Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area near Boerne advances toward planned fall 2026 opening

A major Hill Country addition to the state park system is under construction

A new state natural area is taking shape northwest of San Antonio on a ranchland tract that spans about 3,800 acres near Boerne. The property—donated to the State of Texas in 2011—remains closed to the public while facilities and trails are built out, with state officials describing the project as in the construction phase.

The site is being developed as the Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area, reflecting a long-planned conversion of private land into a public conservation and recreation destination in the fast-growing Hill Country corridor.

What is planned: trails, camping, and visitor facilities

Project plans call for an extensive trail system designed for hiking and other low-impact uses, with limited mountain biking anticipated once the area opens. Public information released by the state indicates approximately 28 miles of trails are planned, including a small number designed to meet accessibility standards.

Development plans also include visitor-facing infrastructure intended to support day use and overnight stays. Planned amenities include a nature center, a small amphitheater designed for group programming, primitive camping, and a mix of other camping options. Park plans have described roughly three dozen overnight accommodations spread across cabins, screened shelters, tent sites, and backcountry camping.

• Size: roughly 3,800 acres in the Hill Country near Boerne
• Trails: approximately 28 miles planned, including accessible segments
• Facilities: nature center, amphitheater, scenic viewpoint and day-use features
• Overnight use: a range of camping options including cabins, shelters, tent sites, and backcountry opportunities

Conservation priorities will shape public access and use

As a state natural area, the property’s management emphasis is expected to prioritize protection of unique natural features. Public descriptions of the site highlight sensitive habitat and the presence of rare or endangered Hill Country species, including the golden-cheeked warbler and Texas spring salamander, among others. That conservation focus typically informs trail placement, seasonal management decisions, and the limits placed on certain recreational activities.

The state natural area designation is intended to emphasize stewardship of the property’s ecological and other distinctive features alongside public recreation.

Timeline: a fall 2026 target amid ongoing buildout

State materials and recent project updates have pointed to a planned opening timeframe in fall 2026, while also indicating that construction and staffing steps are still underway and that timelines for major public projects can shift as work progresses. For now, the site remains closed during development.

Once open, the Kronkosky State Natural Area is expected to expand nearby public options for hiking and overnight stays within driving distance of San Antonio, while adding another large protected landscape to the region’s network of parks and conserved lands.