Hike or Bike the Kerrville River Trail
Rugged hills, sparkling rivers, wildflower meadows, flowing springs – the incomparable beauty of the Texas Hill Country has been calling people to this area for hundreds of years. When you stay with us at Hotel Giles, make time to explore the stunning landscape with a hike or bike ride on one of our region's numerous multi-use trails. In addition to soaking in the local terrain, it's a great way to take a break from life's stresses – which is exactly the reason for your much-needed getaway.
The scenic Kerrville River Trail along the banks of the Guadalupe River is about 20 minutes from our historic inn in downtown Comfort. This 7-mile, out-and-back path takes visitors on a journey through some of Kerrville's popular recreation spots. The trail has a 10-foot-wide concrete surface that's perfect for walking, running and biking. The Kerrville River Trail is relatively new, with the first segment from the Riverside Nature Center to Tranquility Island completed just 10 years ago.
The trail's southern most trailhead is at Kerrville-Schreiner Park, the city's largest and busiest park. Here you can rent kayaks and canoes for a paddle on the river, go fishing, or enjoy a picnic before accessing the River Trail. As you head north on the trail, you'll follow along the Guadalupe enjoying beautiful river views, majestic cypress trees and native vegetation along the water's edge.
The next two parks you'll come to are directly connected: Lehmann-Monroe Park, popular for its dog park, and Louise Hays Park, with an interactive splash fountain to cool off from hot Texas summers. Within Louise Hays Park, you can take a bridge to cross over the Guadalupe onto Tranquility Island, which sits between two branches of the river. Be sure to visit this cypress-lined island during the holiday season for the Light the Island festivities.
Continue on the trail to the Riverside Nature Center, home to an extensive 2-acre garden that serves as a wildlife sanctuary. There's also a butterfly garden, a wildflower meadow, a native healing garden and a visitor center with outdoor decks and a patio overlooking the garden. The trail continues into Lowry Park and then travels on the limestone bank to its end at the Dietert Center, Kerrville's senior center.
Spend a day on the Kerrville River Trail, take in the natural beauty along the Guadalupe shoreline, stop at each trailhead and enjoy the plentiful amenities at some of the city's spectacular parks. It's Texas Hill Country recreation at its finest!
