Between Austin And Houston Is An Overlooked Texas State Park With Trails And Lake Fun

Texas is seldom connected with anything small, but Buescher State Park is a delightful exception. At a little over 1,000 acres, it is less than a fifth of the size of sister site Bastrop State Park, about 10 miles up the road, and attracts less than half the visitors. Those in the know often refer to it as a hidden gem, making it a quiet alternative for an outdoor escape in the Lone Star State.

Its underrated status is surprising, since the park is just under an hour east of Austin and less than two hours west of Houston, with miles of hiking trails and a 6-acre lake stocked with canoes to rent for fishing and boating fun. Trails at Buescher, pronounced "bisher" in a nod to the family who donated the original acreage to the state, range from the easy Big Tree Retreat, which ends at a majestic former state champion elm tree, to the challenging 4-mile Pine Gulch Trail.

The Pine Gulch Trail is a great way to explore some of the park's other famous trees – the loblolly pines that make up part of the "Lost Pines" ecosystem. So-called because this stand is isolated 100 miles west of the next nearest habitat, making it the westernmost loblolly forest in the United States, Lost Pines stretches into nearby Bastrop State Park and provides a special habitat for wildlife. The trees, in various stages of growth, and other plants along the trail are evidence of 2015's Hidden Pines wildfire and the ways the forest is recovering. The Pine Gulch trail connects with others to form an 8-mile loop.

Prefer to explore on two wheels? With the exception of two short walks, all of the paths in Buescher are open to mountain bikes. Not only that, but Park Road 1C connects Buescher with Bastrop State Park via a 12-mile paved road with a few hills that make for a challenging trek. 

While swimming is not allowed in the lake, it's a perfect spot for relaxing and watching ducks paddle about. The serenity is enhanced by a prohibition against motorized watercraft — it's strictly human-powered paddling on this lake, and you can rent a canoe for exploring. Fishing is another peaceful pastime, either from the shore or a boat. The pond is stocked annually with rainbow trout, and other catches include largemouth bass and channel catfish. For another great fishing adventure, check out the Texas city of Freeport.

Even though the park is under-the-radar, you'll still want to lock in your camping plans early. With only 60 camping spots, including 32 with electricity, and three popular air-conditioned cabins, overnights book up fast. In fact, the park's official website even recommends reserving for day use, as Buescher often reaches capacity.

The charming park owes its design to the Great Depression. In 1933, as a part of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, workers transformed the over-cut pine forest, seeding, transplanting, and clearing brush and fallen timber to create Buescher. They also constructed bridges, rock walls, and public buildings intended to sit in harmony with the natural landscape. Several of those red sandstone and rustic timber structures built by the CCC are still in use nearly a century later, including the popular Recreation Hall,  which was renovated to include ADA-accessible bathrooms, and the pavilion, which has indoor and outdoor fireplaces. 

While the park feels isolated, it's just off State Highway 71 and a 15-minute drive to Bastrop, a small town that is emerging as one of the best art-inspired destinations in the U.S. Planning a trip to the Lone Star State? Add these world-record-holding Texas tourist spots to your itinerary.