Texas is well known for it great expansive outdoor spaces.  The areas surrounding Austin has some wonderful places to hike camp and just explore.  If you are staying in the Austin area and are looking for quick day trips, then you have over 15 different parks to choose from.  

Located about 30 miles east of Austin is Bastrop State Park.  It is a quiet, isolated park that is open year round.  Deep in the Lost Pines region of the Texas pine forests, the 3,500 acres are yours to explore.  It is the perfect state park for bikers, either beginners or experts, as there is a 12 mile stretch through the scenic Lost Pines of East Texas.  If biking is not your thing, then you can take a leisurely drive along the same route.  If you want to become more one with nature, then hiking, backpacking and camping are just what you need, and the park answers this with a 8 and a half mile trek through the Lost Pines region with campsites just waiting for you.  It is a great place to enjoy the Texan out doors, yet not so far away from civilization.

If you are looking for something a little bit closer to downtown Austin, then the McKinney Falls State Park is the place for you.  This 600 plus acre park is located just 13 miles southeast from the heart of Austin.  It has over 3 miles of a paved biking/hiking trail through the park.   There are more rugged trails for those who prefer to go mountain biking or hiking off the beaten path.  If you want to do something out of the ordinary, then by all means check out the swimming in Onion Creek.  It is a great place to relax and enjoy the refreshing waters of Texas.  This park is geared towards visitors as it always has activities and programs for visitors to participate in.  This is a great way to explore the more rugged side of Texas. 

If you are looking for something a little bit more stimulating, then Perdernales Falls State Park is the place for you.  Located about one hour from Austin, it is worth the trip just to see the falls.  This park again has all the aminities of the other parks.  You will find hiking, camping, biking and backpacking.  There are over 14 miles of biking and hiking trails to explore.  The trail that is the most traveled however, is the short half a mile nature trail which will give you a beautiful view of the Twin Falls and lets you explore the wildlife and plant life native to Texas.  If you like the feel of adventure, then the unexpected flash flooding that occurs will only increase the enjoyment of your adventure. 

So, if you crave the outdoors adventure, then you definitely want to experience it while visiting Austin.  Whether you are looking to just enjoy a quick day trip or make it an overnight adventure, Texas has many different parks for you to choose from.  The fact that there are so many places to visit for a day is great.  This will allow you to explore one during the day, enjoy a good meal at one of the many Austin restaurants, and get a good nights sleep and then head out the next day to do it all over again at another great outdoors spot in the hills of Texas.