Whether you’re eager for a quick urban stroll or craving a peaceful trek through scenic green spaces, New Braunfels has hiking trails for every mood and ability. With options that range from wheelchair-friendly loops to quiet dirt paths lined with wildlife, the variety ensures you’ll find the perfect path for your next outdoor escape.
Let’s get to it.
Mission Hill Park
At Mission Hill Park in New Braunfels, you’ll find 10 acres of rolling terrain, featuring a paved 0.8-mile out-and-back trail plus dirt paths that weave across the hilltop for extra exploration. The paved route welcomes strollers and wheelchairs, and the gradual 62-foot climb offers a mild workout. All paths are well maintained so you avoid overgrowth unless it’s intentional as a shortcut.
The park’s centerpiece is a multi-level observation tower. From the top, hilltop panoramas stretch across town and nearby hills, reminding you of the effort put in. Along the way, interpretive signs identify native plants and offer facts without overwhelming you. The park remains uncrowded, making it easy to spot squirrels and birds instead of a sea of visitors.
Amenities include parking, restrooms, benches, picnic tables, and a reservable event space. Shade trees and regular maintenance keep trails usable year-round, even in summer heat or winter chill. For anyone seeking an easy, laid-back walk, this park delivers without pretense.
Torrey Park
Just off a quiet street, Torrey Park offers a short, flat walking trail that stretches just over a quarter mile. Its smooth pavement eliminates ankle worries and welcomes strollers and wheelchairs alike. To cover a full mile, you’ll circle the path about four times, but the layout never feels monotonous.
Benches tucked beneath pecan and oak trees provide ample shade spots, while a central grassy area hosts picnickers and casual relaxation. On most days, the park stays calm with the occasional birdwatcher or dog on a leash. Adjacent to the trail, the NB MakerSpace building hints at nearby workshops for art or tech enthusiasts.
Parking is convenient and the grounds are well kept, so you won’t find unexpected debris or poorly maintained facilities. Whether you’re squeezing in a quick stroll, entertaining an energetic pup, or simply taking a moment to yourself, Torrey Park delivers a tidy, low-key setting that fits into any busy schedule.
Morningside Park
With 16 acres to explore, Morningside Park offers a quiet retreat for local families and fitness enthusiasts. A smooth half-mile paved loop circles the park, welcoming strollers, wheelchairs, beginner rollerbladers, and small bikes. Gentle hills replace steep climbs, so this outlet suits anyone seeking a relaxed outing rather than intense exercise.
The park features a modern playground, a nature play area, and a ga-ga ball pit designed for active youngsters. Benches and picnic tables are scattered throughout the grounds, while restrooms include adult-sized changing tables for added convenience. Leashed pets can join in on the paths or open spaces.
Local crowds tend to keep weekends moderate, never overwhelming the site. Shade is limited in summer, making spring and fall the best seasons for a visit. Whether you’re swinging from the playground structures, pacing the paved loop, or sharing a picnic under a spreading tree, Morningside Park delivers a straightforward park experience without excess.
Landa Park
Spanning 51 acres, Landa Park offers big oaks, springs, and two distinct trails. The 1.1-mile Landa Park Loop is a paved circuit with minimal elevation change, benches at every turn, and sweeping views of the Comal River. Its smooth surface makes it ideal for strollers, wheelchairs, and leashed pets. Because this loop is popular year-round, you’ll often pass fellow walkers or joggers.
Panther Canyon trail covers 1.6 miles of rocky, uneven ground and climbs along the Balcones Escarpment. It winds through oak and juniper woods, revealing narrow canyon views. Wildlife sightings include deer and a variety of birds that attract hobbyist birdwatchers. This section sees fewer visitors, but lacks benches and can become muddy after rain.
Parking, restrooms, and shaded picnic spots serve both areas. Water fountains dot the park, and signage clearly marks each route. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll beside the river or a more rugged trek through wooded canyon terrain, Landa Park delivers two well-kept options in a single green space.
Fischer Park Nature Education Center
Within Fischer Park Nature Education Center, outdoor learning comes alive with hands-on exhibits and guided nature walks. A calendar of programs adds variety, from butterfly workshops to creek explorations. Yet the trails are the real highlight.
Over two miles of greenway meander through varied habitats. The Fischer Park Loop is a smooth paved circuit of about 1.5 miles, ideal for strollers and wheelchairs. The North Prairie Loop follows gentle dirt paths across prairie grasses. The South Pond Path winds past fishing ponds over a gravel surface. Benches dot the routes for rest, and picnic pavilions stand ready for group gatherings. A family-friendly splash pad opens during warm months.
Trail signs remain clear throughout, and city crews keep the paths well maintained. Leashed dogs are welcome. Spring wildflowers and fall bird migrations offer seasonal appeal. Weekday mornings are especially peaceful, while weekends draw larger crowds. Fishing licenses are required for anglers, and restrooms sit near the main entrance.
Panther Canyon Nature Trail
At the southern edge of Landa Park, Panther Canyon Nature Trail offers a network of unpaved paths for a classic Texas hike and sweat experience. The full loop measures about 1.8 miles, while optional spurs add variety. The Canyon Trail suits casual walkers, and the Small Loop and Rim Trail introduce short hill climbs and rocky segments. These aren’t mountainous routes, but sturdy shoes are essential. Strollers and wheelchairs won’t work here.
Along the Balcones Escarpment, oak and juniper trees cast generous shade. The trail crosses dry creek beds and curves around benches that provide a welcome rest. Informational signs share local ecology and geology. Birdwatchers enjoy spotting native species, and hikers often pause at the overlook near Comal Springs.
Trail signs guide most intersections, but a map helps at a few confusing junctions. Leashed dogs are welcome, parking is easy, and restrooms are available in Landa Park. After rain, expect some mud. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, making it ideal for those who prefer less crowded trails.
Fischer Park
Often considered the largest green space in New Braunfels, Fischer Park boasts over two miles of wide, paved trails that wind through gentle hills and open fields. The central 1.6-mile loop can be extended along connecting routes without retracing steps. Scenic highlights include fishing ponds, a hilltop city overlook, and abundant birdwatching opportunities, especially during migrating seasons.
The park also features a splash pad, multiple playgrounds, sturdy picnic tables, and a Nature Education Center hosting interpretive displays. Leashed dogs are welcome, and free parking simplifies even the busiest weekend visits. Restrooms remain clean and benches line the trails so you can rest without settling on the grass.
Splash pad hours run through late October, while most amenities stay available through November. Trails receive regular maintenance to prevent overgrowth or erosion, and signage clearly directs visitors to key spots. Whether you’re biking, pushing a stroller, or strolling with friends, Fischer Park delivers a spacious, well-equipped setting for recreation and relaxation.
Kraft Park
Located in a quiet neighborhood, Kraft Park offers a modest but welcoming space for short visits. A compact walking path of roughly 0.2 miles loops around picnic tables and a small gazebo. A playground echoes with children’s laughter in the shade of oak and juniper trees.
For a longer outing, the County Line Memorial Trail begins here. That paved route stretches 4.2 miles out and back with a flat, smooth surface ideal for wheelchairs, strollers, and leashed dogs. Benches spaced along the way allow for quick breaks and wildflowers appear at the trail’s edges in spring.
Street parking sits adjacent to the playground, and park maintenance crews keep paths clear and facilities tidy. Squirrels and songbirds add life to the quiet setting. Crowds rarely gather, making Kraft Park a go-to spot for neighbors seeking a clean, calm spot to unwind or let their pets stretch their legs.
Hinman Island Park
Spanning ten acres along the Comal River, Hinman Island Park features a smooth concrete trail that loops for about half a mile under oaks and cypress trees. The level surface welcomes strollers and wheelchairs with ease.
Picnic tables and benches line the path, while a small playground provides a play area for children. The riverbank offers direct access for swimmers and tubers. Lifeguards are not on duty, so water users should remain cautious.
Leashed dogs join families on the trail, and the park remains clean thanks to city maintenance crews. Restrooms and BBQ grills appear in convenient locations. Summers and holiday weekends draw crowds, so weekdays bring a quieter atmosphere. A resident river pass is required for free parking. This park’s combination of easy walking, river access, and family-friendly amenities makes it a popular choice for a relaxed afternoon by the water.
Willard Canyon
Tucked off Beverly Lane in New Braunfels, Willard Canyon Trail is a brief but charming 0.3-mile route through native Texas vegetation. The easy footing makes hiking boots optional, although sturdy shoes help on loose gravel.
Along the path, benches invite a quick rest and picnic tables offer a spot for a snack. No restrooms or water fountains are present, so visitors should bring supplies. Despite its short length, the city installed benches that feel surprisingly generous. Parks & Rec staff keep the trail clear and picnic areas tidy. Parking sits close by and accommodates several cars.
Wildlife sightings are possible for patient visitors, and geocachers may seek out hidden caches along the route. Weekday visits are especially quiet, while weekends see only a few local hikers. Reviews remain scarce, so hikers seldom encounter crowds. Leashed dogs are welcome. This quick detour provides a peaceful break without the commitment of a longer hike.
Solms Park
Covering 19.1 acres along the Comal River, Solms Park features a 0.4-mile paved loop with just six feet of elevation gain. This level trail accommodates wheelchairs and strollers and offers clear river views. Visits during weekdays or off-peak hours are light, so finding a quiet stretch is easy.
Along the path, benches provide regular resting spots. Near the trailhead you’ll find public restrooms, a drinking fountain, and a parking area that makes arrival simple. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park. For those wanting more than a leisurely walk, there’s disc golf plus basketball and tennis courts on site. Well-mowed lawns and clean paved routes reflect ongoing upkeep, while the mix of open space and sports facilities makes it simple to switch from strolling to a pickup game without leaving the park.
