A waterfall in the middle of Austin? Actually, we have several. One of my favorite places to find a waterfall at the end of a quick hike is Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve on Loop 360.

Wild Basin has 227 acres of beautiful hill country woodlands with 2 1/2 miles of hiking trails. A short hike in the preserve has you cross Bee Creek several times and leads to a small waterfall.

Wild Basin provides a habitat for the endangered Golden-cheeked warbler and the Black-capped vireo as well as many other native plant and wildlife species. The preserve offers a number of interesting programs including a guided walk that introduces you to the preserves plants, animals, and geology. For night sky buffs they offer a stargazing program

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is managed as part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. The preserve was founded in 1974. It is owned jointly by Travis County and St. Edwards University.

Wild Basin Preserve is located approximately 3 miles south of the Loop 360 bridge on the east side of the highway.

Between July 31st and October 31st, reservations are required on weekends. You can reserve online or by calling 512-327-7622.

Best Trails in Wild Basin Park

Address: 805 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 327-7622
Twitter: @wildbasincrc
www.wildbasin.org