A new destination for Texas Hill Country hikers is almost here. But hikers don’t have to wait for the gates to open to explore the Hill Country near Boerne.
The Albert & Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area, a 3,852-acre property near Boerne, is nearing completion and is expected to open to the public by the end of 2026. The long-awaited natural area will eventually offer hiking, camping, biking and even limited cycling opportunities on one of the most scenic portions of the area’s rolling landscape.
Chances are, those who walk down the city’s sprawling footpaths will find more than one surprise, including unique trails, stunning creekside views, little-known history, beer stops, and even a tree where dozens of couples have immortalized their love.
#1. Cibolo Trail
The Cibolo Trail offers a scenic walk along Boerne’s Cibolo Creek while keeping you close to downtown Boerne. The paved, 1.75-mile multi-use trail also connects to Boerne’s River Road Park and City Park. You’ll see views of the creek and parks and enjoy the wildlife. On a recent visit, I saw large ducks and geese; some with feathers as white as snow, and others with splotches of white and black feathers, highlighted by vibrant blue accents. On this trail, walkers can also take a quick break at the Tusculum Brewery. The authentic brewpub’s back patio opens into a portion of the trail. But one of my favorite parts of this trail is an American Sycamore tree, where several couples have inscribed their initials into the tree’s bark. This trail is my number one because it really connects you with the magic of the city’s downtown.
#2. Kreutzberg Canyon Natural Area
This trail is for anyone who really wants to get a hike in and doesn’t mind a downhill trek to find a little slice of heaven along the Guadalupe River. Kreutzberg Canyon Natural Area offers a quieter hike. The 117-acre nature preserve has about three miles of trails hidden throughout the Hill Country landscape. It’s perfect for hiking, enjoying a picnic and some rugged exploring. On my visit, I found a perfect little cove along the Guadalupe where families were enjoying the water, playing with dogs and wading into the river. This natural area gets the second spot because the amazing and remote views, in my mind, evoked a Garden-of-Eden-like comparison.
#3. Cibolo Nature Center
This 160-acre nature center offers more than six miles of trails across a variety of natural landscapes in Boerne. The trails are family-friendly and are also known as one of the more romantic spots in town, with couples often posing for engagement photos among the center’s tall grasses and scenic views. You can expect to see native prairies, creek views and even spot wildlife in the spring-fed marsh, or enjoy the shade of the live oak and cypress tree canopies, all without leaving Boerne. This lovely spot is in the top three because it’s among the most locally loved.
#4. Old No. 9 Trail
This 1.4-mile railroad-themed Boerne hiking trail may be one of the town’s most underrated. It’s ADA-accessible, with wide, paved walking paths, and perfect for a nice, breezy bike ride. The trail also offers a look at some of the city’s transportation and railroad history, as well as some interesting pop-history fun facts. For example, one history placard details the strange but fascinating history of a former San Antonio mayor who built a hygeostatic bat roost to attract more mammals to the area to help fight off malaria.
#5. River Road Park
For an easy, fun walk through Boerne, River Road Park sits along the Cibolo Trail and is frequented by many Boerne-ites, as it is one of the city’s most popular stops. Built along the south bank of the Cibolo Creek, the park offers visitors the chance to check out the city’s dam, enjoy picnic areas and maybe just get their steps in after dinner. If your visit is anything like mine, you’ll see large families or turtles and enjoy a few quiet moments looking over the city’s dam as water trickles over the surface.