Texas: Old Tunnel State Park

By Laci in Hiking Trails, State and National Parks, Texas, Travel Tales on
15 comments

On the way to Walnut Canyon Cabins and walking distance from Alamo Springs Cafe is Old Tunnel State Park. This is a tiny state park, the smallest in Texas in fact, and is just over 16 acres.

Bat viewing information.

Old Tunnel is named for the old train tunnel that runs through the front portion of the park. The tracks have all been taken up but the tunnel itself is neat. The real draw to this park is the bat emergence. We did not see them emerge but even peering into the old tunnel during the daylight hours you could see a few bats flying around.

The old train tunnel the park is named for and the home of the local bat colony.

This park is free to get into and there is plenty of parking. The only thing that costs is going down to the lower viewing area to watch the bats in the evening, it costs $5 per person. The park has a donation box also if you are interested in donating.

Upper viewing platform overlooking the park. Restrooms and picnic tables are located in this area.

There is one main hiking trail that goes through this small park with a couple of little loops and it is just about a mile long. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. We hiked it fairly early and were alone except one other family but later in the day it is a popular park.

On the hiking trail.

If you are ever in the area be sure to take a little time and stop by this pretty park. Please remember to take only pictures and leave only foot prints. Happy travels.

On the loop trail looking back at one of the bridges spanning the park.

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Published by Laci

Texas born, I grew up hunting and fishing. Now I love travel and cooking, a good beer and a great story. People are their stories and I hope to share mine. I have a ridiculously adorable canine companion named Bear, a supportive family, and a wonderful husband.

15 comments on “Texas: Old Tunnel State Park”

      1. Such a nice place! I love that you mention at the end to not take anything but photos and not leave other than footprints. That’s how we should always treat nature:)

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Yes it is and I’ve picked up enough trash on hikes and even on just walks with my dog that I think we could all use the reminder. Thanks for reading!

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  4. Excellent information Laci. Maybe I’ll get by there the next time I’m in Texas. I was impressed when I was in Austin and visited the bridge near downtown where every evening thousands of bats would depart from under the bridge and swarm the area. Very impressive as well. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Congress Ave bridge is great! You can actually take kayak tours and see the bats from the water. I have a link to it in my post on the Texas State Capitol. Thanks for reading!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Fantastic Laci. I was in Austin and visited the capitol in fall 2018 but didn’t get down to the bats on this trip. I still want to post about my visit to the capitol. I was impressed. Thank you. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

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