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In addition to the standard tent
and multiuse campsites found in
most state parks, Guadalupe River
has an area with 20 walk-in camp-
sites. This shady area is particularly
appealing because tents can be set
up away from the roads for a more
secluded feeling.
The park's day-use area is magnifi-
cent, with a half-mile stretch of
cypress-lined Guadalupe River as a
backdrop. Steps made of native rock
A lead from the parking area down to
the picnic tables, and the parking lot,
although nearby, can't be seen from
the river. The day-use area is accessi-
ble to the handicapped.
Even people who don't set foot in
the water would be hard-pressed to
find a more picturesque setting for a
picnic, but it's almost impossible to
sit at one of the tables and not be
drawn to the river. "There aren't
Hill Country scenes such as this are
preserved within the park, and are a
major part of its irresistible charm for
thousands of visitors.
many places like this on the Guada-
lupe where people can swim," ob-
served park superintendent Duncan
Muckelroy, and people are indeed
drawn to the designated swimming
area on the perimeter of the day-use
stretch. Fishing is permitted above
and below this area, with good
catches of spotted and largemouth
bass, catfish and sunfish fairly com-
mon. A natural put-in point for ca-
noes and tubes is nearby, as well as
an old wagon ford reminiscent of
earlier times.
There's no doubt about it-the
park's serene atmosphere is condu-
cive to sitting around relaxing. That's
fine, of course, but try to shake off
that inertia for at least an hour or so
and hike the nature trail. It covers
some two miles and passes through
the picnic and camping areas, so
there's more than one place to begin
or end a hike. The trail also goes by
the new amphitheater. But the best
parts of the trail are the sections
that traverse the craggy, undevel-
oped areas. White-tailed deer dart
by now and then, armadillos shuffle
along in the tall grass and birds of
many different species sail overhead.
The sights must be similar to those
that greeted German immigrants
who settled this area in the mid-19th
century.
As with any area situated on a
river, flooding is a possibility at Gua-
dalupe River State Park. While that
possibility should not detract from
enjoyment of the park, campers
should always heed warnings issued
by the park staff. In 1978, before the
park was developed, an exceptionally
heavy rain of 30 inches in 24 hours
caused the Guadalupe to crest 63
feet above normal stream level. The
flood carried massive rafts of timber
downstream, snapped off the tops of
some of the huge cypress trees and
uprooted others. Tangled masses of
debris were left ensnared in treetops
as the water receded. Most of the
damage done by the flood has been
cleaned up, but there are still a few
vivid examples of the incredible force
of running water.
Guadalupe River
State Park
Location: Comal and Kendall
Counties, approximately 30
miles north of San Antonio.
From Boerne, go east on State
Highway 46 for 13 miles to Park
Road 31 entrance; from New
Braunfels, gowest on State High-
way 46 for 27 miles to Park Road
31 entrance.
Facilities: 50 picnic sites; 105
campsites, 48 of which have wa-
ter and electricity; three rest-
rooms, two of which have show-
ers; sanitary dump station;
playground.
For reservations or information:
Call 512-438-2656 orwrite Gua-
dalupe River State Park, Route
2, Box 2087, Bulverde 78163.
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NOVEMBER 1983
11