Although Texas has some of the largest cities in the United States, it is also home to some of the country's most impressive natural attractions. Mountains, canyons, rock formations, caves, forests and esquisite beaches are just some of the natural attractions found in the Lone Star State.
1. Big Bend National Park
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Designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, Big Bend offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities in a primitive setting. Backpacking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, hiking, nature watching, camping - you name it, if it can be done outdoors, it can be done in Big Bend.
2. Enchanted Rock Natural Area
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Located just north of Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country, Enchanted Rock is one of the largest natural rock formations in the United States, with a dome that rises 425 feet above the ground (1825 feet above sea level). Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1970, Enchanted Rock is also part of the Texas State Parks System and attracts thousands of visitors annually.
3. Lost Maples State Natural Area
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New Englanders aren't the only that get to enjoy watching the fall foliage change, Lost Maples Natural Area in Central Texas offers Texans and visitors to Texas a breathtaking palette of colors every fall.
4. Padre Island National Seashore
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Padre Island National Seashore stretches from Corpus Christi south some 75 miles to the Port Mansfield Cut - offering some of the most remote seashore to be found anywhere.
5. Cascade Caverns
Located just outside San Antonio, Cascade Caverns offer visitors a look beneath the surface of the Texas Hill Country. The cavern stays 68 degrees year around - making it a perfect place to beat the summer heat - plus it features a 100 foot underground waterfall!6. Dinosaur Valley State Park
Located in Glen Rose, the park features models of a 70-foot Apatosaurus and a 45-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex, as well as the Paluxy River, preserved dinosaur tracks and more.7. Natural Bridge Caverns
An underground wonder, Natural Bridge Caverns shows the family a side of the world they probably haven't seen. In addition to a variety of subterranean tours, Natural Bridge Caverns offers a host of above-ground educational activities for kids of all ages.8. Longhorn Caverns State Park
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Longhorn Caverns are a Hill Country wonder that have housed Comanche Indians, Confederate Soldiers and, perhaps, and outlaw or two. Today the site is a state park, offering a number of tours and educational programs.
