Pristine rivers, stunning limestone cliffs, colorful fields of wildflowers, and rolling hills blanketed in oak and pecan trees surround Junction, a quaint village on the western edge of the Texas Hill Country. Along with being a visual treat, these scenic environs provide a fantastic backdrop to a whole range of outdoor adventures. If you enjoy camping, hiking, hunting, and kayaking, Junction is the place to be. Yet there’s much more to this Texas charmer than meets the eye. Wander through this laid-back, family-friendly town and you’ll discover great restaurants to eat at, delightful shops to explore, and a rich heritage that reaches back to the earliest days of the Lone Star State.
Junction resides within the distinctive Edwards Plateau area of Texas, where the rocky limestone terrain makes it one of the most important cattle grazing areas in the state. In fact, that’s exactly how the town began. Junction was initially a cattle ranching settlement that incorporated in 1876 as the seat of Kimble County. Although it would eventually develop into the nature lover’s paradise that it is today, the town still retains its cowboy identity. Learn all about the history and the people of this corner of the Hill Country by visiting the Kimble County Historical Museum, which has displays of World War I and II memorabilia, historical documents, and more.
Junction’s history is fascinating, but the star of the town’s show is its nature. The clear waters of the Llano River that flow on the east side of town offer many possibilities for outdoor adventure. Get a kayak or canoe and paddle down the river while you gaze at the limestone bluffs and mature trees along the way, or try your luck at wrangling a Guadalupe bass or a yellow catfish. The river leads down to South Llano River State Park, a biodiverse natural area home to 18 miles of hiking and biking trails that offers some of the best birding in the Hill Country. More than 150 species of birds can be found within the park throughout the year, including marvels like the painted bunting or the green kingfisher. You can get an up close and personal look at some of these amazing avians at the park’s purpose-built bird blinds, if you’re patient.
All the birding, kayaking, and fishing is more than enough to keep you busy, but Junction has way more to offer. The same environment that shelters all those birds also provides a home to an abundance of white-tail deer, wild turkeys, doves, quail, and feral hogs, making Junction a popular staging area for hunters. There are many ranches around town that offer everything from short- and long-term leases to guided hunting trips from luxurious cottages. A few of the ranches have exotic game, as well.
If that weren’t enough, Junction also has a nine-hole public golf course and two disc golf courses you can play, one of which hosts Professional Disc Golf Association tournaments. The winding highways around Junction offer some of the best scenic drives in Texas, and one of the oldest dance halls in the Lone Star State (London Hall) is just 20 minutes away.
Junction’s gorgeous scenery, wealth of recreational opportunities, and small-town charm makes it a wonderful place to visit.
Things to do in Junction
Fishing, hunting, hiking, kayaking, and birding. You name it, you can do it in Junction. This captivating hamlet sits among some of the most captivating scenery in the Texas Hill Country, a region known as a veritable hotspot for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. As such, there’s much to see and experience in this scenic place. Read on to see a few of the things to do in Junction so you don’t miss a thing while you’re here.
Kayak the Llano River
A slow-flowing river with clear blue water, spectacular limestone cliffs, thickets of oak and pecan trees, and a soothing breeze. This is what you’ll experience kayaking on the Llano River, an immaculate spring-fed river near Junction. Whether you want to get on the water for an hour or an afternoon, there’s enough pace on the river to accommodate you. The Llano River can be accessed from three points: Junction City Park on the east side of town, Flatrock Lane Crossing a few miles to the south west, and South Llano State Park.
For the ultimate experience kayaking in Junction, start at South Llano River State Park and paddle up to Junction City Park. This path takes you along more than six miles of river from where you can relax and enjoy the view of the gorgeous Hill Country terrain. Forgot your kayak at home? Don’t worry. There are several Texas river outfitters in Junction that will rent you a kayak, canoe, or inner tube. Not only will they lend you some gear, but some will also drop you off at your desired starting point on the river and pick you up once you’re done.
Go Birdwatching at South Llano River State Park
The lush wilderness and diverse environments in South Llano River State Park provide an essential habitat for a wide variety of critters, including more than 150 types of birds. Kayak on the Llano River and you might see green kingfishers, zone-tailed hawks, and black phoebes, and you may encounter the endangered black-capped vireo while you explore the park’s canyons. There are also bird blinds you can hang out in. If you’re patient, you just might see a spotted towhee or the colorful painted bunting.
To see these, and many other birds, make sure to visit South Llano River State Park during the spring or the fall, when different birds migrate to the area. While you’re there, don’t miss out on everything else the park has to offer. Not only can you paddle along the Llano River, but there are 18 miles of hiking and biking trails to discover, captivating fishing and swimming areas, and camp sites to stay in.Whether or not you’re a birding enthusiast, a trip to South Llano River State Park is a must while you’re in Junction.
Enjoy a Scenic Drive
Breathtaking views, fields of blooming wildflowers, and winding roads surround Junction, making it a great starting point for some serious scenic driving. It also means that regardless of the direction you head in, you’re likely to find something that’s pleasing to the eye. One option is Loop 481, which takes you past Lover’s Leap (an overlook apparently named for a Native American couple who jumped to their deaths because their tribes forbid their romance) into the hills above town. Travel down FM 2169 West or Flat Rock Lane to enjoy unbeatable views of the Llano River, while U.S. Highway 83 north winds past ranches and fields of blooming flowers. Along with the fantastic scenery, these roads take you to some of the charming towns in the area, like London, Menard, and Roosevelt. If you’re the type of traveler that enjoys getting in your car and exploring, Junction is the place to be.
Go Hunting
The rolling hills around Junction offer much more than a visual treat. This part of the Lone Star State is home to a staggering array of wildlife, making it one of the best places to hunt in Texas. As such, there are dozens of hunting properties and ranches near Junction where you can hunt for white-tail deer, turkey, dove, quail, and feral hogs. Others, like Whitetail Junction Ranch, afford the chance to hunt exotic game like impalas, sables, and buffalo. These ranches typically offer stays in cottage-like accommodations, meals, and guided hunting excursions as part of an overall package. Hunting in Junction is a year-round thing to do, and the many properties and ranches in the area can provide you the Texas Hill Country hunting experience you’re looking for.
Get a Hole-in-One at Junction Golf Club
What is a Hill Country vacation without a round of golf? Enjoy all of the area’s captivating charm and tranquility while playing your way through Junction Golf Club’s beautiful, and challenging, nine-hole course. The first tee, a 470-yard par five, sets the tone for the rest of the course. It features a sharp dogleg to the right and culminates in a green with two ponds nearby, so you’ll need to be careful with your approach. Familiar hazards adorn the remaining eight holes that wander through thickets of oak and pecan trees. An on-site clubhouse sells concessions and gloves, balls, tees, logo caps, and towels, should you need any gear before you play.
If traditional golf isn’t your cup of tea, give Junction’s disc golf course a try. The 18-hole course, nestled on both sides of the Llano River, takes you on a journey through rugged terrain and past large trees that make play a bit more of a challenge. You can drop in to the course at any time, except during the Professional Disc Golf Association tournaments played there in February and July.
Regardless of which type golf you prefer, you’ll enjoy a fantastic playing experience in one of the prettiest parts of the Texas Hill Country.
Dance the Night Away at London Hall
Get your rootin’, scootin’, and two-steppin’ self on over to the small town of London to experience a true Texas tradition: country music and dancing. That’s where you’ll find London Hall, one of the oldest dance halls in the Lone Star State. Every Saturday night, London Hall hosts up-and-coming country bands that belt out tunes that will get you dancing. When you need a break from swingin’ your hips and shufflin’ your feet, get a drink at the bar or play a game of billiards. To get to London Hall, simply drive 20 miles north from downtown Junction on Highway 377.
Please visit junctiontexas.com to plan your next adventure!
