Nature Abounds in the Lake Buchanan Region

by Tracey Louis
(The Highland Lakes, TX)

Nature Abounds in the Lake Buchanan Region

Visitors seeking amazing vistas and a plethora of wildlife will delight in the Texas region known as the Highland Lakes. The area surrounding Lake Buchanan hosts a wealth of the Hill Country's best offerings of scenic views and fascinating creatures. Avid anglers may be hesitant to pull themselves away from the record setting trophy bass and catfish in the lake, but nearby state parks provide excellent opportunities to reel in the big ones while observing some of Texas? most inspiring natural surroundings.

Photo provided by qthrul - Flickr

Colorado Bend State Park: Home to Many Treasures

Located just north of the lake, this gem should be on the top of any visitor's to-do list. Typically quiet, this park is home to beautiful scenery that lies adjacent to the Colorado River. Primitive campsites, picnic areas, and numerous hiking trails await nature lovers. Fishing in the river is unsurpassed, and the cooling waters offer a deserved respite during the heat of the summer.

Within Colorado Bend State Park there are numerous caves, and tours are available on weekends. Crawling tours of some of these natural wonders are available for the bravest spelunkers, and guests must obtain a permit and make the trek with a guide employed by the State Park Service. A guided tour to nearby Gorman Falls climaxes with a 60-foot waterfall, and one is likely to catch glimpses of majestic deer and wild turkeys that frequent the preserve area. Self tours are also permitted for this trek.

Experience the Vanishing Texas River Cruise

Regularly scheduled cruises launch from the Canyon of the Eagle's Lodge near the Lake Buchannan dam on the southern portion of the lake. One of the best opportunities to see the amazing bald eagle species will occur while taking one of these exciting cruises during the winter, as this is when they temporarily settle along the shoreline of the lake and river.

Raptor freedom cruises occur after rescued wildlife's rehabilitation is complete, and guests can reserve a ticket to join the staff on these special occasions. The double-decker boat cruises around the lake and portions of the Colorado River allowing passengers to view some of the state?s endangered species from a safe distance. Dinner and wine cruises are a popular choice, and provide jaw-dropping sunset views.

Walk on the Wild Side at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Southeast of the lake, sits 46,000 acres of hiking trails and preserved areas chock full of wildlife, flora, and great photo opportunities. Home to some of the best bird watching in the state, this refuge affords hikers ample chances to the see the rare golden-cheeked warbler and the black capped vireo. Staff and volunteers spend their time preserving, protecting, and maintaining the nesting areas that are home to these two unusual species.

Get Off the Beaten Path at Enchanted Rock

Revered by Native Americans as sacred ground, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is so amazing that entire books exist concerning its geologic nature and mystical history. Located approximately 45 minutes east of Lake Buchanan, this 600 foot granite dome is seemingly unworldly, and on summertime evenings, the rock moans and creaks as it cools; the Comanche believed this to be of a spiritual nature.

The formation was named by the Tonkawa, who believed that ghost fires flickered at the top due to a spell cast on it by a Spanish Conquistador. Climb aboard the rock and hike up one of the largest batholiths in the United States. The feat is achievable by children and the elderly, and rock climbers stay busy on the surrounding formations.

Without a doubt, the Lake Buchanan region is a haven for people who enjoy communing with nature and basking in the glory of lush, scenic surroundings. Visit the stunning wonders of the Highland Lakes region and explore the heart of Texas.

Tracey Louis enjoyed 2 years in the Highland Lakes region as an innkeeper, and continues to promote the area she came to love. For more information on upcoming events at The Highland Lakes please visit Facebook or Twitter.