You don’t have to travel far from New Braunfels to find a great place to get outside and explore.
New Braunfels has a growing network of trails that can be used for everything from a quick morning walk to trail running, cycling, mountain biking, wildlife watching, weekend fun, and simply spending some time outdoors. Within the city limits alone, there are more than eight miles of hike and bike trails, with additional trails and connections continuing to be developed.
Here are some of the best trails in and around New Braunfels to check out for some free fun.
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1. County Line Memorial Trail
For an easy, accessible trail that’s great for walking, running, and biking, County Line Memorial Trail is one of the best options in New Braunfels.
The paved linear trail stretches approximately 2.2 miles between County Line Road and FM 725, passing through residential areas and connecting nearby neighborhoods and schools. Along the way, you’ll find bridges, shaded benches, and plenty of places to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.
Because it’s paved and relatively easy to navigate, it’s a good choice for families, casual walkers, runners, cyclists, and anyone looking to take the dog out for a longer walk.
2. Dry Comal Creek Trail
If you’d rather leave the pavement behind, head to Dry Comal Creek Trail.
This approximately 2.25-mile loop provides a much more natural trail experience, winding through forested areas, savanna, and the Dry Comal Creek corridor. It’s open to hikers and cyclists and is also a popular option for local mountain bikers.
The changing terrain and natural surroundings make this a good middle ground for someone who wants to feel like they’re getting out into nature without traveling far from the heart of New Braunfels.
3. Panther Canyon Nature Trail
You may have visited Landa Park dozens of times without venturing very far into Panther Canyon.
The Panther Canyon Nature Trail begins in Landa Park and climbs into the Balcones Escarpment, taking hikers through oak and juniper woodlands along a natural-surface trail measuring roughly 1.6 to 1.8 miles.
Unlike a flat neighborhood walking path, Panther Canyon offers some elevation changes and a more rugged environment. It’s a great option for a short hike, especially when you want to combine it with a visit to the rest of Landa Park.
Keep an eye out for native plants and wildlife as you make your way through the canyon.
4. Alligator Creek Trail
One of the newer additions to New Braunfels’ trail network can be found on the north side of town.
Alligator Creek Trail is a 10-foot-wide concrete walking and biking path running along Alligator Creek between Goodwin Lane and Orion Drive. The beginner-friendly trail includes benches, signage, trash cans, dog waste stations, and connections to surrounding neighborhoods.
Current access points include Oak Creek Estates neighborhood pool at 250 Escarpment Oak and the neighborhood park at 392 Orion. An additional Goodwin Lane access point is planned following reconstruction in the area.
Even more interesting is what’s planned for the future. This is just the first phase of a larger trail connection envisioned to continue through Sunflower Ridge and Wasser Ranch before eventually connecting with Northwest Park.
5. Willard Canyon
For a quick nature escape that you may not even realize exists, check out Willard Canyon just off Walnut Avenue.
Rather than one long trail, the area has three short routes to explore. The 0.4-mile Canyon Trail provides the easiest hike on a wider trail. The 0.35-mile Ledges Trail introduces rockier terrain and treetop views, while the 0.25-mile Cactus Trail follows rocky terrain along a dry creek bed.
You can easily combine the trails for a longer outing or choose just one when you have a little time to get outside.
Willard Canyon is also a good spot for wildlife viewing and geocaching. There are no restrooms or water fountains on site, so bring water with you and plan accordingly.
6. Purgatory Creek Natural Area
For a bigger adventure, make the short drive to neighboring San Marcos and explore Purgatory Creek Natural Area.
This sprawling natural area on the southwest side of San Marcos offers everything you need. More than 12 miles of natural-surface trails connect the Lower and Upper Purgatory trailheads, providing options for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, bird watching, and nature exploration.
Lower Purgatory, located at 2102 Hunter Road, is especially popular with trail runners and mountain bikers thanks to its technical single-track terrain filled with rocks and tree roots. Popular routes include Dante, Beatrice, Ovid, and Ripheus.
Upper Purgatory can be accessed from 1753 Valencia Way and offers trails including Dante, Paraiso, and Malacoda. One of the highlights is a large limestone grotto carved by Purgatory Creek. An ADA-accessible trail can also be reached from the Upper Purgatory trailhead.
If you’re looking to turn a casual walk into a legitimate outdoor adventure, Purgatory Creek is one of the best nearby places to do it.
More Trails Are Coming to New Braunfels
New Braunfels’ trail system continues to grow.
Future projects include the proposed Waterway Lane Hike and Bike Trail, envisioned to create a connection between Gruene Road and FM 306. Other projects and future connections are designed to make it easier for residents to travel between neighborhoods, parks, schools, and other destinations on foot or by bicycle.
The Comal Trails Alliance also plays an important role in supporting trails throughout the area. The nonprofit works with local parks departments and the community to maintain and improve trails, organize volunteer work days, promote active transportation, protect natural resources, and advocate for additional trail connections throughout Comal County.
With paved paths for an evening walk, natural trails for hiking, and more technical terrain for runners and mountain bikers, there’s a trail around New Braunfels for just about every way you like to get outside.