Image via Flickr by ArturoYee
Hiking is a fantastic way to get out and explore your local area. It is also a great family activity that helps promote health and wellness while taking in all the beauty nature has to offer. Cedar Park, Texas, and the surrounding areas are loaded with hiking trails for all ages and skill levels. Here are some outstanding places to hike in and around Cedar Park, Texas:
Brushy Creek Trail
Natural resource-based outdoor recreation is at the heart of the Brushy Creek Trail. This trail links many different parks to provide ample opportunities to enjoy nature. There is something for the entire family along this trail, including climbing rocks, canoeing and kayaking, swimming areas, fishing docks, picnic areas, pavilions, splash pads, restrooms, and much more. Brushy Creek Trail takes you on a 6.75-mile journey consisting of scenic views and extensive landscapes. The time it takes to hike the path depends on your skill level and how busy the trail might be when you arrive.
The trail also connects businesses, residential communities, and retail centers. Brushy Creek Trail is a prime example of stewardship and conservation efforts focused on preserving greenbelts, open space, and wetlands. All skill levels are welcome, with half of the trail paved and half dirt. There’s plenty of shade, and it is dog-friendly, so your fur babies can also enjoy a beautiful outdoor hike with the whole family. The trail begins east of Great Oaks Drive and takes you west of U.S. 183 in Cedar Park. Most parks along the Brushy Creek Trail have hours of operation listed as a half-hour before sunrise through 10 p.m. daily.
River Place Nature Trail
Located at 8820 Big View Drive in Austin, Texas, River Place Nature Trail is a must for families. The hours of operation for this trail are from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and there is no fee to hike. The trail is 3 miles long, and depending on your skill level, it can be hiked from start to finish relatively quickly.
The trail consists of a pond, a plethora of wildlife to view, and an innovative marker system. The terrain is dirt paths with stairs and is excellent for all skill levels. The trail marker system consists of QR codes that you can use your smart device to scan. Once scanned, you will receive information about your exact location, how far you have hiked, and the distance remaining. The River Place Nature Trail connects to the Panther Hollow trailhead, the Canyons Trail, and the Fern Trail, making it a great starting point for extended hiking opportunities.
Turkey Creek Trail at Emma Long
If you are looking for an off-leash trail for your pets to explore, Turkey Creek Trail is the place to visit. There is no fee, and the trail is open from sunrise to sunset daily. The total length of the trail is 2.5 miles, so you can traverse it fairly quickly.
All skill levels are welcome on this well-maintained primitive trail. Turkey Creek Trail at Emma Long crosses the creek at multiple locations and consists of roots, natural stairs, dirt, trees, and rocks. Access to the trail is located at 1600 City Park Road in Austin, Texas, and there are no fees for you and your family to enjoy this excellent trail.
Edwards Park
St. Edwards Park consists of 80 acres and several hiking trails that add up to 2.9 miles. There are no fees, and the park is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The trails are well-suited for all skill levels and provide a diverse natural terrain. The park’s address is 7301 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, Texas, 78759. The highlights of St. Edwards Park are its trails and the natural swimming area with clear, beautiful water. Dogs are also allowed off-leash to explore the area and take a swim.
Laguna Gloria
For parents with small children, Laguna Gloria is less of a traditional hiking area and allows easy access for strollers. The area is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It requires an adult fee of $5 and is free for children under ten. The total hiking area is less than a mile and can be cut short when necessary.
You can pace yourself and spend all the time you want here with access to kid-friendly backpacks filled with games, arts and crafts, and puzzles. Maps and backpacks can be picked up in Driscoll Villa at the reception desk. The terrain is easy to navigate but does have a few sets of stairs. You will find plenty of open space, access to Lake Austin, and sculptures to view. There is also a canopy tower that is over 15 feet tall and is constructed of steel, wood, wire, and rope. Laguna Gloria’s address is 3809 West 35th St. in Austin.
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Found at 805 North Capital of Texas Hwy, Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is an exciting place to go hiking. There are 5 miles of hiking trails, including a 1.75-mile loop. An interactive trail map can be downloaded to your smart device for use as you navigate the primitive trails. There are no fees, and the preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The hike is relatively simple and travels downhill from the trailhead, making the hike back increasingly strenuous the further you go. The shade is sparse, so you will need protection from the sun and plenty of water.
Dogs aren’t permitted in the preserve, so you will have to leave them at home for this one. You can revel in the breathtaking views, a waterfall, and the overall beauty of the area as you make this hike. Depending on your skill level, the time it takes to hike the full 5-mile distance can vary.
These are some of the most entertaining places to hike in and around the Cedar Park, Texas, area. You also have access to many dog-friendly parks and trails where your fur babies can explore the outdoors with you and your family. At Crème de la Crème of Cedar Park, we support healthy exercise and interesting activities for children. Go hiking with your family and explore the beauty of Cedar Park, Texas.