Rougher Terrain
The Vista Loop and Fern Del trails are rougher, but also a bit more covered by vegetation. Here the trail follows along the contour line of a ridge.

Comments:

Coppertone and I arrived at Friedrich not entirely knowing what to expect in terms of the roughness of the terrain.  Things were a little bit tougher than expected.  In this case that was a good thing.

The Vista Loop on the back of the park provided the most undulating terrain and the fewest people.  The parking lot was packed with cars though and one didn't have to travel far on the main loop before running into another set of hikers.

Our schedule and the heat didn't allow us enough time or energy to hike every mile of the park, so we'll have ample reason to visit again.

This practical guide takes readers to the best trails found in the Texas Hill Country, all within easy reach of San Antonio and Austin. Destinations include secluded, low-traffic areas for quiet hikes as well more popular and heavily used paths. The former LBJ Ranch, the Guadalupe River, the Highland Lakes Chain, and the Lost Pines area are a few of the spectacular treks featured.