The Lost Pines have a full calendar in mid-November. Texas Parks and Wildlife lists guided hikes at Bastrop and Buescher state parks on Nov. 14 and Nov. 21, 2026, plus a story time in Smithville and a holiday scavenger hunt that starts Nov. 21.
What is on the schedule?
| Date | Event | Where to meet |
|---|---|---|
| Sat., Nov. 14, 10 to 11 a.m. | The Forest You Almost Missed, a 1-mile family-friendly guided hike | Scenic Overlook, Buescher State Park |
| Wed., Nov. 18, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Reading Ranger, book readings and a craft | Smithville Public Library |
| Sat., Nov. 21, 10 to 11:30 a.m. | Predators of the Pines, a 1-mile guided hike with a Texas Master Naturalist | Playground area near the Piney Hill Restroom, Bastrop State Park |
| Sat., Nov. 21, 10 to 11:30 a.m. | B.A.R.K. Ranger Guided Hike, a 1-mile loop with your dog | Scenic Overlook, Buescher State Park |
| Sat., Nov. 21, 2 to 3 p.m. | Tracking 101, common Central Texas animals and their prints | Behind the interpretive center, Bastrop State Park |
| Nov. 21 to Jan. 10, 2027 | Fa La La Through The Forest Scavenger Hunt, self-guided | Headquarters at either park |
Which one should you pick with kids?
The Nov. 14 hike is the one listed as family friendly, at about a mile. It is led by a Lost Pines Master Naturalist. For younger readers, Reading Ranger is open to all ages and is held at the library rather than in the park.
How does the scavenger hunt work?
Texas Parks and Wildlife says to follow the ornaments with clues through the park to a hidden cache, then write your name in the journal and share your favorite part of the walk. It is self-guided, so you can start any time from Nov. 21 through Jan. 10, 2027. Bastrop and Buescher each have their own hunt, and free trail maps are inside each park’s headquarters.
How much does it cost?
The hikes are free once you pay park entry, which is $5 per adult, with kids 12 and under free. Reading Ranger is at the library and is free.
What should you know before you go?
- Bastrop State Park: 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop. (512) 321-2101.
- Buescher State Park: 100 Park Road 1E, Smithville. (512) 237-2241.
- Day passes: For the B.A.R.K. hike, the park asks you to book your day pass online ahead of time. You can also call (512) 389-8900.
- Dogs: Keep them on a leash of six feet or shorter, and bring waste bags.
- The Scenic Overlook: Parking is limited, so carpool if you can. There are no restrooms or water at the overlook.
- Tracking 101: Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. The walk is about half a mile, with some of it off trail in tall grass.
- Weather: The B.A.R.K. hike is canceled in bad weather, so check with the park that morning.
Want more to do outdoors?
Our Things to Do guide rounds up more trails and parks, and our Moving to Bastrop guide shows what everyday life looks like here.
Event details come from Texas Parks and Wildlife. Please confirm with the park before you go.
Have a question about this? Ask locals in our Moving to Bastrop Facebook group.
Frequently asked questions
- When are the guided hikes at Bastrop State Park in November 2026?
- Texas Parks and Wildlife lists Predators of the Pines, a guided hike with a Texas Master Naturalist, at Bastrop State Park on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, at 10 a.m.
- Can I bring my dog on a guided hike near Bastrop?
- Texas Parks and Wildlife lists a B.A.R.K. Ranger Guided Hike at Buescher State Park on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, at 10 a.m., and invites you to bring your furry friend.
- Is there a family-friendly hike in the Lost Pines in November?
- Yes. The Forest You Almost Missed is listed as a 1-mile, family-friendly guided hike at Buescher State Park on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at 10 a.m.
- Where is Bastrop State Park?
- The park is at 100 Park Road 1A in Bastrop.
- How much does it cost to go on a guided hike at Bastrop State Park?
- Texas Parks and Wildlife says the programs are free once you pay park entry, which is $5 per adult. Kids 12 and under are free.
Sources
- Texas Parks and Wildlife: Bastrop State Park events
- Texas Parks and Wildlife: Predators of the Pines
- Texas Parks and Wildlife: Fa La La Through The Forest
- Texas Parks and Wildlife: Tracking 101
- Texas Parks and Wildlife: The Forest You Almost Missed
- Texas Parks and Wildlife: B.A.R.K. Ranger Guided Hike
- Texas Parks and Wildlife: Reading Ranger
- Texas Parks and Wildlife: Bastrop State Park
- Texas Parks and Wildlife: Buescher State Park
Thinking about moving to Bastrop? Start with our moving guide and neighborhood guide, or send us a question.
