Nestled among majestic limestone cliffs and groves of oak and pecan trees at the confluence of North and South Llano rivers, Junction is a place of natural beauty. Settled at the intersection of the Texas Hill Country and West Texas, the town's magnificent landscapes come alive in the spring. Fields full of purple, red, and yellow flowers greet a multitude of colorful migratory birds, and all the other animals that call this part of the Lone Star State home seemingly awaken from their season-long slumber. Needless to say, if you love the outdoors, you need to visit Junction this spring. Read on to discover why.
Relaxing Retreats in Near-River Cabins
Straddling the western edge of the gorgeous Texas Hill Country, Junction is surrounded by some of the Lone Star State's most eye-catching scenery. What better way to relax and unwind than by immersing yourself in all its resplendent beauty? Welcome the spring sunshine with a cup of coffee in hand as you gaze out at a field of blooming wildflowers from the front porch of your own cabin. Then make the short walk to the beautiful Llano River, where you can swim, fish, paddle, or kick back and breathe in all the fresh air.
Enjoy views throughout the Hill Country as you explore hiking trails during the day and admire all the shining stars that fill the sky at night.
Visit www.JunctionTexas.com to see a full list of Junction’s cabins.
The Llano River is an Amazing Place to Cool Off
When the spring sun is shining bright, head for the Llano River. Flowing past limestone bluffs, the river's clear blue waters provide just the place to enjoy the outdoors. Go for a relaxed float on an inner tube or explore more than 22 miles of the Llano River's many twists and turns past South Llano River State Park. Along the way, you'll pass towering hills and cedar, elm, oak, and pecan trees, as well as the occasional turkey and deer.
As spring turns to summer, the Llano River is a great spot to escape the heat. Always cool, the spring-fed river is shallow in areas, and its current is friendly for swimmers. You can dive into the river at the swimming areas in South Llano River State Park, which is just a stone's throw away from downtown Junction.
Looking for your next epic adventure? Book your spot in the Up & Back Boat Race, held on Labor Day Weekend. One of the most sought-out experiences in Texas for water sport enthusiasts, the race starts at the Llano River Dam and takes you on a 22-mile journey up and back to the “First Crossing.” Finish in the allotted time and you may even win a cash prize. How do you beat that?
South Llano River State Park is a Birding Hotspot
Spring is a season of vibrant color in Junction, and not just because of the cornucopia of blooming wildflowers. Every year, hundreds of species of birds migrate through the area, making this West Texas destination one of the best spots in the region for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The epicenter of all the action is the South Llano River State Park where such bucket list-worthy birds as painted buntings and green kingfishers can be spotted. Spy these, and many other birds, as you traverse more than 18 miles of picturesque hiking and biking trails that wind through the Hill Country terrain.
Don't leave without exploring the 2.5-mile Golden-Cheeked Warbler Trail, where 250 kinds of birds (along with porcupines, skunks, ringtails, and white-tailed deer) have been spotted. Tread lightly to give yourself the best chance at seeing as many of these amazing animals as you can.
Golf Courses Serve Up Fun Rounds & Scenic Views
There are few things better than an afternoon of friendly competition, warm sunshine and the kind of scenery that would make your jaw drop. That's exactly what you'll get at the Junction Golf Course, so don't leave home without your clubs. You'll need all of them, as the nine-hole course throws an array of sand traps and other hazards at you as it meanders past oak and pecan trees. Three holes include Cedar Creek as an additional hazard, which may make you think twice as you plan out your next shot.
Beyond Junction Golf Course's nine holes of traditional golf, you'll find three 18-hole disc golf courses that take full advantage of the rugged Hill Country terrain. Junction hosts two annual Disc Golf Tournaments, the Freezer the last weekend in February and the Sizzler the last weekend in July. These tournaments feature the Top-O-Texas shot from the top of Lover’s Leap, a bluff that overlooks Junction and the Llano River. Bring your A game for the bragging rights and take in all the beautiful scenery along the way.
Thanks to the fabulous weather, awe-inspiring natural beauty, and the many ways to enjoy it all, Junction is the place to be this spring. Plan your getaway at www.JunctionTexas.com.
About the Author: James Waterson is the head writer for TourTexas.com, the No. 1 independent source for free Texas travel information in the Lone Star State.
