On Saturday morning, Danny Welch of Temple, a Central Texas Master Naturalist, led a two-mile trail walk through Mother Neff State Park, roughly northwest of Temple in Coryell County.

This 212,000-acre state forest isn't nearly as sinister as its name suggests, with show-stopping landscapes and off-roading trails through the wilderness.

Hidden in the shadow of Mount Rainier is a tiny destination with abundant hiking, quick access to the White River, and scenic ...