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When thinking about the Texas Hill Country, Austin is probably the first place that comes to mind for most people. And while our capital city has plenty of perks, solitude is not one of them. Luckily, this vast region encompasses many remote areas that offer peace and quiet, such as the Texas Hill Country Overland Route. This 191-mile journey is by far one of the best scenic drives in Texas, showcasing lush greenery, pristine bodies of water, and undulating hills.
The trail begins near Sandy Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, and ends just before crossing the Llano River. Other than Fredericksburg, the route doesn’t pass through any densely populated areas, so you can roll the windows down and revel in the sounds of nature with few distractions. The drive will take you a minimum of several hours, but you’ll want to allot more time if you have a sedan due to the water crossings.
You’ll feel like you’ve entered a painting as you navigate the winding streets leading through the vast and untouched landscape. The views are an absolute dream, from the hillsides dotted with fertile greenery to the crystal-clear streams to the native wildlife grazing in the pastures. It’s also amazingly calm out here. You may even be inspired to ditch your road trip playlist and opt to listen to the sweet sound of silence instead.
Visit AllTrails for more information about the route. I also recommend signing up for AllTrails+ if you spend a lot of time outdoors. My favorite feature is offline map access — it’s so comforting to know I won’t get lost, especially when exploring remote areas with spotty cell service. If you decide you want to spread the trip out across two days, Fredericksburg is the perfect town for a quick getaway.
