On the Llano River — Right at Uplift Landing

• Swimming, Tubing and Floating — Spring-fed, crystal clear water. Private swimming hole right out your door. Gentle current. Launch from your own backyard.
• Fishing — Guadalupe Bass, largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish. Rainbow trout released annually in winter (dates announced in November). Kids under 17: no license needed. Licenses online or locally at Buttery Company, Lowe’s Market and the Corner Stop.
• Kayaking & Canoeing — Quiet pools and gentle riffles. Rentals upstream at Llano River Region Adventures.
• Rockhounding — Topaz, garnet, Llanite (blue-quartz rhyolite) — unique to Llano County.

Other outdoor pursuits

Gravel Cycling — World-class riding on Hill Country backroads. The Castell Grind starts in Castell (~20 min west). Year-round routes for all levels. Here’s a link to the routes page so you can start training (or just take a leisurely pedal).

Stargazing — Bring your telescope, binoculars, or the naked eye to view
our dark skies. Plan your visit around a new moon for darkness or a full moon for howling. Our zero-gravity chairs on the deck provide a great angle for relaxation and viewing.

Campfires — Allowed at our riverside fire pit unless Llano County is under a burn ban. Check the county website for the latest info.

Hiking, Birding and Bat Watching at Nearby Parks and Preserves

• Birding Resources for Uplift Landing
• Enchanted Rock State Natural Area — ~30 min south. 425-ft pink granite dome. Summit Trail (0.8 mi, 360° views). 11 miles of trails, rock climbing, camping, stargazing.
• South Llano River State Park — ~1 hr 22 min west (near Junction). Walk-in camping, hiking along a spring-fed river, excellent birding.
• Colorado Bend State Park — ~45 min northeast. Gorman Falls — a stunning 65-ft travertine waterfall. Hiking, cave tours, fishing.
• Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve — ~30 min southwest (near Mason). One of the largest bat nurseries in the country — 4 to 6 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at dusk. Open Thursday–Sunday evenings, mid-May through early October. Call the bat hotline at (325) 347-5970 before visiting.