Garner State Park Old Baldy Trail

The first time I was Garner State Park I did not get a chance to hike this trail. I have hiked some pretty tough trails in the Texas hill country but this one was one of the toughest. It is only about a half mile to the top but it is a 300 foot incline the entire way. You get little to no break the entire hike. It is not too long but on average you get 600 feet of elevation gain per mile. For reference, to hike to Guadalupe Peak, highest point in Texas, you would get 375 feet of elevation gain per mile. It is steep. The trail is partially single track plus some bouldering and loose gravel. I loved the trail and got the pictures that I wanted. I once again hiked midweek but I decided to start early trying to get multiple hikes at the park. The top already had several people up there relaxing and taking pictures. I met some nice people on the way up and they were going to some hidden caves in the park. I did not have time to go but I have taken a mental map for the location. View from the topAnother view from the top, the water is so clear you can see the bottom of the riverTrail near the topHalfway there and feeling the burnAt the beginningWhat a way to start