The Surprising Restorative Marvels of Texas Hill Country

By Kayla Beirne

The Lone Star State is brimming with hidden gems nestled away in the most picturesque features of the Texas landscape. And if you’re in search of a restorative getaway, you need not look any further than Texas Hill Country.

The natural wonders of Texas can offer you the tranquil and vibrant return to nature you’ve been looking for.

Devil’s Water Hole

Among the myriad of natural marvels of Texas Hill Country, Devil’s Water Hole is a wonderland for those who enjoy a healthy mix of therapeutic activity and natural surroundings that are equally gorgeous and refreshing.

This earthy watering hole is cradled by stunning hills, reddish rock formations, and all manner of lively plant life.

Known for being a refreshing and liberating experience, jumping from the shoreline’s natural peaks and into the water is a favorite activity among visitors.

And because this natural wonder of the Lone Star State is but a minor feature of the larger Inks Lake State Park, there’s no shortage of hiking trails and lovely campsites to enjoy.

Westcave Preserve

A five-minute drive from Texas Hill Country’s famed Hamilton Pool, the Westcave Preserve is one of the state’s most brilliant yet well-hidden gems.

Westcave Preserve is nestled in a natural canyon that provides excellent protection for the lush vegetation and wildlife that call this fairy-like grotto their home.

The public can access this serene area through a short walk that also offers quite a view. And if you want to learn more about the canyon and cavern, you can book a reservation for an informative tour of this natural spectacle.

McKinney State Falls

Despite its proximity to downtown Austin, McKinney Falls State Park feels like a different planet compared to the urban delights of the city.

The six-hundred-acre park offers visitors their choice of eighty gorgeous campsites. It is home to the renowned Onion Creek, where park-goers can traipse along limestone ledges, swim by the falls, and explore the tantalizing landscape of this natural park.

On your inquisitive hikes, you can expect to discover peculiar features, such as a prehistoric rock shelter and one of the oldest cypress trees statewide.

So, if you’re planning a vacation to Austin soon, McKinney Fall’s should be high on your list of places to visit while in the city.

Jacob’s Well

Jacob’s Well is one of the more famous amid the natural marvels of the Texas Hill Country, and for a good reason. This natural underwater cave is one of the deepest in the Americas and incredibly popular among those who enjoy cliff and cave diving.

However, Jacob’s Well is an excellent destination for those who tend to retreat to nature in search of restfulness and solitude, too.

Once the busy season is over, the park surrounding this otherworldly cave becomes an oasis teeming with serene nature walks and idyllic views.