New to the San Antonio area (hiking)

[Soap]

Just moved here and was wondering if there are any hiking areas around here and if you can conceal carry there. I thought about checking out last maples area, which is about two hours away. Rules seem to state you can carry.

[Glockster]

I don't know that area at all so you may need to get an answer from someone with local knowledge about a specific trail. But start with you being able to carry in any State of Texas park or historical trail, any city or county owned trail or park) any national forest or national park (but in no building that is posted which means stores and offices and ranger stations).

As far as I know you cannot carry on any trail that falls within the boundaries that are under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers (and that is tricky because there are trails with in the watershed areas of lakes and rivers that fit that category). And in all of those authorized places CC is required (as that's still the only legal carry authorized) but it may be trickier come January as the rules and memos all signed only say CC, so I honestly don't know when that should catchup with OC changes). also, any trails on private property can of course be prohibited, and so keep an eye out for that and in general do not carry past on any trail that has purple painted rings or ribbons as that indicates no trespass at all.

I hike a lot, and volunteer for both the US Forest Service and Texas State Parks doing trail assessments, and I always carry and have never had a problem carrying on the trails other than trying to comfortably carry while also lugging around other equipment! Hope to see you on the trails someday!

[Glockster]

I don't know that area at all so you may need to get an answer from someone with local knowledge about a specific trail. But start with you being able to carry in any State of Texas park or historical trail, any city or county owned trail or park) any national forest or national park (but in no building that is posted which means stores and offices and ranger stations).

As far as I know you cannot carry on any trail that falls within the boundaries that are under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers (and that is tricky because there are trails with in the watershed areas of lakes and rivers that fit that category). And in all of those authorized places CC is required (as that's still the only legal carry authorized) but it may be trickier come January as the rules and memos all signed only say CC, so I honestly don't know when that should catchup with OC changes). also, any trails on private property can of course be prohibited, and so keep an eye out for that and in general do not carry past on any trail that has purple painted rings or ribbons as that indicates no trespass at all.

I hike a lot, and volunteer for both the US Forest Service and Texas State Parks doing trail assessments, and I always carry and have never had a problem carrying on the trails other than trying to comfortably carry while also lugging around other equipment! Hope to see you on the trails someday!

Added: found a Last Maples Nature Area, which is state so you are good to go there.

[Abraham]

Lost Maples State Park.

[Glockster]

Lost Maples State Park.

No, it actually is a "State Natural Area" and not a state park (http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples) -- "Lost Maples State Natural Area " but both fall under Texas Parks & Wildlife. No difference on carry, but natural areas are quite different from state parks.

[Abraham]

Glockster,

I think we're both right as I found it on Google as "Lost Maples State Park" in addition to "State Natural Area".

One thing I'm absolutely certain about is it's a wonderful place to hike as I've hiked many times in the past.

[Javier730]

Government Canyon State Natural Area

[Glockster]

Glockster,

I think we're both right as I found it on Google as "Lost Maples State Park" in addition to "State Natural Area".

One thing I'm absolutely certain about is it's a wonderful place to hike as I've hiked many times in the past.

Google doesn't count! If you look at the official link above, you not only see the official state page but also see the actual sign with the actual name.

But Google often mistakes Nature Areas with parks and I see that in many states that have both designations as I think that it's because many states don't have both. and there are definite differences in both from a mission to facilities to activities permitted. In another state where I was also a Trail Ranger for the state and for awhile Google just never caught up with the name change...from 10 years prior.

It does look like a great place to get to and will have to do so myself one of these days. Might even see if they need me to do anything on the trails there.

[Soap]

Where do you guys hike? I don't mind driving 5 hours lol. I looked up lost maples, and it looks like a piece of my home state. I have to check it out. Their website implies you could CC. Thank you for the info gentleman.

[jmorris]

Depends on how much of a hike you want. Very local there's (as mentioned) Government Canyon State Natural Area.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks ... ent-canyon

City parks, South side is the Medina River Natural Area with 581 acres, 10 miles of trails. North side there's Friedrich Wilderness Park with 220+ acres, about 5 miles of trails. There's also a Greenway Trails system. Trails that connect from one park to another (to another...). There is a Greenway from SW 410 to NW 410. Most of these are paved trails.
http://www.sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec/Home.aspx

Several state parks and natural areas within a two-three hour drive. Instead of trying to list them all check here.
http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/nearby/all-parks

None of these areas are restricted for concealed carry unless they are on Corp of Engineer land.

[SA_Steve]

Gov canyon natural area: open on weekends only, and only if it has not rained in a few days previously

[Glockster]

It would be a bit of a drive but inside of your 5 hour window, but I spend a lot of time hiking in Sam Houston Natl Forest -- including the Lone Star Hiking Trail which also runs through the adjacent Huntsville State Park. Hiking trails, horse trails, multi-use areas, boat launches, camping (primative, campsite, RV areas), fishing, hunting, designated birding areas...if you can't do it there, you probably shouldn't be doing it!

[Javier730]

It would be a bit of a drive but inside of your 5 hour window, but I spend a lot of time hiking in Sam Houston Natl Forest -- including the Lone Star Hiking Trail which also runs through the adjacent Huntsville State Park. Hiking trails, horse trails, multi-use areas, boat launches, camping (primative, campsite, RV areas), fishing, hunting, designated birding areas...if you can't do it there, you probably shouldn't be doing it!

Great place. You might even see a Bigfoot.

[Glockster]

It would be a bit of a drive but inside of your 5 hour window, but I spend a lot of time hiking in Sam Houston Natl Forest -- including the Lone Star Hiking Trail which also runs through the adjacent Huntsville State Park. Hiking trails, horse trails, multi-use areas, boat launches, camping (primative, campsite, RV areas), fishing, hunting, designated birding areas...if you can't do it there, you probably shouldn't be doing it!

Great place. You might even see a Bigfoot.

I spend a lot of time in the Wilderness Area...and I have to tell you that it's pretty desolate deep in there, plus I have access to all the Forest Service roads. So I go where I may not see or hear anyone all day, and where few folks go....and when it starts to get dark back in there you can just about imagine running into whatever hairy beast has been reported. Mostly though I keep my eyes open and ears listening to make sure that I don't stumble upon illegal activities. I always carry there, even when I'm loaded down with my day pack and tools.

[Soap]

It would be a bit of a drive but inside of your 5 hour window, but I spend a lot of time hiking in Sam Houston Natl Forest -- including the Lone Star Hiking Trail which also runs through the adjacent Huntsville State Park. Hiking trails, horse trails, multi-use areas, boat launches, camping (primative, campsite, RV areas), fishing, hunting, designated birding areas...if you can't do it there, you probably shouldn't be doing it!

Great place. You might even see a Bigfoot.

I spend a lot of time in the Wilderness Area...and I have to tell you that it's pretty desolate deep in there, plus I have access to all the Forest Service roads. So I go where I may not see or hear anyone all day, and where few folks go....and when it starts to get dark back in there you can just about imagine running into whatever hairy beast has been reported. Mostly though I keep my eyes open and ears listening to make sure that I don't stumble upon illegal activities. I always carry there, even when I'm loaded down with my day pack and tools.

Illegal activities lol. Where I'm from that means moonshine!!