If you’re looking for a family-friendly park that combines a welcoming atmosphere with great riding for all skill levels, then you’ll love Hidden Falls Adventure Park. Set in Texas and billing itself as “the premier off-road adventure park” in the state, Hidden Falls strikes the right balance between fun and safety, opening up off-roading for anyone and making it a great environment for the whole family.
How are the trails at Hidden Falls Adventure Park in Marble Falls, TX, and what are the important things to know before you go? This guide and review will address the key questions you might have about the destination and give you some tips for what to do when you’re staying at or near Hidden Falls.
Essential Information About Hidden Falls Adventure Park
Starting with the basics: Hidden Falls can be found just a few miles outside Marble Falls, a great stop in the beautiful Texas Hill Country in its own right. You can take advantage of the shops, restaurants, and gas stations in the city before you head to the park, so you’re fully stocked.
It’s easy to get to the area as you’re only about one hour drive from Austin and one and a half from San Antonio.
Opening Times
Hidden Falls is normally open Thursday to Sunday, as follows:
- 9 am to 5 pm on Thursdays
- 9 am to 9 pm on Fridays
- 8 am to 9 pm on Saturdays
- 8 am to 2 pm on Sundays
However, it’s best to check their Facebook page or updates on the website, especially over periods of bad weather, as they will let visitors know if the park has to close because of the harsh conditions.
Checking In
Your first stop when you arrive at Hidden Falls Adventure Park is the reception desk, where you’ll be greeted by friendly staff to discuss your riding levels and your aims for your stay. They’ll direct you to where you can set up, unload, and get ready for the trails.
There is a Hidden Falls Adventure Park map which staff will happily share with you if you haven’t already downloaded it off their website, and they’ll also advise on the best trails to look for if you want a specific level of riding.
Camping and Accommodation
There are various options for staying on-site at Hidden Falls. The Starlite Motel offers rooms with bunk beds and private bathrooms, and a shower, each sleeping three people. You must bring your own towels, but the accommodation is pretty good.
For campers, there are primitive spots, RV sites, an upgraded campground with electric and water outlets, and everyone’s favorite: Zip’s House. This standalone rental home offers you amazing views of Texas Hill Country, with space for five people in a queen-size bed and a bunk bed that will accommodate 3. It is quaintly decorated, with rustic wooden touches, and features your own kitchen and bathroom. This is the best option for an extended stay in full luxury!
Book online accommodation here.
What Can You Ride?
The most important question is what vehicles you can ride in the park, of course. Hidden Falls welcome ATVs, UTVS, 4×4 vehicles, and dirt bikes. The trails are marked for each vehicle, and you’ll find mixed-use trails as well as exclusive use ones.
If riding an ATV, there is the obligation to wear a helmet at all times. Any UTV or side-by-side vehicle with a roll cage has the option, but not obligation, to wear helmets. For ATV/UTV riders, prices start at $25 per day to use all park trails.
Dirt bikers are also welcome to the park under the same pricing arrangement and share some of the trails with ATVs/UTVs. There are also some amazing single-track trails all for them.
Finally, Hidden Falls Adventure Park has a lot of space set aside for 4×4 drivers, so you can bring any type of vehicle, from stock to completely modified, to join in the fun. You’ll get some guidance at reception on where to focus, depending on what your vehicle specs are, as well as a full map.
Review of Hidden Falls Adventure Park Trails
When riding at Hidden Falls, you have access to some of the best off-roading available in Texas, in one of the state’s most scenic locations: Texas Hill Country. This means you’ll get plenty of unique views from the top of the climbs, and you can take advantage of over 2,200 acres of wilderness maintained by the park for riding and camping.
Not only are the trails really well maintained, but they’re also waymarked, and you can count on the park staff to give you helpful suggestions of where to ride depending on your level, confidence, and vehicle. You’ll be welcomed by friendly, talkative people who genuinely come across as wanting you to have the best time at their park.
Depending on the time of year it is, expect to marvel at a mix of wildflowers, trees, and varied terrain, which includes steep climbs, rocky sections, and mud. You can get lost for hours at a time or choose to take it easy, ride the less advanced sections, stop for a picnic, and go again. With the great accommodation options on-site, you’re free to spend extra time enjoying the outdoors and riding, too. Keep in mind that if you bring others with you, everyone needs to pay for a riding pass (so they can’t just say they’re camping and not riding).
Hidden Falls Rentals and Guided Tours
As with any top destination for outdoor adventures, Hidden Falls benefits from some additional on-site services provided by third parties. From renting vehicles to getting a guided tour or coaching, here are some of the add-ons you can expect.
Hidden Falls Adventure Park Rentals
If you don’t have a vehicle to ride the trails on, fear not, as there is a very local solution. Hill Country Adventure Rentals rent out dirt bikes and ATVs, operating from inside the park at Hidden Falls. Open on the same days as the park access, the rental shop is convenient for getting your vehicle and jumping straight into riding afterward.
Events and Guided Tours
If you’re looking for a special event, such as a bachelor party or a birthday, or you’re simply searching for an introduction to riding off-road, Hidden Falls Adventure Park will put you in touch with some helpful guides. Many of them operate via Hill Country Adventure Rentals, so it’s worth checking with them first.
Useful Tips
Here are some additional quick tips to take into account when going to Hidden Falls:
- They will not allow events and accommodation only arrangements unless you are planning to off-road. Bear this in mind if you’re bringing family members who aren’t interested in riding, as they will have to pay for a day pass regardless.
- On Fridays and Saturdays, Hidden Falls allow riding until midnight – enjoy the night-time adventure feeling!
- There are no water features specifically for swimming or fishing, unlike other parks.
- Trails will be closed if there is a flash flood warning issued locally, so check on their Facebook or give them a call before heading over if you have any doubts.
- There is no gas station in the park or anywhere nearby. The closest gas station is in Marble Falls, 7 miles away, so bring some extra with you if you’re staying a little longer.
Conclusion: Off-roading on Some of Texas’ Finest Trails
It’s tough to find a better place for an off-roading adventure than Hidden Falls Adventure Park in Marble Falls, TX. From the warm welcome and extensive help and guidance offered by the staff to the high quality of riding for a range of vehicles, including dirt bikes, ATVs, and 4x4s, this is a perfect location for a weekend away riding in the Texan wilderness.
Kris is an avid off-roader and outdoor enthusiast who loves to brave the elements and take on challenging terrain. He also enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with others so that they, too, can appreciate the ride.
About Kris