Hiking Tour Without Hiking Up Costs

Hiking is great for a lot of reasons; it's good exercise, it offers a time-machine into uncivilized, undeveloped terrain, it offers a breath of fresh air, etc.

Hiking is even better when it's free.

The Friends of Bright Leaf, a part of the Austin Community Foundation, offer free, guided, hiking tours through the Bright Leaf Preserve on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month. Bright Leaf, the winner of The Austin Chronicle's Best Walk in the Park, is a natural area over 200 acres in size within the Austin city limits. It offers gorgeous flora and rich fauna, as well as Texas Hill-Country geology and fossils.

Tours can be as long as four miles long, and the groups can vary in size, even as large as 100+. They have a few rules and suggestions before you begin:

• Bring a water bottle
• Dress for the weather
• No dogs
• No bikes
• No fishing
• No camping

Consult their calender for dates, or contact them directly at (512)459-7269