Tucked away just west of Boerne off Highway 46, the Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area straddles both Kendall and Bandera counties, offering 3,800 acres of pristine Hill Country landscapes. Donated to the state in 2011, the natural area is still in the planning and design phase, but recently unveiled plans offer a glimpse into what visitors can expect when it eventually opens to the public.
Led by Byrne Construction Services and Marmon Mok Architecture, the proposed design focuses on blending functionality with sustainability to highlight the natural beauty and ecological heritage of the land. Plans include four main areas: an entry and administration center, the park’s headquarters, a day-use nature center, and an overnight camping loop.
One of the most exciting features is a 100-person amphitheater, designed as an educational gathering spot for nature programs and tours. A boardwalk through the tree canopy will provide visitors with an immersive experience of the Hill Country’s diverse landscapes, while playground structures made of harvested timber will allow families to enjoy a nature-inspired play area. Sustainable elements like solar panel shades and rainwater capture systems are also being incorporated to minimize the park’s environmental impact.
The natural area is home to endangered species like the golden-cheeked warbler, rare plants such as the Boerne bean and sycamore-leaf snowbell, and pristine creeks and streams. Officials emphasize that protecting these habitats remains the top priority, which is why the park will follow a model similar to nearby Government Canyon State Natural Area, balancing recreation with conservation. Visitors can look forward to hiking, backpacking, birdwatching, and limited mountain biking when the area opens.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is currently working with a design team to finalize plans for roads, facilities, and campsites. Additional funding has already been secured to build six miles of natural surface trails, ensuring visitors can explore the rugged Hill Country terrain when the park debuts.
While there’s no firm timeline yet, officials hope to welcome the public as early as 2026. For now, the Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area remains a quiet gem in the Hill Country, promising to be a must-visit destination once it opens its gates. To put the size into perspective, this natural area is over 6 times larger than Friedrich Wilderness Park off I-10.
Located at 7690 Highway 46 West in Pipe Creek, this future state natural area is another shining example of Texas’ commitment to preserving its unique landscapes.
Image source: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/albert-bessie-kronkosky
Thanks Chris, Good job, So no word on horseback riding?
Not to my knowledge. I’ll keep an ear out!
Please keep me informed of developments
This area is awesome. Alamo RCD assisted way back at it’s start as part of a planning committee. I am so happy to see it coming into action. It will a wonderful addition to our community!! We praise the Kronkosky Foundation for this great addition to natural conservation and the nature loving community.
Wonder will the boardwalk be an area accessible to people in wheelchairs or using walkers? If not is there another area?
do you know if a trail company has been found yet. I build all over Texas. 214.641.1452 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.900309078551654&type=3
Several years ago, when I first heard of this project, I telephoned to the park and suggested that there be an area set aside for nighttime astronomy viewing. I suggested that they contact one of the astronomy clubs in San Antonio for recommendations about what this could look like. The gentleman said that this is a good idea and thanked me.
I hope that this will indeed happen. I have taken my telescope to the hill country several times and always found that the lack of light pollution gives great dark sky views.
Oh, the phrase “light pollution” reminds me. Throughout the new park all of the outdoor lighting should have shades that point the light downward and not let it escape out to the sides or up.
I hope this reminder helps.