Warning: Your browser appears to have Javascript disabled. In order to use some features of Hill Country Explorer successfully, such as this one, you'll need to enable Javascript.

Spring Lake Preserve

Type: Trail

Length: N/A

Elevation Gain: N/A

Cost: N/A

Rating:

(4.00)1

Difficulty: 2stars

(2.00)

Solitude:

(4.00)

ADA Accessible: N/A

Bikes Allowed: N/A

Dogs Allowed: N/A

Interpretive Guide: N/A

Address: 685 Lime Kiln Rd.

City: San Marcos

County: Hays

More Information: More Info

Log Your Hike

Map

Topo maps provided by MyTopo.com (buy now!) Larger Map Order Map

Order a topo map

Photos

This tree is covered in Spanish moss, ball moss, and some kind of lichen, all clambering over each other. True mosses are also present in the park. (Photo by plectrudis)

Not sure if this is the eponymous Spring Lake or not. (Photo by plectrudis)

Another view of the waterfall - located on the Centipede trail in the northwest part of the park

For a short hike just to the waterfall, start at the trailhead in the Hillside Ranch apartments, right by what appears to be a tiny, very old mill. (Photo by plectrudis)

Surprisingly abundant populations of Spanish moss

Presumably, this is some more drought-tolerant variety or subspecies than the Spanish moss from east TX or Louisiana. One of several colonies in the preserve. (Photo by plectrudis)

One of many picnic tables along the accessible stretch of trail (the Tonkawa trail). (Photo by plectrudis)

The highlight of the walk--the waterfall

A lovely multi-level waterfall by a moss-covered tree. (Photo by plectrudis)

Pass through the utility area, pass the dumpster, and you'll see the trailhead. (Photo by plectrudis)

Park at the orange arrow and walk toward the green arrow to find the blue blaze that directs you toward the trailhead. (Photo by plectrudis)

Log Entries

Pretty waterfall, nice creek, interesting moss, very pleasant hike
By plectrudis on 12/12/2016
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 6.00 Miles Duration: N/A

This is another park in the San Marcos system (http://www.smgreenbelt.org/SMNaturalAreas.htm), similar to Purgatory Creek, but with less elevation change and a bit drier.

It has typical Hill Country elements--junipers, cedar elms, opuntia, and karst-y rocks--but it also has (interestingly) a few pockets of very happy Spanish moss, plus ball moss and various lichens. A nice, limestoney creek cuts through the park, including a very lovely multi-level waterfall right by a big tree veiled in Spanish moss--it a rather magical little spot.

There's also a pond with a small dock, and a handicapped-accessible section with tons of benches and picnic tables. Altogether a welcoming, thoughtful park with enough trails to give you a nice range of options in terms of length of hike.

We entered at the south-most trailhead off of W. Laurel St, which let us walk for a bit, take a bathroom break at the Lime Kiln trailhead, and cruise on. (Plenty of easy parking, but the only bathroom (a portapotty) is at the LK trailhead.) Finding the W. Laurel St. trailhead isn't difficult, but it is weird. Park at The Meadows center (201 San Marcos Springs Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666), cross the street heading right toward the utility area with a barn/garage and trucks--you'll see a blue reflector in a tree--head that way. Pass the dumpster (for real), and on the left you'll see a trailhead and map.

Recommended Item

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: San Antonio and Austin: Including the Hill Country
Charlie Llewellin, Johnny Molloy
~~List Price: $18.95~~ Your price: $12.59

It's Time to Take a Hike in San Antonio!

The San Antonio and Austin areas are steeped in history -- San Antonio's Alamo stands as a symbol of Texas' fierce independence, while Austin is recognized as the cradle of Texas statehood. This area is also known for some of the most impressive hiking in the Lone Star State. 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: San Antonio and Austin, by veteran authors Charlie Llewellin and Johnny Molloy, guides readers to the best trails found in the Texas Hill Country, all within easy reach of these two cities. The guide takes you to secluded, low traffic areas as well as those that are more popular and heavily used. The former LBJ Ranch, the Guadalupe River, the Highland Lakes Chain, and the Lost Pines area are just some of the spectacular places covered.

With this new edition in the best-selling 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles series, all these visually stunning and ruggedly charming routes are at the traveler's fingertips. This handy guide helps San Antonio and Austin natives get back into nature, with many options right in town. Extensive at-a-glance information makes it easy to choose the perfect hike based on length, difficulty, scenery, or on a specific factor such as hikes good for families, runners, or birding. Each trail profile includes maps, directions, driving times, nearby attractions, and other pertinent details.