Inks Lake State Park offering night and dog hikes in August
FROM STAFF REPORTS
BURNET — Hit the trails at night or take a morning excursion with your pooch at Inks Lake State Park in August.
The park is located at 3630 Park Road 4 West. Entrance fees are $6 for ages 13 and older; $3 for Texas residents 65 and older; and free for children 12 and younger. Call (512) 793-4689.
The Yellow Trail Summit hike is 8-10 p.m. Aug. 2, 16 and 30 and offers 2½ miles of scenic views, owl and bat spotting, star gazing and more. Wear comfortable shoes and insect repellant and bring a flashlight and water. Hikers should meet at the amphitheater near the park headquarters. The hike is free (with park entrance fees) and is geared toward ages 8 and older.
The Paws ’N Pals morning hike with a park ranger is 9 a.m. Aug. 23. Meet at the Pecan Trailhead for a 2-mile hike to Stumpy Hollow with your canine companion. Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash. Bring water for you and your pet. Adult supervision is required. The hike is free (with entrance fees.)
Other August activities include:
- Night Sky Party, 8:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday (weather permitting) — The park, partnering with Stargaze USA, uses a computer-controlled telescope and laser pointers to show off extraordinary things in the night sky. The program is $4 (plus park entrance fees.) Meet near the playground in front of Chris’ Landing.
- Underwater Discovery!, 10-11 a.m. Thursdays — Wade into the shallow waters of the lake with a seining net to discover underwater life. The program is free (with park entrance fees.)
- Fishing with a Ranger, 6-7 p.m. Fridays — Learn the basics of fishing. The program is free (with park entrance fees.) Meet behind the park store.
Boat activities include:
- Devil’s Waterhole canoe tour, 1-3 p.m. Thursdays and 1-3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, 15 and 29 (weather permitting) — Learn the basics of paddling a canoe followed by a guided tour to Devil’s Waterhole. Wear swim clothing and shoes. Pre-registration is required.
- Kids kayak clinic, 1-2 p.m. Aug. 2, 8, 16, 22 and 30 — Children ages 7 and older learn the basics of kayaking and water safety. The program is $3 (plus park entrance fees.) Parents must attend with their children. Participants will get wet, so wear dress appropriately. Meet behind the park store. Pre-registration is required.
- Electric boat tours, 7:45-8:45 p.m. Fridays (weather permitting) — Meet behind the park store for an electric boat tour of the lake. The program is limited to eight passengers. Pre-registration is required.
- Moonlight Paddle, 8-10 p.m. Aug. 9 — a full-moon paddling trip for ages 15 and older
- Twilight Paddle, 8-10 p.m. Aug 23 — a non-full-moon paddling trip to Devil’s Waterhole for ages 15 and older