Join us for a 3-4 mile hike in the Spring Lake Preserve Natural Area.
Directions from IH35. Take exit 206 TX 82 Loop/Aquarena Springs Drive.
Turn west toward San Marcos on Aquarena Springs Drive (right if you're coming from the north, left if you're coming from the south).
After about a mile, the main flow of traffic goes up a ramp and across a bridge over the train tracks. DO NOT GO UP THE RAMP! Stay at ground level by staying to the right
You will reach a T very shortly after crossing train tracks
Turn Left
Then take your first right into Aquarina Springs.
The road goes across the remains of the old golf course and comes to a parking lot with signs for the Meadows Center. You'll find us there. Parking is free on weekends.
If you get lost or the entrance gate is closed, there is an alternative way in. This is how you do it: Continue into town past the entrance gate. Cross the bridge over the San Marcos River and make a Right on Sessoms Drive. You will see the Saltgrass Restaurant on your right. Immediately after the restaurant make a right on Ed J. Green Drive. There are several forks in this road. At each one, bear to the right. The road goes up a hill, then back down. As you come down, you'll enter Aquarina Springs. The parking lot will be on your right.
As always, join us after the hike for food and conversation at a local restaurant.
Please note that if you are an experienced hiker, this and all other trails in San Marcos are easy. However, if you are a novice hiker, you need to know that many San Marcos trails are extremely rocky. There are often elevation changes of 50 to 150 feet. We hike at a moderate pace of about 3 miles an hour. If you have problems with balance or need to walk slowly, this hike probably is not for you. However, we encourage you to join us for our regular city and neighborhood walks. You should also note that most weeks, Saturday morning hikes are somewhat shorter and somewhat slower than Sunday morning hikes.
