This U.S. State Park Feels Like a Hidden Forest Escape With a Rare Ancient Pine Forest, Scenic Trails, and Historic Cabins

This U.S. State Park Feels Like a Hidden Forest Escape With a Rare Ancient Pine Forest, Scenic Trails, and Historic Cabins

The park’s Lost Pines forest offers hiking, camping, and scenic drives near Austin.Scenic hiking trails through Bastrop State Park in Texas.Credit: David Radzieta/Getty ImagesBastrop State Park is located at the edge of a 13-mile stretch of loblolly pine forest, an ecosystem thought to have originated as far back as the Ice Age. This ancient forest sets the tone for a Central Texas state park that mixes history and nature, easy access and seclus…