3 Adventurous Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors in Tyler, TX

Tired of being cooped up all day staring at a computer? We get it. After a while, you start getting that itch to feel the warm sun on your skin and the cool breeze on your face. At work, the walls may seem to get a little closer every day, but out there on God’s green earth, there’s nothing but the endless sky and boundless horizon.

Whether your brand of outdoor adventure involves breaking a sweat or kicking up your feet on a boat, Tyler has enough nature trails, serene lakes, and animal experiences to satisfy your call to the wild

Of the abundance of parks and trails you’ll find around Tyler, none are quite so impressive as Tyler State Park. This 985-acre beauty is renowned for its spring-fed lake and 13 miles of hiking trails, which makes it the perfect spot for fishing, kayaking, and mountain biking, just to name a few of the most popular activities.

Though not as large as Tyler State Park, Faulkner Park is no less beautiful and conveniently located right in the middle of town. In addition to its scenic trails, fishing pond, and disc golf course, the park is sure to keep the kids happy with both playgrounds and “spraygrounds.” You’re going to want to bring some extra towels for that last one (and maybe clothes, just to be safe).

If you’re looking for a two-for-one deal, the 4.5-mile Legacy Trail isn’t just a gorgeous hike, but will also acquaint you with different parts of the city. For the history buffs out there, this trail goes along the Old Cotton Belt train route, which was essential to the development of East Texas.

Most cities are lucky to have a single lake, but Tyler can boast four! And if you count Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East as separate lakes, that makes five! Those twin lakes, connected at the hip by a canal, are a combined total of almost 5,000 acres. Take out the boat, throw out a line, do some paddle boarding, or get the heart pumping with some water-skiing.

Oh, and if you don’t have a paddle board of your own, fear not! At Tyler Paddle on Lake Tyler Marina, you can rent a paddle board, take part in SUP (stand-up paddle boarding) yoga classes, or host private parties.

Southwest of Tyler, you’ll find Lake Palestine, which is larger than the twin lakes combined! Nestled in the scenic piney woods and connected to the Neches River, there’s plenty of picturesque space for any variety of water sports. Sailors will be pleased to know that because the lake has many coves, the area has good protection from wind.

And let’s not leave out Tyler State Park, where another smaller lake can be found in its center. Due to the smaller size and its place in the middle of the park, this is, perhaps, the most serene lake in the city. It’s quite popular with locals for canoeing, paddle boarding, and admiring the beauty of the park from the most relaxing seat in the house.

As spiritually rejuvenating as a day in the woods and on the lake can be, let’s not forget about the most fascinating aspect of the natural world: wildlife. Over 200 species can be found at the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, each of which lives in a custom-built habitat as safe as it is comfortable. Separated by the region of the planet they originate from, visitors will find African lions, bison, giant anteaters, and the poison dart frog, among many others.

Watching the animals from afar isn’t all you can expect from the Caldwell Zoo. If you book an animal encounter, you’ll be able to enjoy up-close experiences with penguins, tortoises, and even black bears. All these experiences come with an education from zoo professionals on the animals’ care, training, and history.

One of the can’t-miss experiences for zoo visitors, especially those with kids, is feeding the giraffes, which doesn’t require a reservation, but is first-come, first-serve. On the custom-built feeding deck, you can meet the giraffes at eye level and become their new favorite human by feeding them some delicious greens.

Known far and wide as the “Rose Capital of Texas,” Tyler has a state-wide reputation for nurturing its natural environment. Take one hike down its forested trails, one glide across its pristine waters, or one visit to its magnificent zoo, and it’s easy to see why. If you’ve been kicking around the idea of a weekend getaway, but your wallet has been holding you back, Tyler is a prime spot for outdoor adventure on a budget.

Before you start packing your fishing equipment, you may want to throw out a line to one of our beautiful hotels!