Plenty of pet parents can’t imagine going on vacation without their beloved pups. A stay in pet friendly cabins in Texas is a good place to start, but you probably want to be able to enjoy some activities with your dog as well.
Fortunately, Concan Texas is packed with fun things to do that include your favorite four-legged family member. The next time you visit Texas Hill Country, make sure that these attractions and activities are on your itinerary.
#1 Go For a Swim, a Float or a Paddle
Does your dog love to be in or on the water? If so, the best place in the region to go is Garner State Park Concan TX. Located just eight miles north of Concan, this park is one of the most popular in the state.
The park encompasses 1,774 acres and the list of things you can do here is practically endless.
However, you’ll want to spend most of your time here on the Frio River. It borders the park for a distance of greater than two miles, which means you’ll have all sorts of opportunities to enjoy swimming, paddle boating, fishing and more.
Don’t forget to take your dog along on your water sports adventure! Canines are absolutely allowed to enjoy the waters of the Frio River. They can swim alongside you or even help you land the catch of the day. If you’re going to be floating the Frio River, strap your pup into a life vest and invite him onto the craft.
Garner State Park Concessions rents kayaks, inner tubes and paddle boats to make your experience a memorable and convenient one.
#2 Take a Hike
Miles of trails are found in Garner State Park as well. There’s a lot to explore. If you and your pup love a good hike, then this is definitely the place to be. The trails range from easy to challenging, so make sure you are familiar with the particulars of any trail before you start hiking.
Easy
These trails offer great hikes for almost all pups and have stunning natural scenery.
- Old Entrance Road. This is an easy, paved route. The best part is the overlook, which offers a spectacular view of the Frio Canyon.
- Blinn River Trail. If you and your pet prefer an easy walk, opt for the Blinn River Trail. It’s less than one mile long and can be completed in less than an hour.
- Heritage Loop – If you and your pup are looking for something easy, venture out on the Heritage Loop, where you can imagine a historic working ranch in its heyday. From the trail, you’ll have views of the Bar-O Ranch House, and your trek ends at the Heritage Garden.
Moderate
Are you and your dog ready for some more challenging trails? Here are some popular ones that are moderate in difficulty.
- Donovan Trail – Are you looking for a hike with a little more distance? This trail, located in the state park, is a seven-tenths of a mile and a pretty moderate path.
- Foshee Trail – This moderately challenging trail is just over 1.7 miles long. It takes about an hour to complete. This trail intersects with the mountains.
- Ashe Juniper Trail – Are you in the mood for a longer yet moderate hike? Try this 2.5-mile trail.
- Wilderness Trail – This moderate hike provides views of massive peaks and valleys.
- Pasture Loop – Takes hikers (and their pups) around an erstwhile agricultural field that’s now dotted by mature live oaks and open grasslands.
Challenging
The more challenging hikes in the park include serious elevation gain and stunning vistas.
- Old Baldy Trail – This is a shorter trail at just one-half mile long. However, don’t let the short length of this trail fool you. It’s pretty challenging.
- Crystal Cave Trail – Like the Old Baldy Trail, this one is also similarly brief. It is a great trail if you and your pup are physically fit, as it offers access to some interesting caves.
- Ice Cream Hill Trail – The Ice Cream Hill Trail takes you into the backcountry on steep and rocky slopes. This is definitely for more experienced hikers and dogs.
- West Peak Overlook Trail. West Peak Overlook Trail is another steep climb that promises stunning views.
Pets can get injured just as humans can, so before embarking on any challenging trails with your dog, make sure they are physically fit. Check with your veterinarian to ensure that Fido can handle a strenuous hike.
Not quite ready for the more challenging hikes? No worries, thanks to the broad selection of trails from which to choose in Garner State Park Concan TX.
#3 Visit The Frio Float
Do you and your dog share a sweet tooth? If so, then a stop at The Frio Float ice cream shop is a must-do. Whether your pleasure is a sundae, milkshake or cone, this establishment has what it takes to satisfy you.
The Frio Float menu boasts a few dog friendly desserts, making this an experience you can share with the entire family.
#4 Bike the Hill Country State Natural Area
Another fantastic place to enjoy with your dog is Hill Country State Natural Area located in neighboring Bandera County. It’s the perfect spot for biking with more than 40 miles of biking trails. After your ride, you can explore more of the 5,500 acres of rugged terrain.
PetMD recommends using a fitted body harness or bicycle dog leash if you bike with your dog, as these offer more stability and are safer. Make sure you bring plenty of water for the both of you.
#5 Roam Around Utopia Park
Visit the neighboring community of Utopia to enjoy this gem of a park with your dog. Indulge in hiking, swimming, floating and paddling on the gorgeous water. It’s typically not crowded, and there’s plenty of grass for your dog to roll around in.
All dogs are free to frolic and play at Utopia Park. Just be aware that they must be kept on a leash while at the park.
#6 Take a Day Trip to Lost Maples State Natural Area
Lost Maples is one of the most dog-friendly parks in Texas. It’s located in Vanderpool, which is about 45 minutes away from Concan and two hours northwest of San Antonio.
This park offers plenty of fun things to do for humans and pets alike. You can hunt for geocaches, look for wildlife, or try your hand at nature photos. Many people come to stargaze at Lost Maples because the skies are so clear.
Fall in Texas Hill Country is a great time to visit due to the beautiful fall foliage. The Uvalde bigtooth maples are pretty spectacular. There is a lot of rugged, steep terrain. It’s essential to stay on the trails here for both you and your pet’s safety.
Dogs are allowed on the trails at Lost Maples but must be kept on a six-foot leash. Make sure you don’t leave Fido unattended while at this park either.
#7 Enjoy Wood-Fired Pizza and Live Music
Hippies & Hops, also known as Hippie Chick’s River Shack, is a fun dog-friendly restaurant close to the Frio River. After spending the day floating, stop by for craft beer, wood-fired pizza, and live music. The staff is friendly, and the mixed drinks are good too.
#8 Play a Game of Frisbee
All dogs love frisbee. You can entertain Fido and yourself for hours on end with a game of frisbee. This is a great way to bond with your best friend and get some exercise too. Fortunately, Concan Texas offers plenty of green spaces perfect for a game or ten of frisbee.
Make sure you choose a frisbee designed for dogs and a wide-open space to play. Many of the parks mentioned above would be perfect for this.
Looking for Pet Friendly Cabins in Texas?
Now that you know what to do with your dog in and around Concan, Texas, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay. A pet-friendly cabin is the ideal home-away-from-home, which is precisely what Hunter’s Ridge Cabins offer.
Rent Your Cabin Today
Pet friendly cabins in Texas like ours are designed to delight you and your pup. You can enjoy all of the comforts of home in a cozy and rustic setting that lets your family escape the modern world.
Thanks to our convenient location, you’ll easily be able to get to top attractions like Garner State Park Concan TX, where the whole family, including the dog, can enjoy hours of fun and relaxation.
For those days when you’d rather not venture very far from the resort, we make it easy for you. A brand-new BBQ restaurant, Feed Rack Grill, recently opened on-site. Enjoy genuine, delicious home cooking whenever you’re hungry without even leaving the property. Four-legged guests are always welcome.
We also have a gorgeous, sparkling swimming pool that recently opened for those times when you want to cool off and relax without going anywhere.
With our well-equipped Frio River cabins pet friendly policy, a BBQ restaurant and a swimming pool; we are proud to be your host in Concan, Texas.