Best Hiking Tips and Memories from Good Water Trail
Hiking lets you enjoy the outdoors, spend time with loved ones, and break from daily routines. I’ve explored many trails over the years, and as some entrance fees have gone up, I still prefer the free ones. A few of my favorite free trails are Good Water Trail, Georgetown, and Ft Davis MTS Trail. Exploring these spots has given me some of my best hiking memories, and I always look forward to finding new ones to share.
I still remember hiking near Austin when I was younger. The lake's blue water and the sunlight on the landscape were amazing. Now, I want to share that experience with my youngest son. Since he’s about the same age I was back then, I asked if he wanted to try hiking the Good Water Trail. I wondered if he would take on the challenge.
Goodwater Trail takes two days to hike, so preparation is important. The trail circles Georgetown Lake, offering great views, shady stretches with oak trees, and rocky sections that require careful footing. There are a couple of long, exposed stretches along the north shore where the sun can be intense. With this, my son said, “Sure, why not?”
We needed to train and take practice walks to get ready for the 28-mile loop around Georgetown Lake. For several weeks before our trip, we went on practice walks three to four times a week, starting with two-mile routes and gradually increasing up to eight miles with empty backpacks. We also focused on walking hills and later, carrying full packs to make sure we were used to the weight. Praying for good weather was also part of our plan. We practiced both during the day and in the evening, since hiking in the dark can be part of the experience. As the hike date approached, we visited our favorite outdoor store to get lighter gear to make our packs easier to carry. We decided on micro-stoves and a small one-person tent to save on weight.
In the end, there were surprises and smiles along our trek, and my son will never forget it. One of the best moments came just after sunset on our first day, when we spotted a spring-fed waterfall. My son was so excited that he almost dropped his water bottle. We stood quietly, watching until we realized the water level was super low. But that peaceful moment made all the preparation and effort worth it. You can see how things ended up by viewing our video: Goodwater Trail.
Tidbits we learned along the way that we would suggest to anyone wanting to hike this or any trail are as follows:
Pack trail snacks like granola bars or jerky for quick energy.
Bring a small first aid kit for blisters or minor injuries.
Carry a simple map of the area or use a navigation app like Gia to help keep you on track.
A full water bottle for a day hike is advised. But also know where you can fill up while on the trail.
Wear light, breathable clothing and a wide-brim hat to protect against the sun.
Sturdy hiking shoes can make all the difference in comfort and safety.
Cooling down with sunglasses and sunscreen is good protection from the sun.
Ensure your phone is fully charged for communication. A portable power bank could be handy in an emergency.
We’d also love to hear about your own experiences or tips for a great hiking trip. Feel free to share your favorite advice or stories with us!
