Hiking Panther Canyon Nature Trail at Landa Park


Panther Canyon Nature Trail is one of the only trails in New Braunfels, Texas. Unlike the other few trails in the city, Panther Canyon is well-shaded and near the Comal Springs. The hike through the woods is quick, easy and dog friendly. You can’t miss this trail while visiting Landa Park in New Braunfels.

Some of the Comal Springs are near the trailhead at this very popular park. These springs are known as the largest in Texas. Hiking in New Braunfels may be lacking, but the water is not.

The Panther Canyon Nature Trail is well-shaded, short and easy at Landa Park.
Panther Canyon Nature Trail in New Braunfels, TX

How to Get to Panther Canyon at Landa Park

Address: 15 Gazebo Cir, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Hours of operation: The trail is open 24 hours, but Landa Park hours are 6am – midnight

On the map, Landa Park is the largest-looking park in the heart of the city. It is alongside the Comal River, and connected to Hinman Island. Near the island you can find Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and river tube rentals.

The best place to park will be near the Comal Springs, where Landa Park Drive becomes California Blvd. However, parking is often limited in this area, so you may need to park somewhere along Landa Park Drive. If you are traveling on I-35, get off on Landa Street and follow it to Landa Park Drive. From the north, take Loop 337 to California Blvd, and this street will lead you directly to the nature trail.

The Comal Springs flow next to Panther Canyon Nature Trail in New Braunfels.
Comal Springs near the trailhead

Panther Canyon Nature Trail

Although Panther Canyon is within a 50-acre area, the trail itself is relatively short. The trailhead begins at Landa Park Drive, stretches through the woods for about one mile, and ends at Ohio Avenue. Panther Creek runs through the canyon, and is about one hundred feet lower than some of the canyon walls.

We found Smokey Bear at the trailhead and hiked north from there. Landa Park is wide open, but this trail is hidden well among the trees. The ground is very rocky, but easy to manage without hiking shoes. The subdivisions of New Braunfels flank the canyon on either side, but this may go unnoticed because the woods feel dense.

The nature trail is wide enough for passing and there are a few places to sit along the way. We hiked for about one mile and arrived at what appears to be a dead-end. The trail map seems to show a loop, but we followed the trail to an area with signs reading, “no trespassing”. At this point, if you turn to the right, the trail continues uphill in a series of switchbacks. These are easy to miss your first time hiking this trail.

Panther Canyon

Out-and-Back

Some maps reveal Panther Canyon Nature Trail to be out-and-back. Our experience is no different. As you hike back to Landa Park, you may see forks in the trail, or a way to reach the top of the canyon. The view of New Braunfels from the top of the canyon is not the best in the city, but it’s not bad. Look for this trail near the small cave.

Panther Canyon is a rare find in New Braunfels. There aren’t too many other trails to hike in the city. This is the only well-shaded canyon trail in the area. Fischer Park has concrete trails with great views of the city, as well as a connecting greenway trail nearby. Another trail, the Dry Comal Trail, is next to Puppy Playland on New Braunfel’s westside.

That’s about it as far as trails go in the city. New Braunfels could definitely use a few more hiking trails. Take advantage of the rare and unique, Panther Canyon Nature Trail at Landa Park. You can always hike, or walk your dog, around Landa Park after finishing the mile-long trail. Landa Park has its own concrete loop-trail, which is also about one mile long.

Smokey the Bear at the trailhead in New Braunfels, TX.
Smokey the Bear in New Braunfels

I’m a certified personal trainer in San Antonio. After adopting Abbey, I created Places for Pups to help you get outside, exercise with your dog and have fun doing it. We have mastered hiking in Texas Hill Country. Though we emerge from the woods unharmed, we are not responsible for you or your pets. You are solely responsible for trying exercises, or places discussed on this site. Grab the best hiking gear and go dog friendly.  I wish you good fortune on the trails to come.
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David Earley

CPT, CES

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