College is the perfect time to travel. We are young and have absolutely all the time in the world. It is within college that we don’t have jobs and have the flexibility to travel wherever and whenever at the drop of a hat. But with traveling, comes expenses and to be honest, college students aren’t very rich. After transportation, lodging, extra fees and more, the bill can run pretty high. So here are seven outdoor trips for little to no cost:
1. Sugarloaf Mountain, Milam County, Texas
You’ve seen this countless times on Instagram and have probably been dying to go. Although on private property, Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the most breathtaking locations near the Bryan/College Station area. With a short hike to the top and a flashlight, students can watch the sunrise or the sunset without traveling too far from home.
2. Pendernales Falls State Park, Johnson City, Texas
This park is located just 30 minutes outside of Austin, TX and is a great place to hike with your friends. Along with hiking, you can swim in the river, ride horses, mountain bike, camp and so much more.
3. McKinney Falls State Park, Austin, Texas
If you’re looking for somewhere to fish or have a picnic, this is the place to go. McKinney Falls State Park offers various activities and has over nine miles of trail to hike or bike. Located in Austin, TX, this is the place to be for a relaxing day with friends and family.
4. Hamilton Pool and Jacobs Well, Austin, Texas
When you think of Austin, these two locations are the first to come to mind. Hamilton Pool has a 45-foot waterfall, creating a great swimming hole and a small beach and Jacobs Well is a spring on the outside of Austin in Wimberley, TX that goes as deep as 120 feet. Both are known as iconic Austin locations and are a must on list of things to do in the city.
5. Big Bend National Park, Near Alpine, Texas
If you are worried about running out of things to do, take a trip to Big Bend National Park. When traveling to Big Bend, you’ll find that there are so many things to keep you busy including tubing/rafting on the Rio Grande, horseback riding, sight-seeing, bird watching, and is known as one of the best places in the world to ride a motorcycle through.
6. Garner State Park, Concan, Texas
If you’re not so into camping, Garner State Park offers its visitors screened-in cabin stay as well as campsites nearby. With 11 miles of trails, you can hike and bike as well as swim and float through the Frio River.
7. San Marcos River, San Marcos, Texas
Home to Texas State University, the river begins at San Marcos Springs, flows through part of the university and flows into the Guadalupe River. Take your friends and take your coolers because once you visit San Marcos, you can’t pass up on this adventure.
