Spring Lake Natural Area is the wild backside of the San Marcos springs

Spring Lake is where the San Marcos River rises from Edwards Aquifer springs. The famous side is the glass-bottom boat story at the Meadows Center. Above the water is Spring Lake Natural Area: 252 acres of city parkland with more than six miles of trail through meadow and oak-juniper hillside.

The park sits in the Sink Creek watershed. About half the land lies over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, where rain can move into the limestone that feeds the springs below. Walking here puts you above the water system that keeps the river running.

Trails are free and open to hikers and mountain bikers. The trailhead is off Spring Lake Drive on the north edge of San Marcos.