Panther Canyon

New Braunfels is a vibrant city between Austin and San Antonio that is renowned for its rich German heritage, scenic riverfronts, and a blend of cultural and outdoor attractions. The city was founded in 1845 by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, a German nobleman who named the city after his hometown in Braunfels, Germany.  New Braunfels was part of a broader effort to create a German stronghold in Texas and German was the dominant language for many decades.  German customs, food, architecture, and education strongly shaped the community which was a model colony for German immigrants.    

The Panther Canyon Nature Trail is located in New Braunfels and it offers a scenic and accessible hiking experience within the city’s Landa Park. The 1.8 mile trail meanders through some of the 49 acres of diverse terrain in the park – featuring native plants and animals, shaded woodlands, and a dry creek bed that flows during or after rainfall.  The trail begins near the Comal Springs which is the largest natural springs in Texas and it is fed by the Edwards Aquifer. On this hike, we followed the dry Panther Creek bed up the canyon from Comal Springs and did a loop hike around the drainage bed for nearly two miles.  Once you leave the Comal Spring, the trail is fairly dry in warmer months – so take plenty of water with you on the trail.