If you enjoy walking amid the beauty of nature, whether it’s a gentle stroll or a more strenuous hike, you don’t have to travel far from McGregor, Texas, to discover some delightful trails. Here are five of the area’s best walking spots.
1. Cotton Belt Trail
Just 10 minutes northeast of McGregor is Trail Blazer Park, where you’ll find the start of the Cotton Belt Trail. The 2.5-mile paved trail follows the abandoned St. Louis Southwestern Railway route from the Harris Creek neighborhood to the western edge of Waco. The path mostly runs through tree-dotted fields before meandering under the Old Lorena Road and onto the spectacular bridge over the Bosque River.
2. Mother Neff State Park
Around 11 miles southwest of the center of McGregor is the 259-acre Mother Neff State Park, one of the oldest state parks in Texas. The park features almost 3.5 miles of walking trails made up of six interconnecting trails from 0.4 to 0.6 miles in length and rated as easy or moderate.
The trails take you to the clear waters of Prairie Pond and Wash Pond. Enjoy the views from the top of the rock tower and visit a stone shelter that was inhabited by the Tonkawa Indian tribe in the 1800s. During your walk, you may be lucky enough to spot a variety of nature, and the picnic tables provide perfect lunch spots. Stop by the visitor center to learn more about the park.
3. Woodway Park
Situated on the banks of Lake Waco, Woodway Park is on the edge of Waco, less than 20 minutes from McGregor. Four pretty trails link up to create a 2.9-mile loop, parts of which offer beautiful views over the lake thanks to the 154-foot gain in elevation. Stroll through the open grassland and secluded forest areas.
Depending on the season, you can enjoy wildflowers and the lake’s bird life. Bring a picnic for a peaceful lakeside lunch. The park also has a kids’ playground and a disc golf course. Dogs are welcome on the trails but must be kept on a leash.
4. Pepper Creek Trail
Close to Temple, 30 minutes southwest of McGregor, you’ll find the Pepper Creek Trail. It’s a 3.2-mile round-trip paved trail that is easy for walkers of all abilities. The scenic path takes you through wooded areas along the western bank of Pepper Creek with its unique water features and a pedestrian bridge.
You can take your pooch, but keep it on a leash as snakes sometimes lurk in the grassland beside the trail. For a longer walk, the southern end of the Pepper Creek Trail connects with the 4-mile FM 2305 hike and bike trail.
5. Meridian State Park
For some more challenging hiking, head up to Meridian State Park, which is around 45 minutes north of McGregor. The park’s four trails include the 2.2-mile Bosque Hiking Trail, which follows the edge of Lake Meridian and is rated as challenging. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views over the lake from the Bee Ledge lookout point.
These five locations give you the chance to enjoy the wide variety of wildlife and natural scenery that this region of Texas has to offer while walking at your own pace.
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com
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