|
Resembling tropics more than typical central Texas terrain, Palmetto State Park hosts an amazing combination of Eastern and Western plants and animals.
A stand of dwarf palmetto plants encircles the park's swamp and gave the park its name.
White-tailed deer, armadillos, squirrels and raccoons are frequently seen. Located on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, the park has long been noted as a birding hot spot with more than 240 species of birds sighted, including the crested carcara, prothonotary warbler and red shouldered hawk.
The park is located in Gonzales County, northwest of the town of Gonzales and southeast of Luling.
Canoeists can put in at Luling City Park and travel the San Marcos River for 14 miles to Palmetto, portaging around one dam along the way. A shorter run is from Palmetto to Slayden bridge, 7.5 miles down river. There are no rapids, but there is a constant steady current.
Boaters must call the Central Reservation Center for overnight camping if they wish to combine the two runs.
Within the park, water play happens on the river and on a small lake. Tubing, swimming, canoes, rentable pedal boats and fishing are all available.
Interpretive and hiking trails, picnic spots and campsites are throughout the park. Various campsite facilities are also available.
Palmetto's Wild Outdoor Adventure and Ecology
Program for 8 to 12 year-old children is offered the
first two weeks of June.
The Texas State Park Store rents out pedal boats and canoes.
The beautiful stone buildings in the park were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s.
Outdoor Activities |
