Outdoors

an adventurer’s guide to the great outdoors of temple

One of the most important things about comfortable weather days is finding exciting, adventurous ways to spend the days.  And what better adventure is there than exploring the outdoors and all that it has to offer? So often we find ourselves in a traveling mood to see the sights, enjoy the sun, and to get outdoors.  Here in Temple we have the luxury of having access to so many vibrant and beautiful landscapes.  Between the trails, the lake, and the parks, Temple has the outdoor experience you have been searching for.

 

Relaxing Days at the Lake

A popular summer bucket list item is going to the beach and being able to stick your toes in the sand.  A good beach day consists of relaxing warmth from the sun and gentle waves.  Lake Belton provides the perfect setup for calming waves lapping along the bank, picturesque sunsets, and a comforting outdoor temperature. Though not your typical beach setting, you can find comfort and relaxation at the B.L.O.R.A. (Belton Lake Outdoor Recreational Area) and at various parks surrounding the lake. The expansive area of the B.L.O.R.A. has access to riding trails, paintball, a climbing wall, and a swimming pool.  This recreational area also has its own beach, known as the Sierra Beach, where you can swim, enjoy the water, and have a beach day the central Texas way. Check the B.L.O.R.A. website for updates on when this section will open. Along with this lake setting, Cedar Ridge Park and Westcliff Park are also located along the water and have the perfect space to picnic, grill, and spend time with friends. 

Located in the expansive region of Central Texas, Bell County is home to Belton Lake, Stillhouse Hollow Lake, and the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area…

Boating

Looking to have a nice, relaxing day out on the lake?  Belton Lake offers visitors 12,385 acres of freshwater and lakeside breezes. With this great lake, visitors will feel like they’re in…

Fishing

With several lakes in the area, Central Texas is the perfect getaway spot for professional and causal fisherman. For anyone who likes this recreational activity,

Into the Woods

Another great way to spend time outdoors is to go on a nature walk and check out a few local trails.  Pepper Creek walking trail is a beautiful mixture of wooded and open trail scenery.  This trail is also on the same grounds of the disc golf course at Crossroads Park. With charming bridges and stunning waterfalls, this trail is truly something special. On your walk through the Pepper Creek area you could see several wildlife species out in the fields.  This includes field rabbits, lizards, and deer.  The area is gorgeous and you will be at peace in all the nature that surrounds you.  A great tip for the outdoorsmen: if you are going to walk the trails, go earlier in the day or later in the afternoon to beat the heat and enjoy the walk.

Miller Springs Nature Center also has trails to hike, bike, or walk the dogs.  The landscape provides a picture-worthy backdrop for all your activity needs.  With walking trails, and mixed environmental scenery, Miller Springs is a nature destination you are sure to love.  Another fantastic park with trails is Chalk Ridge Falls.  Take your pets for a walk and marvel at this scenic area.  You can also bird watch, scope out the local flowers, and look at the outdoor attractions like the cave and waterfalls.  

Playgrounds, Splash Pads, and Neighborhood Parks

Another fantastic option to consider is going to local parks with playgrounds, splash pads, and more!  For families with young children, this is a great way to pass the time on a summer afternoon.  Some parks you can find here in Temple are Lions Park, Miller Park, Jaycee Park, and West Temple Park.  These parks are only a handful of the vast list of parks Temple has to offer.  For a full list of parks, check out the city of Temple’s parks website.

Miller, Jaycee, and West Temple all have splash pads that the kids always enjoy.  The parks also have walking trails, playgrounds, and outdoor sports areas such as soccer fields, baseball fields, and basketball courts. Whistle Stop Park’s train-themed attractions are always fun for the children. The kids can pretend to be train conductors and engineers, letting their imaginations run wild on this lively playground.  Another fun park to play at is Optimist Park.  This neighborhood park is dinosaur themed.  Take a ride on the wild side with this Jurassic, pre-historic themed park. 

Camping in Style

Moreover, if you are in the mood for a true outdoors experience, try your hand at camping. A few examples of places to camp include: Live Oak Ridge, Cedar Ridge, Stillhouse Hollow Lake, and Temple Lake Park.  At these areas you can find picnic spots, campgrounds, water access points, trails, and pavilions. Roast s’mores by the fire pits at the campgrounds, swim in the lake access points, or hike the terrain to further explore the area.  With so many camping areas throughout Temple, there’s plenty of different sites and surroundings to see.

At camping sites on Stillhouse Hollow Lake, the cost to rent one of the campgrounds is $40 per day. There are water and electricity hookups on both sites, and pets are allowed. This setup is perfect for an outdoor adventure with the family. Or, for millennials interested in a weekend camping trip with their beloved four-legged friends, grab a hammock and camping gear with all your pet supplies and enjoy a weekend away with your pet.  Another fantastic camping option is the Turkey Roost Campground located in Cedar Ridge Park.  This campground has horseshoe pits, is close to the water, and has RV hookups for anyone traveling with a motor home or travel trailer. Enjoy an overnight stay on the lake with walking trails, outdoor sports activities, and a magnificent view. 

The Great Temple Outdoors

Temple has a lot of wonderful areas to explore.  The city is rich in nature, parks, and trails. With a selection this large, you are sure to find an activity you love in the great outdoors here in Temple.  Outdoor activities are perfect for families, couples, and those who love to travel with their pets.  What are you waiting for?  Check Out Temple’s Parks and Recreation for more information to book, plan, and find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure.