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Senator Frank L. Madla Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 136 Google reviews · Running trail in Helotes, Texas · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Senator Frank L. Madla Natural Area'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.
Green space offering trails and meadows, plus an overlook at a cottage.
What runners say about Senator Frank L. Madla Natural Area
“Its the most beautiful wilderness park I was hesitant to write a review because it's a hidden gem and I just want to keep it to myself!”
“Hidden gem loved by locals with delightful vistas of hill country, a field dedicated to wildflowers (in season, not winter), many cedars and oaks for shade.”
“Trails relatively easy to follow if you take a photo of the map, somewhat rocky in places with moderate inclines for which a hiking pole would help if knees give you trouble.”
“Peaceful nature trail that is pet friendly and provided scenic overlooks.”
Used to be one of my favorite spots in the San Antonio area, but they recently changed the hours to 8am to 5pm (used to be sunrise to sunset). Good luck finding the time to make it out there after work I guess…. Update: Looks like they changed it back to sunrise to sunset.
Peaceful nature trail that is pet friendly and provided scenic overlooks. The drive to the nature area is scenic and not too far from Boerne or San Antonio. We enjoyed our hike and would recommend the trail.
Not a bad park for a quiet walk. The trails are marked fairly well but there’s no distance associated. Bring good shoes as it’s a rugged path and muddy after rain.
Absolutely beautiful! I went out to take a photography session, it was quite crowded but still found a place to be. There is a $40 “donation” fee to take a session, or a yearly fee. Definitely an area more for pictures/perhaps a picnic, wouldn’t use this as a “hiking” trail.
Trail conditions & character
“Its the most beautiful wilderness park I was hesitant to write a review because it's a hidden gem and I just want to keep it to myself!”
“Mack (my dog) love going to this park located at the edge of Grey Forrest.”
“Peaceful nature trail that is pet friendly and provided scenic overlooks.”
“Trails relatively easy to follow if you take a photo of the map, somewhat rocky in places with moderate inclines for which a hiking pole would help if knees give you trouble.”
“Hidden gem loved by locals with delightful vistas of hill country, a field dedicated to wildflowers (in season, not winter), many cedars and oaks for shade.”
Plan your run at Senator Frank L. Madla Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemadlapark.org
- Phone+1 210-695-3261
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 7:30 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 7:30 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 7:30 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 7:30 am–6 pm |
Running trails near Helotes
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Bamberger Nature Park
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Fox Park
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