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Enchanted Rock opening new backcountry trail system

Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey

One of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area’s most recent expansions, the Backcountry, will open for expanded public day use on Tuesday, July 7, following over 3,700 acres of land additions to the park over the last two years.

The Backcountry, which is planned to house fishing, birdwatching, hiking, and camping sites, currently features loose trails with limited shade to be used by hikers while development of the area continues. Operating hours for the area are 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. A map of the new trails can be found online.

No parking will be available near the expansion until a later date. Those interested in hiking the Backcountry area in the meantime may park at the headquarters building, located at 16710 RM 965 in Fredericksburg, and hike approximately two miles to reach the entry gate of the expansion.

“This first wave of development will be a good fit for true adventurers who want a more rugged experience than what they’ve been currently experiencing at Enchanted Rock,” Park Superintendent Doug Cochran said in a press release. “Future phases will see closer parking so people of other experience levels can enjoy the beauty of the Backcountry.”

The Backcountry addition is part of a larger, roughly 3,700-acre expansion at Enchanted Rock that has been ongoing for several years, made possible by purchases like the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission’s 630-acre land acquisition in 2024.

According to the Enchanted Rock expansion page, new parklands must open for limited public use within 18 months, and full public use within 48 months. So long as development progresses smoothly, that would earmark an opening date in January 2029.

caden@thepicayune.com

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