HIKING

The National Park Service will have free entry to parks and other sites on Saturday to celebrate National Park Week and Earth Day.

The spring season is an ideal time for a camping trip, and luckily San Antonio is surrounded by state parks so getaways are a short drive away.

Start 2024 on the right foot and explore Texas State Parks, city trails or the San Antonio Missions with a hike or walk on New Year’s Day.

The National Park Service has announced the days when visitors can get into dozens of national parks for free in the new year.

The Red Berry Hike and Bike Trailhead, located at the IH-10 entrance to the former Red Berry estate, is now open to the public.

If you’ve been wanting to see some fall foliage at a state park, now is your time to visit for free.

Saturday marks the first official day of the fall season, meaning cooler weather (should) be ahead. If you’ve been wanting to spend time outdoors but have been avoiding it due to the heat, now’s the time to plan for those fall camping trips.

TPWD is asking visitors to stay safe and hydrated during the summer heat, as temperatures have been exceeding 100 degrees.

Galveston Island State Park is celebrating its grand reopening following a years-long renovation due to damage from Hurricane Ike.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is reminding state park visitors to leave no trace, including putting those rocks down.

The fall season starts next week, and soon we’ll be able to go outside without immediately breaking a sweat.

A man has died while hiking in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Visitors of Big Bend National Park now have a new 3-mile loop trail to test their hiking skills on.

You’re on a hiking trail in the early morning, the sun is shining and everything is peaceful... until you encounter a trap from a creepy-crawly enemy.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is offering tips to help people stay safe on trails in the heat.

The beach side of Galveston Island State Park reopened on Monday with new campsites and amenities — a renovation that was years in the making after Hurricane Ike damaged structures there in 2018.

San Antonio Plus Sized Women Hiking is a group of ladies exploring the outdoors and getting active--not to change their bodies but to embrace and honor them.

In this free newsletter, you should expect to find stories about state parks, wildlife, hiking, fishing, hunting, swimming, running, camping and traveling.

The Texas coral snake is a little more distinct than any other venomous snake in the state, as it’s brightly colored with red, yellow and black bands and can be seen from several feet away.

Feeling the need for some fresh air? Maybe you want to teach a younger member of the family how to fish?

Camping, hiking, outdoor gear in high demand during the pandemicPublished: August 19, 2020, 10:50 pmAccording to the Outdoor Industry Association, which tracks information for the industry, more Americans took up new outdoor hobbies between April and June this year. Initial reports show the most popular activities were running, bicycling and hiking.

Texas Parks and Wildlife reported that a hiker was rescued Friday after getting lost at Big Bend Ranch State Park without food or water in 106-degree heat. A hiker at the 300,000-acre Big Bend Ranch State Park got lost on the trail. The next morning, another park police officer was informed about a possible lost hiker, Texas Parks and Wildlife officials said in a statement. An additional game warden, two state park rangers, a U.S. Border Patrol agent and a Presidio County Sheriffs Deputy were able to help the hiker climb back over the pour-offs, officials said. Related: Overnight camping reopens at Texas State Parks, reservations can be made starting this week

SAN ANTONIO – You need them when you hike, but you’ll find these items are handy at home, too. Jordan Lauterstein, owner of San Antonio’s Good Sports Outdoor Outfitters, rounds up more than a dozen things usually used for backpacking that will make camping in your back yard easier and more comfortable. Helinox lightweight camping chair - Fun colors, holds up to 320 poundsNEMO Victory sunshade - Lightweight, fits onto NEMO waterproof beach blanketRumpl puffy blanket - Lightweight, insulated, weather resistant, corner loops, cape clipThe North Face homestead snackle box - Duffle bag for snacks and drinks, insulated, waterproof, daisy chains to attach to gear, built-in bottle openerFenix flashlight - LED tactical flashlight, used by hunters and ranchers, spreads light evenly across the beamBen’s and Natrapel bug repellent - Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent contains DEET and is recommended for use in areas of heavy infestation; Natrapel is all natural, DEET-free, non-greasy and repels insects for up to 12 hoursOluKai sandals - Yes, you will pay extra for these, but they will last you forever; footwear created for durability and the ocean lifestyle; every pair gives back with a portion of all proceeds directly supporting the Ama OluKai Foundation, honoring those who preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage and Aloha spirit of Hawaii (Full disclosure: I bought a pair for my wedding and I’ve worn them just about every day since ~Diana)Patagonia provisions - Responsibly sourced foodKAVU rope bag - Trendy, cotton canvas bag with adjustable rope strap, durable day pack for on the trail or around townHydro Flask - Water bottle that keeps liquids hot or cold; tumblers, coffee, beer, wine bottles availableDoggy gear - Ruffwear water pouch; NiteHowl LED safety necklaceNEMO Aurora 2-person tent - Keeps mosquitos out, can be used open or closed, shady and lightweightNEMO Tensor insulated sleeping pad - Lightweight, stable and packable, two layers of metalized filmGood Sports Outdoor Outfitters is offering in-store shopping and curbside right now. The store offers tips for responsible social distancing in the outdoors in the Facebook post below.

SAN ANTONIO – If you’re looking take a quick trip outdoors, you may want to check out one of these local fishing spots. Even if you aren’t a fan of fishing, some of these fishing destinations also feature hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and camping. Woodlawn Lake ParkLocated at 221 Alexander Avenue, this is one of the most popular fishing spots in San Antonio, according to Yelp users. Elmendorf Lake ParkLocated at 3700 W Commerce Street, Elmendorf Lake Park allows fishing from the bank or a pier overlooking the water. For more information, click here.