Caroline's Loop

Dogs No Dogs

Caroline's Loop turns off from Joe Johnston Route about two and one-third miles into the latter, a short distance after Twin Oaks Trail. A wide singletrack, the Loop has a similar personality to Joe Johnston with a great abundance of rocks. They generally trend smaller in size, but there are also many trickier sections requiring some slab hopping.

The turnoff for the scenic Overlook Trail is only a few hundred feet into the Loop, with a lone marker showing the way. A clearing afterward features some nice cacti patches. The Loop then begins a half mile climb to its plateau. Long and steady, the climb isn't a difficult incline but is made tougher by the need to find a good line through the rocks. Planning a route through here is a rewarding challenge.

The trail tops out about a mile in and enters a shady area, a welcome relief. After a half mile the Loop begins its descent, similar to the climb but much easier moving downhill.

The final half mile of Caroline's Loop is smooth and flat, broken up by a section merged into a sandy creek bed. The trail ends a short distance from the end point of Joe Johnston Route. Markers and a rock-ringed stump show the intersection.

The Texas Hill Country is well known for its abundant tree life. Government Canyon exhibits a number of these varieties, including mountain laurel, Ashe juniper, mesquite and live oak. Birds and deer are the most common animals encountered in the area.