Good Ol' Texas Hills Loop

Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > Texas

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 1 visitors

State: Texas
Date Submitted: February 1, 2000
Submitted by: Hector Paiz
Motorcycle Road Length: 150 Miles

Written Directions

This route has a lot of different street changes. Start the route in Bandera Texas and head west on Route 16. Take 470 south (left) towards the town of Tarpley. Pass through Tarpley staying on 470 and next take Route 187 south towards Utopia. Next you want to take Route 1050 off to the right (west). Take 1050 till it intersects Route 83 which you want to take north (right). Continue on 83 to the town of Leakey where you will soon come up to a "Y" in the road and want to stay on 83 (veer right). Look for Route 39 off to the right and take 39 east towards the town of Waltonia. Route 39 eventually turns into Route 27 which you can take all the way into Kerrville. From Kerrville take Route 16 north all the way to into your final destination of Fredericksburg.

Scenery

This is are offers a view of Texas that most people never thought existed. This area of Texas is a real refreshing and surprising collection of oak covered hills, spring-fed rivers, crystal clear lakes, impressive limestone cliffs, and acres of colorful wildflowers. Because of its shade-protected valleys, you'll find sites as GIANT cypress trees and Maple tree groves that you just wouldn't expect to find in Texas.

Road Quality

The roads along this area vary from rolling climbs and gentle turns to some nice twisties nestled in tree shaded valley roads. You will also get to open it up in a few areas that offer some great panoramic views. I give this route a solid four by Texas standards

Roadside Amenities

THERE IS A TON OF STUFF TO DO ON THIS ROUTE!

Bandera is the 'Cowboy Capital of the World' where you can sign up and learn what its like to be a 'real cowboy' at one of the many dude ranches in this town. You can sign up for excursions that last a few hours to ones that last days. You can see a rodeo every Tuesday and Saturday in the summer. There is also a nice museum in the town called the Frontier Times Museum (830-796-3864).

The town of Utopia has a neat name as well as a neat tradition. They have been holding outdoor town dinners behind a historic Methodist church since the early the late 1800s. The town is a great place to take in some of the beautiful Texas Hills country and if you want to stay the night, you'll enjoy the accommodations of the Utopia On The River B&B. For more info on what the town has to offer click here - http://wwhouse.com/utopia.htm.

Garner State Park is a place where you can enjoy some tubing down the crystal-clear Frio River as well as canoeing or hiking or biking. In this park you can get an up close look at some of the HUGE cypress trees that are famous in this area of Texas. Cabins that were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's are available for overnighters.

Lost Maples State Natural Area - make sure you take the time to stop and check this place out if you like nice quite unique scenery. Check it out the official Texas Parks and Wildlife website for more info.

Kerrville is the home of the Cowboy Artists of America Museum and the Kerrville-Schreiner State Park. The park is great for short hikes or picnicking. The town also holds a Texas State Arts and Crafts Fair on Memorial Day.

Fredericksburg Texas is LOADED with museums and other attractions and will be a great place for you to end your trip on the Texas Hills Loop.

Admiral Nimitz Museum and Historical Center

George Bush Gallery of the Pacific War

The Fredericksburg Historical District

LBJ State and National Historical Parks

Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm

Vereins Kirche Museum

Fredericksburg Herb Farm:

Gillespie County Wineries and Vineyards:

Gish's Old West Museum

Fort Martin Scott Historic Site

Pioneer Museum Complex

Fredericksburg Butterfly Ranch & Habitat:

Additional Info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .

Nickname (optional) Hector Paiz

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Reviewed by Guest on March 29, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: RT
Comment: For an interesting side trip take 1340 (left off of 39) and go about 5 miles. As you come around the corner you will see Stonehenge II, a 1/2 size recreation of Stonehenge in England. There is parking across the street and is free. This is worth a few minutes ride to see. You can then take 1340 to 41. Turn right towards Mountain Home, TX. You then have the option of heading to Kerrville on 27 or I-10.
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