Bastrop State Park protects the Lost Pines, an isolated stand of loblolly pine forest far west of the species' usual East Texas range. Wildfires and drought have damaged parts of the forest, but that recovery is now part of the story: new growth, open views, and old trunks standing among the younger trees.
The park has hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and handsome Civilian Conservation Corps stone buildings from the 1930s. It is the single best reason to choose Bastrop over another small town near Austin.