|
Got plans for the weekend? Sure, you could spend more quality time with your Playstation 3, but why not get off your butt and get some exercise? Try hiking -- it can provide a good cardio workout, and San Antonio has a number of parks ready to be explored. Most are suitable for beginners as long as you stay on the trails. Just make sure your gear includes water, good shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen and clothing appropriate for the weather. Now get going.
Go offroad on two wheels through Wildcast Canyon Trail at Government Canyon.
Archive photo
| Government Canyon State Natural Area
12861 Galm Road
(210) 688-9055
tpwd.state.tx.us
Hours: Front gate open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays-Mondays. Access to backcountry trail (rough, rocky terrain) ends at 4 p.m. Access to frontcountry (level terrain) ends at 5 p.m.
Admission: $6 per day; younger than 13, free. $60 for the whole year to all state parks
Why it's cool: The 8,622-acre natural area has more than 40 miles of unpaved trails -- that's more than any other area in Bexar County. Guided hikes held every Saturday; pets allowed in the frontcountry.
Leon Creek Greenway
12160 Babcock Road
(210) 207-7275
Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Admission: Free
Why it's cool: The greenway has more than 3.75 miles of hiking trails along Leon Creek, plus a pond stocked with fish.
Bamberger Nature Park
12401 Babcock Road
(210) 207-7275
Hours: Dawn to dusk daily
Admission: Free
Why it's cool: Across Babcock Road and a little north of the greenway, Bamberger offers 2.5.miles of easy trails and good bird-watching to boot.
Friedrich Wilderness Park
21395 Milsa Drive
(210) 564-6400
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to sunset daily; entrance gate is locked one hour before close
Admission: Free
Why it's cool: No pets are allowed, but you might spot a golden-cheeked warbler or black-capped vireo, both federally listed endangered species of birds. The 5.5 miles of hiking trails range from paved and ADA-approved paths to rugged trails for hardcore hikers.
McAllister Park
13102 Jones Maltsberger
(210) 207-7275
Hours: 5 a.m. to 11.p.m. daily
Admission: Free
Why it's cool: You can Watch dirt-bikers zoom past on miles of paved and unpaved trails in the nearly 1,000-acre park. Leashed pets are allowed.
Medina River Natural Area
15890 Highway 16 South
(210) 624-2575
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to sunset
Admission: Free
Why it's cool: Not only is it the only natural area on the South Side, it's also the only one with a naturally flowing river running through it. Camping is allowed; call 311 for reservations.
Eisenhower Park
19399 NW Military Highway
(210) 564-6400
Hours: 6 a.m. to sunset daily
Admission: Free
Why it's cool: Its 323 320 acres includes ravines, rocky canyons, dense vegetation and, oh yeah, five miles of trails of varying difficulties. Leashed pets are allowed. Camping is allowed; if you make reservations in advance by call 311.
O.P. Schnabel Park
9606 Bandera Road
(210) 207-7275
Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Admission: Free
Why it's cool: You'll feel like part of the in crowd here;Hikers, cyclists, ballplayers and picnickers make this one of the city's most popular parks. The 202-acre area includes 4.5 miles of nature trails. Dogs are allowed.
Comanche Lookout Park
15551 Nacogdoches
(210) 207-7275
Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Admission: Free
Why it's cool: American Indians once used the area, one of the highest in Bexar County at an elevation of 1,340 feet, to keep an eye out for enemy tribes. Check out the view from the top.
Jessica Belasco | contributor
|
.gif)
