The Land of 1,100 Springs
Nueces Canyon BY JIM HOLDER
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Nueces River. Photo courtesy The Riv.
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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2022
he Nueces Canyon area is part of the region known as the “Land of 1,100 Springs” featuring the headwaters of the Nueces River, one of Texas’ clearest streams, fed by the many springs and creeks. Here, you are always moments away from a favorite swimming or fishing hole. Alonso De Leon named the canyon’s river Rio las Nueces, the “River of Nuts,” after the abundant pecan trees growing along its banks. Year-round activities in the beautiful Nueces Canyon make this area a major travel destination. The Canyon covers portions of Real, Edwards, and Uvalde counties along Texas Highway 55 and Ranch Road 335 on the western fringe of the Texas Hill Country. The Nueces Canyon is a travel hub to many nearby attractions such as the Briscoe–Garner Museum and historic Janie Slaughter Briscoe Opera House in Uvalde, Garner State Park in Concan which hosts a dance tradition that started in 1941, and Lost Maples State Natural Area near Vanderpool with hiking, birding, photography, and nature study opportunities. The Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area in Rocksprings boasts Mexican free-tailed bat emergence tours during summer mornings and evenings. Kickapoo Cavern See NUECES CANYON, page 75
