Tuesday, October 1, 2013

San Antonio Natural Landmarks to Visit

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By Amanda Duff


San Antonio is most known for the Alamo, but the city of San Antonio offers much more. San Antonio is a bustling urban city with a strong economy and culture all its own. San Anotnio also offers visitors and locals some breathtaking scenery and natural sights. San Antonio natural landmarks are unique and enjoyable for any travelers that have an abiding interest in unique natural sights.

Natural Bridge Caverns

One of the San Antonio natural landmarks that are well known are these caverns. A 30-minute drive from the heart of San Antonio, shuttle service is also available. The These caverns were discovered in 1960 and are named after the limestone bridge in the area. The Natural Bridge Caverns are the most extensive caves in the region and one of the largest in Texas. The caverns are on the list of National Historic Places due to proof of human habitation going back millenia.

Cascade Caverns

Not far from San Antonio are the Cascade Caverns. Their naturally cool temperature makes it the ideal spot to visit in the hot Texas summer day. These Caverns are renowned for its 100ft waterfall within the cavernous depths. The Lipan Apaches discovered the Cascade Caverns in the 1700s. The Lipan Apaches, Comanche and Kiowa 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 emerge from the Edwards Aquifer and coalesce to form the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Due to the existence of drinkable water, this became one of the most ancient and continuously inhabited areas on the continent. Artifacts have been discovered from archeological digs that can be dated 12000 years ago. Through the years, this became an amusement park area peaking in the 1950s. Over the past few decades, the area has been permitted to return primarily back to nature and it's been named a critical wetlands habitat. The springs are home to several endangered species, including Texas Wild Rice, the fountain darter and several types of salamander.

Lost Maples State Natural Area

Of the San Antonio natural landmarks, the Lost Maples is also very widely known. The Lost Maples State Natural Area is about seventy miles west of San Antonio. Named for the Uvalde bigtooth Maple trees in the area, it's an fantastic example of the Edwards Plateau eco-system featuring a variety of terrain. Uvalde Maple trees only grow in really select habitats and are so a great distance away from other maples they are known as "Lost Maples" The trees flourish in protected hilly regions where a moderate climate is maintained. There exists proof the Maples are ice age remains of a big maple forest at a point when the climate in the region was more temperate. This park is well-known for its attractive fall trees changing colors in early November.

Those who enjoy nature will be sure not to miss these natural landmarks in San Antonio. The entry costs are free to minimum. These natural landmarks are open all year apart from one or two significant holidays or due to acute weather.




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