Medina Natural Area

Leashed pets are welcome in the Medina River Natural Area. Ten miles of hike and bike trails wind through a variety of landscapes from riversides with towering pecan and bald cypress trees to uplands lined with cactus and honey mesquite. The Medina River Greenway is an integral part of the natural area?s trail system: 2.91 miles of the Greenway trail lie within the natural area boundaries and an additional 3.73 miles traverse neighboring property managed by the non-profit Land Heritage Institute. The trails have varying levels of accessibility ranging from concrete to natural surfaces. Please see the trail maps section of this website for more information about our trail system. At Medina River Natural Area you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities! Ride your bike, walk your dog on a leash, or take a slow hike through the natural area?s serene habitat. Bird watchers enjoy excellent birding opportunities, with specialties such as green kingfisher and painted bunting. Excellent fishing opportunities are available at designated fishing sites along the Medina River. (A fishing license is required; fishing line recycling containers are provided at every fishing site). Swimming in the river is prohibited. Horses, skateboards, and motorized vehicles (excluding wheelchairs) are not allowed on the trails. A large covered pavilion, with six picnic tables, is available for use and may be reserved. The Natural Area also features a group campground with six tent pads, a large barbecue grill, potable water, and composting toilets. No electricity is available. There is a 0.52-mile trail to the river for campers (not available for use by the general public). The campground is available by reservation only. Reservations may be made in person at the Ron Darner Headquarters building (5800 Old Hwy 90 West). Visit Website

Or call (210) 207-3000 for more information.

Reviews

BringFido Guest Rating

Medina Natural Area has received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 bones by 6 canine critics on BringFido.

Michelle
Dec. 29, 2020
Great Park for Dog and Exercise
Near my house so we go often. My pups love to get drinks of water from the river so we stop at least 1-2 times. To make it a workout for me and I’ve stopped running, I loop it twice. That’s 45-50 min fast walk which is great for everyone!
Aimee
Jul. 26, 2020
Great Walking Trail!
Loved this place. There are several different trail options depending on what level hiker you and your pet are. There are also wheel chair accessible options which I thought was wonderful. Poop bags and doggy water fountains are at the beginning and ends of each trail. Only took off a bone because there are some parts of that trails that had snake habitats and poison ivy. Did not know that going in. Nothing to worry about if your pup is tucked by your side during those parts. My 4-month-old pittie loved it, she’s passed out now as I write this!
Jennifer
May. 30, 2020
Nice Walk
I just recently moved to SA and have been looking for places to get out with my dogs. I enjoyed the trails this morning. Most of the trails are paved but there are some dirt trails also. I did not walk the entire paved surface because we decided to use the dirt trails today. There are not water stations for your dogs, so you will need to bring water for them. There were several pet disposal stations with bags to clean up after your pet. I will be returning with my dogs to explore the paved path. There were people walking, running, and on bikes. Everyone was very friendly.
Ali
Apr. 28, 2019
So Beautiful, A Great Walk
The whole area is just covered with beautiful wild flowers. There are butterflies everywhere. It’s amazing. The trail itself is paved for the most part so great for everyone including those with mobility issues. There are unpacked trails for those who want to go in them too. Met lots of dogs. We did bring water for our dogs, you don’t really get near the river. Such a nice place to be.
Maria
More than a year ago
First time trail walk
Great for first time training walk. Liked the mile markers along the way giving trail options and distance. Plenty of space to walk with dog and bicycle. Difinetly bring own water and extra poop bags.
EDITH
More than a year ago
KILOS DAY OUT
I only give it 4 bones because my dog loves swimming and there isnt so many areas that they have access to water.I know that there is a point where he has gone down to a river crossing to dip his feet for a bit.Other than that the scene is quiet , remote, lush in some areas than others.All paved and you have some slight inclines up and down hills.One way to the end is 5 miles,Coming back another 5.I usually stop in the middle where you can overlook the river and relax under the trees.Shady in some areas.Bring comfy shoes and own water for you and your furbaby.Doggy bags provided at each end.Dogs may be on a leash.I have seen plenty off least before who walk with or along their party like mine.

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