In addition to the popular holidays in October and November — Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, and Thanksgiving — there is a lesser known one: National Hiking Day. This holiday serves as a reminder to get out for some fresh air during the season that makes it so easy to sink into the couch.
Hiking is not only enjoyable for the whole family, it is also very beneficial to your overall mental and physical health. Taking a hike can clear your busy mind by lowering stress levels and improving your balance and heart health. Texas is home to incredible natural beauty across the state, but you can find some stunning scenic views in East Texas’ forests without having to travel too far from home.
Break Out Those Hiking Boots! Here are 10 Tyler Trailheads:
Easy
Southside Trail at Rose Rudman: .5 miles
Whispering Pines Nature Trail at Tyler State Park: .75 miles
Blacktrack Trail at Tyler State Park: .4 miles
Blackberry Patch at Faulkner State Park: .9 miles
Moderate
Whispering Pines at Tyler State Park: 1 mile
Rudman Loop at Rose Rudman: 1.2 miles
D Loop at Tyler State Park: 2.1 miles
Difficult
Sleeping Giants at Faulkner Park: 3.5 miles
Legacy Trail at Rose Rudman: 4.2 miles
About the Parks
Tyler State Park
$6 Admission Fee, free for kids under 12
Features a 64-acre spring-fed lake.
What to do: hiking, fishing, camping, and enjoy a boat ride on the lake.
Faulkner Park
No admission fee.
What to do: hiking, fishing at the pond, birding, and camping.
Rose Rudman Park
No admission fee.
What to do: hiking, biking, and visiting the Tyler Cancer Bell.
So, what are you waiting for? With so much of our time spent indoors these days, it’s nice to get out and enjoy Texas’ fall weather every now and then. No matter where you are, you can find a trailhead near you.
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