I finally did it. I took a walk along Amarillo's infamous Hobo Hills. After getting back to my vehicle, I was left with one question.

Why doesn't Amarillo do more with this hidden gem?

Get our free mobile app

Trails Hidden In Plain Sight

Charlie Hardin
Charlie Hardin
loading...

If you're completely unaware of Hobo Hills, as I once was, let me clue you in. The Hills also go by the name of 9th Street Trails, which readily pops up on Google Maps.

Just take Coulter to 9th Street, and you're there...or at least close.

Would It Be Too Much To At Least Have A Sign?

What looks like the entrance from the street, isn't. I entered from an adjacent parking lot because I couldn't find a sign anywhere that pointed me in the right direction.

A sign pointing to the 9th Street Trails would be nice to have.

Charlie Hardin
Charlie Hardin
loading...

Other than that, leave it alone. This is my new favorite place in town.

Just a sign. That's all we need, and maybe a map of the trail system.

That's it.

Suddenly, It Was Like I Was No Longer In Amarillo

Once down near the water, you're surrounded by trees. So much so, that eventually you can't see the road anymore. If there isn't much traffic on 9th, it's easy to forget where you are.

It's just the sound of the water, and lots of trees.

Charlie Hardin
Charlie Hardin
loading...

It was peaceful, for the most part. It seemed like every other step I took found me walking through a spiderweb and praying to God I didn't pick up a passenger who was crawling on me somewhere.

The Iconic Tunnel Of Hobo Hills

The first I ever heard of Hobo Hills was attached to an image of the tunnel which goes under 9th Street. It's where the water comes pouring in to feed the creek...stream...run-off...babbling brook...whatever you call it.

Charlie Hardin
Charlie Hardin
loading...

I'm not sure what it was that I heard jump into the water while I was there. It could have been a small turtle, maybe a fish, or a frog.

Why Is It Called, "Hobo Hills"?

Yes, I asked the question. It went something like this:

Charlie: Why do they call it Hobo Hills?
Charlie's Friend: You can't be this dumb, right?
Charlie: Hobo's?

Charlie's Friend: Hobos.

Supposedly, at one point in time this area was the place of choice for transients and the displaced.

Charlie Hardin
Charlie Hardin
loading...

While I was out there, I didn't see anything that looked like a campsite. I imagine with all of the developing that's gone on in that area, it isn't quite the retreat from town it once was.

Check out these photos of Amarillo's hidden gem, Hobo Hills...

Amarillo's Outdoor Hidden Hiking Gem; Hobo Hills

If you're wanting to get a dose of nature, and don't want to leave town to do it, Hobo Hills is hidden in plain sight.

Take A Quick Look Inside One Of Palo Duro Canyon's Caves

Check Out These Photos Of The Hidden Cave In Palo Duro Canyon.

LOOK: How Much Soncy Road Has Changed Over the Years!

Amarillo has grown. A lot. But sometimes it's easy to forget just how much things have changed in a short period of time.

Take a look at all the new places and buildings that have popped up along Soncy Street over the years!

More From NewsTalk 940 AM