Natural Wonders
This is a list of remarkable natural features in Comal County, each offering unique geological, ecological, or recreational value to the area.
Located near Natural Bridge Caverns, Bracken Bat Cave houses the world’s largest known colony of bats. It’s home to over 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats, making it the largest concentration of mammals on Earth. While the cave itself is not open to the public to protect the bats and their habitat, there are opportunities to witness the spectacular emergence of bats from the cave.
Bat Conservation International (BCI), which owns and manages the preserve, offers limited viewing opportunities from mid-May through September. During these events, visitors can watch millions of bats spiral out of the cave at dusk in search of insects, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle often referred to as a “batnado.”
Created in 1964 by damming the Guadalupe River, Canyon Lake has become a significant natural feature of Comal County. The lake covers approximately 8,230 acres and has 80 miles of shoreline. It’s clear, deep waters are surrounded by limestone cliffs and rolling hills, offering scenic beauty and recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The lake’s dam release created the Canyon Lake Gorge, a unique geological formation exposing 110-million-year-old dinosaur tracks and fossil remains.
Created in 2002 when floodwaters from Canyon Lake topped its spillway, the Canyon Lake Gorge is a 64-acre geological wonder. This unexpected event carved a mile-long gorge into the limestone bedrock, exposing rock formations, fossils, and dinosaur tracks that had been hidden for millions of years.
The gorge, up to 50 feet deep in places, provides a unique glimpse into the area’s geological history. Visitors can see clearly defined layers of limestone, prehistoric sea ripples, and even perfectly preserved dinosaur footprints estimated to be 110 million years old. The gorge also features scenic waterfalls and pools.
Guided tours are available through Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA). The Canyon Overlook Trail is a self-guided trail that follows the east side of the gorge. There are interpretive signs along the way.
The Comal River, one of the shortest rivers in Texas, flows entirely within New Braunfels and is renowned for its crystal-clear, spring-fed waters. Maintaining a constant temperature of around 70-72°F year-round, it’s a popular spot for tubing, swimming, and other water activities, offering a refreshing escape during hot Texas summers. In June 2024, the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the Comal River as a National Water Trail, recognizing its importance as both an aquatic habitat and a recreational resource. This designation covers about 1.5 miles of the 2.5-mile river, starting at the Hinman Island Park entrance and ending at the last public exit. Recreation
As the largest springs in Texas and the Southwestern United States, Comal Springs are a true natural wonder. They consist of seven major and several minor springs, collectively flowing at an average rate of 8 cubic feet per second. The springs form the headwaters of the Comal River, the shortest river in Texas at just 2.5 miles long. These springs are home to several endangered species, including the Comal Springs riffle beetle and the Comal Springs salamander. Recreation
In the western part of Comal County, away from the light pollution of larger towns and cities, visitors can experience a natural wonder that’s becoming increasingly rare: truly dark night skies. On clear nights, the lack of artificial light allows for breathtaking views of the night sky. It is possible to see the Milky Way, constellations, and the planets.
The dark skies also benefit local wildlife, particularly nocturnal animals and migratory birds that rely on natural light patterns for navigation and other behaviors.
This scenic limestone ridge offers panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country. The Devil’s Backbone is a winding, elevated stretch of Ranch Road 32 between San Marcos and Blanco. Known for its breathtaking vistas, it’s a popular route for scenic drives and motorcycle rides. The area is steeped in local folklore, with numerous ghost stories and legends associated with it, adding to its mystique.
Dinosaur Tracks at Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country:
Located near Canyon Lake, the Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country is home to one of the most significant collections of dinosaur tracks in Texas. The museum’s outdoor exhibit features over 350 dinosaur footprints from the Cretaceous period, approximately 110 million years ago.
These tracks were made by several species of dinosaurs, including theropods (carnivorous dinosaurs) and sauropods (long-necked herbivores). The footprints are preserved in limestone that was once the muddy bottom of an ancient sea that covered much of Texas.
Visitors can walk alongside these prehistoric tracks on raised walkways, getting an up-close view of this remarkable testament to the area’s ancient past
This iconic Texas river flows through Comal County, carving a path through the limestone of the Hill Country. Known for its crystal-clear waters, cypress-lined banks, and limestone bluffs, the Guadalupe River is a major recreational attraction. It’s particularly popular for tubing, kayaking, and fishing. In particular the Guadalupe River affords some of the best angling opportunities in the state, with a wide array of species and people from all over the state travel to the Guadalupe River in pursuit of Guadalupe Bass and Rainbow Trout. The river supports a diverse ecosystem and plays a crucial role in the region’s water supply.
Honey Creek Cave:
This is the longest known cave in Texas, with over 20 miles of mapped passages. Located within the Honey Creek State Natural Area, the cave system is formed in the Edwards limestone and is characterized by its underwater passages. While access is restricted to protect the delicate ecosystem, the cave is an important subject of scientific study and exploration.
Honey Creek State Natural Area:
This 2,293-acre natural area showcases the diverse ecology of the Texas Hill Country. It features a pristine spring-fed creek, diverse wildlife, and unique plant communities. The area is home to the golden-cheeked warbler, an endangered bird species. Guided tours are available, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty and biodiversity of this protected ecosystem.
Located in New Braunfels, Landa Park is a 196-acre natural oasis centered around Comal Springs. The park features a spring-fed pool, the headwaters of the Comal River, and a diverse arboretum with over 50 tree species. It offers recreational activities such as paddle boating, miniature train rides, and hiking trails. The park’s natural spring-fed pool maintains a constant 72-degree temperature year-round.
Discovered in 1960, these caverns are the largest known commercial caverns in Texas. The cave system features spectacular limestone formations, including massive chandeliers, flowstones, stalactites, stalagmites, and soda straws. The caverns maintain a constant temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit with 99% humidity. Various tours are available, including adventure tours and a canopy challenge and zip line course above ground.
Photography Credits – Banner: Jonathan Alonzo, Bat Conservation International