Get outdoors with geocaching, hikes and more at Inks Lake State Park in October

SPECIAL TO THE PICAYUNE

BURNET — Inks Lake State Park is offering several activities this month.

The park is located at 3630 Park Road 4 West. Daily park entrance fees are $6 for ages 13 and older, $3 for Texas residents 65 and older and free for ages 12 and younger. A Texas State Parks Pass that waives entrance fees for state parks may be purchased for $70.

A new survival series starts in October.

The first program is on how to safely start a fire when you do not have a lighter. The class is 5-6 p.m. Oct. 5 and 26 and costs $3 with park entrance fees. The park will supply the materials. Meet at the amphitheater.

Other programs include:

• Fishing with a Ranger — 6-7 p.m. Fridays. Learn the basics and try to catch “the big one” with this free program. Meet behind the park store.

• Tackle loaner program — The park loans fishing poles and a tackle box for free. Visit the park store.

• Geocaching 101 Workshop — 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 5 and 19. Learn the basics of this modern treasure hunt. The program includes a short hike, so wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. Cost is $3 a person plus entrance fees. Meet at the back porch of the park store.

Hikes include:

• Stumpy Hollow — 9:30 a.m. Oct. 5 and 19. Join a Highland Lakes Master Naturalist for a one-hour hike to Stumpy Hollow and learn about habitats and vegetation in the park. The hike is free with park entrance fees. Meet at Pecan Flats trailhead.

• Hike the Hill Country — 1-4 p.m. Oct. 12 and 26. Join a Highland Lakes Master Naturalist for a challenging, four-mile-plus hike up and down rock outcrops with views of the lake and Hoover’s Valley. Bring water and a snack for the three-hour hike. The hike is free with park entrance fees. Meet at the Pecan Flats trailhead.

• Geology Rocks — 9-11 a.m. Oct. 26. Learn about the geology of the park on a hike to Devil’s Waterhole. Cost is $3 for ages 6 and older plus entrance fees. Meet at park headquarters with your vehicle to drive to the start of the hike.

Water activities include:

• Sunset cruise on an electric boat — 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays except Oct. 11. Weather permitting. Pre-registration at the park headquarters is required. There is a limit of eight passengers per trip. The cost is $20 for adults and $16 for senior citizens, children and Texas State Park Pass holders. Meet behind the park store.

• Inks Lake kayak and canoe shore cleanup — 2-4 p.m. Oct. 19. Take a canoe or kayak and clean up the shores of Inks Lake. Garbage bags and grabbers will be provided. Canoes and a limited number of kayaks are available, but you may bring your own. The program is free with park entrance fees. Meet behind the park store.

To register for programs, visit the park headquarters or call (512) 793-2223. For more information about the programs, call the park interpreter at (512) 793-4689.