Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches South Central fun driving routes

Every locale has fun roads to drive (possibly except Houston), whether for a quickie sprint to blow off steam or a longer tour that takes the better part of a day. This thread is to provide more information on these routes.

When posting, try to give as much information as possible, such as road type, speed limits, average traffic conditions, and length of the drive. A map is extremely helpful! We'll try to keep this as an info-only thread; if you'd like to comment on a particular run, please make a separate post.

As a reminder, please be courteous to everyone else who shares the road and observe all traffic regulations and drive appropriately for the conditions. Be safe and have fun!

Lime Creek Rd., Austin TX
Est Length: 10 mi.
Start: 620 and 2222
End: 1431 and Lime Creek Rd.
Area Traffic: light to medium
Conditions: Paved 2-lane 2-way, no passing allowed.

Comments: Quite possibly the twistiest stretch of road in the area. The posted speed limit ranges from 25 to 45 mph. Due to the no passing zone the entire distance, go Sunday morning or some other time when everyone is sleeping. It's extremely annoying to get stuck behind the dump trucks that visit the quarries at the top on weekdays.

There's a good restaurant/grocery store in Volente. There are no gas stations along this route. The drive to the top has several scenic overlooks of the lake, and the view from the top is great. A must drive.

2222, Austin TX
Est Length: 3 mi.
Start: I-35 and 2222
End: Loop 360 and 2222
Area Traffic: medium to heavy
Conditions: paved 4-lane 2-way, passing allowed.

Comments: A nice, easy, short stretch. Don't go during rush hour, there's too much traffic. Usually a good place to spot exotics. If you're up for more afterwards, continue straight ahead on 2222 for Marble Falls.

There are several gas stations at the start. Watch out for the huge SUVs and vans that take this road like sports cars. Good BBQ at the bottom (County Line).

Devil's Backbone
Est Length: 65 mi.
Start: Volente TX
End: Buchanan Dam
Area Traffic: light to medium

Comments: Depart from Oak Hill
Take US290 to FM1826
Take FM1826 south through rolling hill country to Driftwood (home of the famous Salt Lick BBQ joint)
Quick cut south on FM150 to a westbound county road shortcut over to RR12
RM12 south to the cute, quirky town of Wimberly
Continue south on RM12 to FM32, along the famous "Devil's Backbone"
FM3424 south to FM306, skirting around beautiful Canyon Lake
FM2673 to the River Road (you know it if you've ever been tubing down the Guadalupe. Hopefully we won't get stuck behind too much slow-moving weekender traffic)
Endpoint, New Braunfels
Quick return route: Quick return route: I-35 north

Texas Hill Country Run (from 'SVT News')
Est Length: 100 mi.
Start: Helotes TX
End: Camp Wood TX
Area Traffic: light to medium
Conditions: paved 2-lane 2-way, some passing allowed.

Comments: In this issue of SVT NEWS we present some of our favorite roads in the Texas Hill Country, located northwest of San Antonio. In 1995 SVT conducted the driving portion of its Dealer Meeting over these same roads.
Drive time for one way is approximately two hours. There are numerous variations and points of interest along this route, so don't forget your map.

These roads are interesting, fun and challenging so drive safely and within your own limits at all times. Please observe posted speed limits and enjoy your SVT vehicle on this scenic tour.

The route begins in Helotes, Texas. As you drive westbound on State Highway 16, zero your odometer when you proceed through the Farm Road 1560 (Hausman Road) intersection. Then follow the instructions below.

At westbound 16 and 1560 (Hausman Road) intersection. Zero your odometer.

Point of interest: Bandera Downs Race Track, located on 16, before entering downtown Bandera.

Point of interest: Frontier Times Museum, located on 16, before entering downtown Bandera

30.6 In Bandera, turn right on Main Street following 16 west.
44.4 Turn left onto 337 West
64.6 Turn right onto 187 North/337 West.
65.9 Turn left onto 337 West

Point of interest: Lost Maples General Store, located at the intersection of 187 North/ 337 West, is a great place for a quick break.

Point of interest: Lost Maples State Park, located north on 187

102.8 Turnaround point is the town of Camp Wood.

Point of interest: Casa Falcon restaurant, located on Highway 55 just south of 337, for lunch or dinner.

Follow route in reverse to return to starting point.

'99 LSSHOC Fall Run, Bandera TX
Est Length: 100 mi.
Start: Bandera TX
End: Medina TX
Area Traffic: light to medium
Conditions: paved 2-lane 2-way, some passing allowed.

Comments: There are some very precarious turns; sometimes nothing but a guardrail separates the road from the cliff. There's one section between waypoint 4 and 5 dubbed the 'NASCAR straights' which allowed for top speed runs.

Highland Lakes
Est Length: 79 mi.
Start: Volente TX
End: Buchanan Dam
Area Traffic: light to medium

Comments: Depart from Lake Travis
Go up Lime Creek Rd. (a great twisty backroad - "Austin's own road course")
Head west on FM1431
Great hill country driving between Lago Vista and Marble Falls
Continue west on FM1431 to Kingsland
Head north on FM2342, more great scenery
Merge with Park Road 4 (rated in the Top 10 Most Scenic Roads in Texas)
Cruise through beautiful Inks Lake State Park
Take a left onto TX29
Endpoint, Buchanan Dam. Cool landmark, good photo op
Quick return route: TX29 east to US183 south.

Fredericksburg TX
Est Length: 65 mi.
Start: Oak Hill, Austin TX
End: Fredericksburg TX
Area Traffic: light to medium

Comments: Depart from Oak Hill
Take US 71 to Bee Cave
Take FM3238 (Hamilton Pool Road) west (very cool low-water crossing of the Pedernales River)
Continue on FM 962 to US 290
Take US 290 south to FM 1323
FM 1323 to the bustling metropolis of Sandy
FM 1320 southwest to FM 2721 west, which turns into FM 1631
Endpoint, Fredericksburg
Quick return route: US 290 east

Canadian River Bridge, Lake Marvin
Est Length: 22 mi
Start: Canadian, TX
End: Lake Marvin, TX, then back to Canadian
Area Traffic: light to none
Conditions: paved 2-lane 2-way, some passing allowed, abundant wildlife at times

Comments: From Canadian, TX, take Highway 60 north over the historic Candadian River Bridge, turning right at FM 2266. This scenic drive offers many curves and twists, affording the driver a pleasant experience. Upon arriving at Lake Marvin, feel free to drive around the area, and then return back the same way you came in. Thousands of tourists make this drive every year, and keep coming back for it.