Enchanted Rock to get major expansion: TWPD
LLANO COUNTY, Texas - The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in the Hill Country is set to double in size.
"We're excited to add another 3,000 acres to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. It's really going to enhance what we're able to do with the property and give visitors of Texas an expanded view of the rock itself," says Texas State Parks Director, Rodney Franklin.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the total purchase of the property was $43 million. It was bought through the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund that voters approved in 2023.
There are plans to fund development as the park continues to grow.
"We added some property to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to the south, 630 acres. Together with these 3,000 acres, we more than doubled the size of Utah State Natural Area, which is one of our most popular parks," says Franklin.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area was the fifth-most visited park in the state last year, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Many people travel from across the country for the hiking and nature experience at the park.
"This expanded acreage will absolutely give us a little bit more opportunity to spread out and then provide some additional hunting opportunities at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area," says Texas State Parks Director Rodney Franklin.
The agency says the property was purchased from a private owner and was previously used for hunting, and it could take up to 18 months to allow the public on to a portion of the expansion in Llano County.
"It's going to take us a little while to get on the ground ourselves to make sure we can lay out the trails the way they need to be. We also need to plan so that people can enjoy that portion of the property safely. But there are some existing trails on the property that will be able to take advantage of," says Franklin.
The agency says there are no plans to raise entry fees, but there may be plans to increase staff due to visitation.
The Source: Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's Tan Radford