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Monday, September 30, 2013

Touring San Antonio Natural Landmarks

By Amanda Duff


San Antonio is most recognized for the Alamo, but the town offers much more. San Antonio is a major metropolitan city with a strong economy and culture all its own. The city also offers visitors and natives some amazing natural scenery. San Antonio natural landmarks are unique and enjoyable for any travelers that have a healthy interest in unique natural sights.

Natural Bridge Caverns

One of the San Antonio natural landmarks that are best known are the caverns. A 30-minute drive from downtown San Antonio, shuttle service is also available. The The Natural Bridge Caverns were discovered in 1960 and are named after the limestone bridge in the area. The Natural Bridge Caverns are the most in depth caves in the San Antonio area and one of the most massive in Texas. The caverns are on the list of National Historic Places since there is archeological evidence of human habitation harking back for thousands of years.

Cascade Caverns

Not very far from San Antonio are the Cascade Caverns. Their naturally cool temperature makes it the most ideal spot to go to visit in the hot Texas summer day. These Caverns are famous for its 100ft waterfall in the cavern depths. The Lipan Apaches discovered the Cascade Caverns in the 1700s. The Kiowa, Comanche and Lipan Apaches Native Americans had been in the area since around 8000 BC.

San Marcos Springs

Located northeast of San Antonio is San Marcos Springs. Over 200 natural springs come forth from the Edwards Aquifer and form the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Because of the accessibility of drinkable water, this became one of the most ancient and inhabited areas on the continent. Archeological excavations in the area have uncovered artifacts that can be dated 12000 years ago. Through the years, this became an amusement park area hitting its peak in the 1950s. During the past few decades, the area has been encouraged to return essentially back to nature and it has been named a critical wetlands habitat. The springs are home to several endangered species, including Texas Wild Rice, several types of Salamander and the fountain darter.

Lost Maples State Natural Area

Of the San Antonio natural landmarks, the Lost Maples is also fairly well-known. The Lost Maples State Natural Area is 71 miles west of San Antonio. Named for the Uvalde bigtooth Maple trees in the area, it is an excellent example of the Edwards Plateau ecology featuring a spread of terrain. Uvalde Maple trees only grow in extraordinarily select habitats and are so far away from other maples that they're known as "Lost Maples" The trees prosper in protected mountainous regions where a moderate climate is maintained. There is evidence that those Maples are ice age remnants of a massive maple forest at a time when the climate in the environment was more temperate. This park is well-known for its attractive fall trees changing colors in early November.

Those who enjoy nature shouldn't miss these natural landmarks in San Antonio. The entry costs are free to minimal. These natural landmarks are open all year excepting a few heavy holidays or due to extraordinary weather.




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