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A Waterfall, Lake Views, and Backpacking Goodwater Loop In Georgetown, Texas

Goodwater Loop Georgetown, TX

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I got into hiking and backpacking when I lived in Colorado. But since moving to Houston, thru-hiking the Lone Star Hiking Trail, and ready to explore more of the Lone Star State, I quickly found out there aren't many long-distance backpacking trails within a couple of hours' drive from the city.

I turned to the trusty Alltrails app. Doing a quick long-distance trail search skimming the maps for something 20+ miles in length, close to Houston, and reasonable enough for a slow hiker like myself to do in a weekend, I happened across the 26.6-mile Goodwater Trail Loop in Georgetown, TX.

Goodwater Trail Loop along the San Gabriel River Trail at Lake Georgetown is a 26.6-mile trail that passes through bottomland hardwoods, prairie grasslands, and dense Oak/Ashe Juniper forest. 

The trail encircles the lake and extends from Booty's Road Park Trailhead, operated by the City of Georgetown, to Overlook Park Trailhead.   

AllTrails rates the loop as moderate and being in the Texas Hill Country, there is a surprising amount of elevation change along the route. Detailed planning of water resupply points and camping options is encouraged before backpacking the loop. 

While the hike is usually completed in 2 days, for beginning backpackers or slower-paced hikers, I recommend taking 3 days to complete the loop. Start the hike counterclockwise around the lake from Cedar Breaks Park. Starting the trip in this direction, you'll cross the mile-long walk across the Dam at the beginning of the trek while the weather is still relatively cool.

Backpacking the Goodwater Loop is an adventure, but let’s talk about something we all want to avoid—blisters! There’s nothing worse than having sore feet halfway through the trip, right? If you want to keep your hike pain-free, check out this handy guide on how to avoid blisters. Your feet will thank you!


getting to the san Gabriel river/Goodwater loop Trail

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The Hike

Hiking Goodwater Loop Day 1

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Waking up early and heading west toward Austin I arrive at Cedar Breaks Park at sunrise. I'm giddy with anticipation at meeting a couple of women for the first time and hitting the trail to backpack San Gabriel River Trail/Goodwater Loop in Georgetown, TX, for a 3-day, 2-night backpacking adventure.

After brief introductions, donning our packs, and taking numerous selfies, we leave our vehicles in the small parking area across from the Park Host; a $5/day fee is payable through the QR code found at the entrance gate.

We decided to tackle the trail counterclockwise and get the longest mileage day of the trip, roughly 11 miles, out of the way first, since the temps were reaching the mid 90's by mid-day. It was a tough, long day, but it was definitely the best option. Taking the route in this direction had us primarily in full sun most of the day, so when we found any sort of shade, we ended up taking short breaks, cooling down, and rehydrating.

Starting the Maprika and the Alltrails app on my phone, we make our way across the Dam, enjoying the morning's light breeze and the view, we began to get to know one another. Our first stop along the trail was the restrooms by the fishing platform. One of the gal’s backpack was riding awkwardly on her back. After readjusting, we continued our journey to Jim Hogg Park.

There are remains of an old homestead along the path. It's easy to miss since the foliage is overtaking the area.

Plus there are a few seasonal streams that can get your feet wet after a heavy rain.When we reached Jim Hogg Park, we refilled our water containers at the entrance gate, relaxed in the shade for a bit then continued on to Russell Park.

Finding a shady spot between Jim Hogg Park and Russell Park we enjoyed lunch and talked about our favorite hiking trips and bucket list journeys.

We again refilled our water containers upon reaching Russell Park and gave ourselves a long, much-needed break when we received a bit of trail magic. A father camping with his 3 young boys, who were adorable by the way, noticed us resting in the parking area next to his enclosed shelter and gave each of us a can of soda and a very yummy Clif Bar. Definitely made my heart smile.

With only a mile and a half to go before reaching our first camping spot, Walnut Springs, and the sun starting to dip close to the horizon, we made our way to Walnut Springs Camp.

After setting up camp, grabbing a PowerBar for dinner (I was too tired to cook anything), and hanging my food bag, I lounged in my hammock, enjoying the view of the setting sun. FYI there is only one spot to hammock camp at Walnut Springs camp. Most of the trees are spaced too far apart to hang more than one, possibly two, hammocks.

Hiking Goodwater Loop day 2

It's day two on the Goodwater Loop and getting up an hour before sunrise, eating a Quest bar for breakfast, and hastily breaking camp before the heat begins to ramp up, half of our day's mileage is again mostly full sun exposure, we go over the itinerary for the day.

Wanting to beat the heat that will reach well into the '90s, I'm first to head out toward Sawyer Camp. And getting no more than 200 yards from camp, I spot a grey fox hurrying across the trail and stopping in the brush to get a look at me.

We just looked at each other for what seemed like an eternity, neither of us wanting to make the first move. Then with a flick of its tail and a little head bob, it was gone.

With a huge smile on my face, I continued thinking how lucky I was to see such a remarkable animal. Not long after, I hear my backpacking buddy behind me and tell her all about the fox.

There are plenty of interesting blooms along the trail during spring and I couldn’t help but stop and admire them.

We reach Tejas Park and are now officially on the opposite side of the Nort Fork San Gabriel River and about 15ish miles from where we began. We find a large shade tree to sit under and relax while eating lunch.

After a midday respite, we refill our water bottles from the available water spigot and make our way toward Sawyer Camp.

This portion of the trail was more strenuous for me as we began to experience more elevation variances, some as much as 14% grades. But at least there was plenty of shade and a beautiful view of the water.

By the time we reached camp, ~m19.5, I was almost out of all my drinkable water and would have to filter to replenish.

There is a small trail leading to the water from Sawyer Camp, but we were sinking through ankle-deep mud upon reaching the waterline. At one point, I almost lost one of my camp shoes in the mire.

Laughing as our feet squished through the mud, we made it to the water to fill our reservoir containers. On the bright side, my tootsies got an excellent mud exfoliation.

It was another clear, beautiful night, and as I lay gently swaying in my hammock gazing at the stars overhead, I wondered what would be in store for the final hiking day.

Hiking Goodwater loop day 3

And That's A Wrap

It's our last day on the Good Water Loop and I'm tired. With frequent elevation changes and dodging the limestone rocks on the trail on this side of the loop, my legs are starting to feel wobbly.

About a mile into our trek, we came across another primitive campsite, Cedar Hollow. In my opinion, this is a much better alternative to Sawyer Camp since the trail leading to the water isn't an almost shoe stealing muddy quagmire and has a much better view of the river.

After a brief exploration of the camp, we continued on to the striking hallmark and highlight of the trip, Crockett Garden Falls. Not only is it a beautifully picturesque spot, but the cool spring water felt marvelous as it rained down on me.

We could have stayed here all day, but we were still a couple of miles from the car.

Taking only brief stops to enjoy the views, forecasted temps reaching 100°+, we had to keep moving and hurried the last couple of miles back to the car. Backpacking the Goodwater Loop was definitely an enjoyable experience.

It was also ideal for my beginner backpacking buddy. The trip was long enough for her to get familiar with her gear and short enough to not worry about the logistics of food/gear resupply points. Plus, there are several potable water filling stations at the campgrounds along the loop.

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wrapping Up

Goodwater Loop, in Georgetown, TX, is an excellent quick getaway backpacking adventure. With a diverse landscape, this 26.6-mile trail passes through bottomland hardwoods, prairie grasslands, and dense Oak/Ashe Juniper forest.

This trek is ideal for beginning backpackers, solo adventurers, or someone who just wants to try out newly purchased gear or do a shakedown hike before tackling longer trips.

The trip is long enough for one to get familiar with their gear and short enough to not worry about the logistics of food/gear resupply points. And not so remote for those that want to try a solo trip for the first time.

Plus, there are several potable water filling stations at the campgrounds along the loop.

Although rated as moderate, it can be considered strenuous during the hotter summer months so be sure to make detailed plans for water resupply before backpacking the loop.

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