HomeTexasSan Marcos › Lime Kiln Trailhead

Lime Kiln Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 145 Google reviews · Running trail in San Marcos, Texas · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
22 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Lime Kiln Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Mixed22 miScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADARestroomsWaterTrailhead parkingQuiet

Area with trails for walking, hiking and biking, plus a pond with ducks.

What runners say about Lime Kiln Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (145 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“The trail is super peaceful and beautiful — surrounded by nature, birds, and fresh air everywhere you go.”

🪧 well-marked 3 mentions

“The paths are clean and easy to follow, and there’s a nice balance of open sunshine and shady spots that make the whole walk really enjoyable.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“The trail is super peaceful and beautiful — surrounded by nature, birds, and fresh air everywhere you go.”

It was fantastic, beautiful scenery and easy hiking trails. They were 4.1 miles. I only walked to the picnic area. Which is half way. My gf and I had to turn around because it was getting dark. The wildlife is abundant. The spiders are big and scary

★★★★★ — Josh , Jun 2022

Went on a Sunday afternoon absolutely enjoyed the weather & the trail. Didn't see to many other walker's, but lots of bikers which was a little bit disruptive just because it was several groups. I don't mind sharing the trail but not everyone abides by the bike rules.

★★★★★ — Hanna , Dec 2023

Love hiking here, make sure to look up the live tracking online in case you get turned around. I hike here often, at least 3-5 miles at a time but you could do much smaller lengths also

★★★★★ — Allison , Dec 2024

One of my new favorite trails! This place honestly blew me away. The trail is super peaceful and beautiful — surrounded by nature, birds, and fresh air everywhere you go. The paths are clean and easy to follow, and there’s a nice balance of open sunshine and shady spots that make the whole walk really enjoyable.

★★★★★ — Emanuelle , Nov 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 145 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 5 mentions

“Sometimes purgatory is real muddy and a little far but this little guy is easy to hike and great for dogs.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 4 mentions

“The trail is super peaceful and beautiful — surrounded by nature, birds, and fresh air everywhere you go.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“There’s a restroom available, which is a huge plus when you’re out exploring, and parking was super easy and close to the entrance.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“The trail is super peaceful and beautiful — surrounded by nature, birds, and fresh air everywhere you go.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 2 mentions

“Sometimes purgatory is real muddy and a little far but this little guy is easy to hike and great for dogs.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

“There’s a restroom available, which is a huge plus when you’re out exploring, and parking was super easy and close to the entrance.”

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🏃 Long-run distance (5mi+)

“I hike here often, at least 3-5 miles at a time but you could do much smaller lengths also”

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🪨 Crushed gravel / limestone

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🚰 Water fountains

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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Plan your run at Lime Kiln Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
  • Distance22 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitesmgreenbelt.org
  • Phone+1 512-393-8400

Hours

Monday 6 am–11 pm
Tuesday 6 am–11 pm
Wednesday 6 am–11 pm
Thursday 6 am–11 pm
Friday 6 am–11 pm
Saturday 6 am–11 pm
Sunday 6 am–11 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Lime Kiln Trailhead

685 Lime Kiln Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666

Get directions

Running trails near San Marcos

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

The Sundial

3.9 ★★★★☆ 16 reviews

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under a mile away

Spring Lake Natural Area

4.7 ★★★★★ 265 reviews

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MixedShadedDog-friendly

A large tract of undeveloped meadow & wooded land featuring natural-surface trails.

under a mile away

North LBJ Trailhead

5 ★★★★★ 24 reviews

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22 miMixedDog-friendly

1.1 miles away

Schulle Canyon Natural Area

4.6 ★★★★★ 70 reviews

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22 miMixedShadedScenic

Set on an undeveloped landscape, this 21-acre area offers nature trails & native wildlife views.

1.7 miles away

Rio Vista Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 4,786 reviews

San Marcos, TX

Scenic

14-acre regional park featuring sports courts, a swimming pool, picnic areas & hiking/biking trails.

1.8 miles away

Blanco Shoals Natural Area

4 ★★★★☆ 68 reviews

San Marcos, TX

Dog-friendly

Undeveloped natural park area on the Blanco River, with tall cottonwood & pecan trees & fish.

1.8 miles away

All running trails in San Marcos, TX →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.