacity.
Sarah's favorite spots: The Refectory, Palmetto Interpretive Trail, and the low water crossing (point 3 on the official trails map)
What else can I do at this park? They have canoes and kyack rentals at Oxbow Lake. Also a swimming area.
Camping? There are tent and RV sites and one cabin. (We have never camped here)
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