If you’re an outdoorsy sort of Texan, then Boerne is the place to be. Our slice of the Texas Hill Country has beautiful topography and plenty of great trails to go with it. Whether you’re looking to go for a run, explore nature on a hike, or just meander about on a nice evening walk, we’ve rounded up the best options for you in and around town.
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The Best Trails in Boerne
1. Cibolo Nature Center & Trails
The Cibolo Nature Center is a slice of heaven right in the middle of town. Once you enter, you’ll feel way more removed than you actually are. The center features 6+ miles of well-maintained trails that meander through diverse ecosystems, including woodlands, marshes, and prairies. Great spot for birdwatching. Pictured above is the boardwalk that takes you through the marshland.
2. Joshua Springs Park & Preserve
Just a short drive from downtown Boerne, Joshua Springs Park offers a mix of running and hiking trails that take you through the Hill Country’s beautiful landscapes. The 8+ miles of trails are well-marked and range from beginner to intermediate difficulty with varied surfaces of paved, gravel, grass, and more.
In the picture above, you can see one of the secluded meadows that has trails cutting through. There’s a paved trail that takes you up Ring Mountain, which is one of the highest spots in Boerne. I’ve gotten some solid elevation in my running workouts here over the years.
This park also features some good fishing spots and picnic areas, making it a great location for a full-day adventure. It also has a two-acre dog park, making it the most dog-friendly on this list.
3. Boerne’s City Trails
Boerne offers several paved, ADA-accessible trails that connect to take you through most of the city, making them ideal for runners, walkers, strollers, and cyclists alike. These trails are a great way to explore the town’s charm while getting some exercise. They also connect to sidewalks that can take you further through out the city, allowing you to get a lot of mileage in. Here’s a quick look at them:
- Cibolo Trail: A 1.75-mile scenic trail that hugs Cibolo Creek, connecting downtown Boerne to River Road Park and City Park. This is a family-friendly trail with beautiful views and easy access. There’s also a beer stop after the bridge at Tusculum Brewery!
- Old No. 9 Trail: This 1.4-mile trail has historical significance, partially following the path of the old No. 9 railroad line. The trail includes a bridge connecting it to the Patrick Heath Public Library, making it a great blend of history and nature. Sometimes you can find bluebonnet patches towards the Esser Rd part of the trail.
- Currey Creek Trail: Pictured above, this half-mile trail runs from Adler Street to Blanco Road. This is probably the least-known, least-used trail.
4. Kreutzberg Canyon Natural Area
For those looking for a more rugged adventure, Kreutzberg Canyon offers scenic and challenging trails along the Guadalupe River. With nearly 1,700 feet of river frontage, you can combine your hike or run with some river activities like kayaking or fishing – assuming we’ve gotten rain recently.
The trails wind through meadows and wooded areas, offering a great mix of terrains to explore. There are some decent elevation changes. This is probably the least known, least trafficked spot on this list.
5. Boerne City Lake Park
Boerne City Lake is a great recreational spot with a trail that runs around part of the lake perimeter over the dam. The photo above is taken from the edge of the trail. While the trail is not very long, you can work your way off the trail in spots and increase mileage. You could also run the paved roads in the park, as well as follow the disc golf course. Take a dip and cool off swimming when you’re done.
6. Guadalupe River State Park
Just a short drive East of Boerne, Guadalupe River State Park is a must-visit for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in nature. The park features over 13 miles of trails that cater to hikers of all skill levels, from easy riverside strolls to more challenging treks along some rugged hills of the Texas Hill Country.
The Bald Cypress Trail, which runs alongside the Guadalupe River, offers breathtaking views of the riverbank (like the one we took in the photo above) and opportunities to spot wildlife. Perfect for hiking, trail running, and even a post-hike dip in the river during the warmer months!
If you’re running, there are some technical trails here, for sure. So pick up those feet!
7. Friedrich Wilderness Park
While technically located just outside Boerne, Friedrich Wilderness Park is well worth the drive. With over 10 miles of hiking trails and stunning views of the Texas Hill Country, this park is a favorite for those looking for a more challenging hike. The trails range from moderate to difficult, with some steep inclines and rocky terrain—perfect for those seeking an intense workout or a rewarding scenic hike.
These are also some pretty technical trail runs. In fact, I tripped here pretty good more than once! If you run deep into some of the back trails, there are some very steep climbs that you’ll need to use your hands for. I took a photo of the map above so you could get an idea of how extensive the trails are, as well as the difficulty level.
If you’re prepping for a trail run, this is your spot.
The Newest Addition
A new adventure spot has opened on the edge of town—Desperado Resort, located at 646 FM 474, is now welcoming visitors for hiking and primitive camping. Formerly the abandoned Guadalupe River Ranch Resort, the property has been revived and now offers over 5 miles of scenic trails, river access, and peaceful Hill Country views.
Open Friday through Monday from 8 am to 4 pm, admission is $15 for adults and $10 for kids, seniors, and military. Tent camping is available for $25 per night, and RV boon-docking is offered for $35 per night. It’s a great new way to enjoy the outdoors right in Boerne’s backyard.
On the Horizon
In case you haven’t noticed, Boerne is growing. in fact, all of Texas is growing! And with that in mind, we are getting some new outdoor spaces that will give us new spots to hike and run. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming:
8. Boerne City Campus Nature Area (BCCNA)
Located directly behind the Patrick Heath Public Library, the Boerne City Campus Nature Area will add even more trails to Boerne’s growing outdoor offerings. In fact, you can already see the progress from the Old No. 9 trail. The Boerne Parks Association is working on developing this natural space, which will eventually provide walking paths and scenic spots for all to enjoy. This project is another step in Boerne’s commitment to balancing urban growth with green spaces for the community.
9. Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area
This one is going to take a while, but it will be well worth the wait. This expansive State Natural Area will provide hikers and nature lovers with access to a whopping 3,800 acres of preserved land just west of Boerne. The park will feature miles and miles of extensive trails winding through rugged Hill Country terrain, offering a more challenging outdoor experience for those seeking adventure. With its focus on conservation, visitors will also get the opportunity to explore native wildlife and habitats in their natural setting, making it a must-visit destination for serious hikers.
10. Sisterdale Sanctuary
This new initiative,in conjunction with the Cibolo Nature Center, aims to conserve the beautiful landscapes around Sisterdale, just a short drive from Boerne. While it’s still in development, the plan is to open this 32 acre space to the public for low-impact outdoor activities like hiking and nature observation. The sanctuary will offer residents and visitors another peaceful escape into the Hill Country’s stunning scenery, all while supporting environmental preservation. No word yet on how many miles of trails we’ll be looking at here.
There you have it, your guide to Boerne trails. Whether you’re into running, hiking, or just good old fashioned walking, this is the town for you! Getting out and exploring the trails is one of the best things to do in Boerne!
And check out our video showing our favorite runs in Boerne below.
Let us know if you’ve found any other great trails around town in the comments below!