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Confident hikers have a new area of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to explore in the Texas Hill Country. On July 7, the park opened the Backcountry Area, which invites visitors to stop by during the daytime for self-guided use.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says additional amenities will be added later to accommodate visitors of all experience levels.

This marks the first phase of development for the newly expanded state park, which doubled in size thanks to a 3,073-acre acquisition in 2025.

Enchanted Rock, in Fredericksburg, is one of Texas' Centennial Parks, a group of parks purchased or expanded through the $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund that Texas voters approved in 2023. Each is on a timeline that guides how the public will use them; at 12 months, they should be ready for guided hikes, and in 18 months, visitors can "explore on their own," a webpage about the Centennial Parks explains.

“This first wave of development will be a good fit for true adventurers who want a more rugged experience than what they’ve been currently experiencing at Enchanted Rock,” said superintendent Doug Cochran in a press statement. “Future phases will see closer parking so people of other experience levels can enjoy the beauty of the Backcountry.”

For now, the only way to access the Backcountry is through park headquarters, followed by a roughly two-mile hike to the pedestrian gate. Visitors can find their way through new trail maps at the headquarters and online.

Because the park expansion is still early in its development, visitors should take extra precautions. Trails are "rugged," TPWD says, and there is not much shade. There are two water refill stations in the new area: one at the entrance and another toward the center of the property with a portable restroom.

TPWD further cautions that hikers bring their own water, salty snacks, sunscreen, long shirts, a buddy, and a cellphone. Having a hiking plan in advance enhances safety, especially if it includes heat safety precautions.

The Backcountry Area at Enchanted Rock will have different hours from the rest of the park. The Backcountry will be open from 8 am to 6 pm.

Texans plugged into park news have likely heard about several new park projects. In Central and South Texas, they include the newly purchased Silver Lake Ranch, Bear Creek State Park, and an area in Burnet and Lampasas Counties including Yancey Creek.