Short, paved stroll in the woods
User: plectrudis - 1/7/2018  [View Log Page]
Rating: Difficulty: Solitude:
Distance: 1.00 Mile Duration: N/A
This trail was hard to find, as Google tries to convince you to enter through a gated apartment complex. In fact, you need to turn into the subdivision around the corner from the apartments to find the entrance--take Mesa to Burney to the tiny dead-end street of Sterling and there it is. But I'm glad I dead, as a short little excursion in pleasant surroundings was just what I was looking for. The whole trail is paved, though the pavement has become a bit wavy with age, so it might not be 100% accessible for the especially frail. The path winds though a small wood and eventually reaches a nice observation deck overlooking a little ravine. I thought the overlook was a bit of an anti-climax--you can't see much due to the density of trees, even in the winter. But for a nice, quick saunter, it's a good choice if you're in the area. Note that dogs are not allowed, as it's not just a park but a nature preserve.

Lovely, short stroll
User: jtkatie - 9/5/2010  [View Log Page]
Rating: Difficulty: Solitude:
Distance: 1.50 Miles Duration: 30 minutes

As we knew that this trail was short, we planned to walk it at least twice. It took us about 12 minutes round-trip (from gate to deck) the first time.

On our second time down, we happily watched a little rabbit off to the side of the path. While we watched it eat, we had two other couples pass us - which surprised us, as we figured hardly anyone knew about this path.

We were a bit disappointed with the "observation deck" as we could not do much "observing" with the trees grown up so much! We wouldn't want them to be trimmed... but there is probably much more to see if you visit in the fall / winter.

The path is well-paved throughout, but we wouldn't say that the trail is accessible for wheelchairs (without quite a bit of help during the steepest parts).

Very nice, short hike to a canyon overlook
User: HikingJo - 4/22/2010  [View Log Page]
Rating: Difficulty: Solitude:
Distance: 0.60 Mile Duration: 30 minutes
The habitat along this trail should contain golden-cheeked warblers, an endangered, beautiful species unique to the Texas Hill Country around Austin -- oaks on the canyon walls, plus lots of junipers on the flat section. The warblers use the shaggy bark of mature junipers to build their nests. The end of the trail with the canyon overlook is lovely and quiet, with water trickling far below, woodpeckers and jays calling overhead. Today we also heard migrating waterfowl calling to each other high overhead, but it was too cloudy to see what they were. I plan to go back some morning early and look and listen for warblers. Today we were there mid afternoon, a terrible time to bird-watch!

quiet monday afternoon
User: barefoot mcgraw - 9/7/2009  [View Log Page]
Rating: Difficulty: Solitude:
Distance: 1.20 Miles Duration: N/A

worn pacement is rough
for tender newly-barefoot
yet it's worth the walk

to behold the end
and rest before returning
passing little deer

Nice little trail
User: kittythedog - 3/11/2008  [View Log Page]
Rating: Difficulty: Solitude:
Distance: 1.20 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Once the rain stopped yesterday I had to get out of the house but I didn't want to go too far and end up in a traffic jam.  So I headed west to this little spot for some birdwatching and photography.  The beginning of the trail cut through Ashe juniper monoculture, but the canyon at the end of the trail is one of those gorgeous hill country canyons with maidenhair fern and sycamores.  I only saw two other people on the property, one being a neighboring resident letting her dog roam free (tsk tsk!).  It's a nice place for an afternoon walk. 

A nice "warming up the muscles" hike
User: HikerGirl - 6/14/2003  [View Log Page]
Rating: N/A Difficulty: Solitude:
Distance: 0.60 Mile Duration: N/A
I found the hike on this website and finally found it one day exploring around town. It was a nice, solitary hike during the hot time of day but the shade of the trees really made it pleasant. The deck at the end was very relaxing to sit and listen to the little babbling brook and the crunching of animals hidden amongst the trees. No one else was on the deck (or trail) so I had it all to myself for about 30 minutes of solitude. I could hear youths "wooping" not far away, most likely playing in a pool, and cars passing by but it was still very nice to be surrounded by nature.

A surprise find
User: Austin Explorer - 9/23/2002  [View Log Page]
Rating: Difficulty: Solitude:
Distance: 0.60 Mile Duration: N/A
Coppertone and I found this preserve while on the hunt for new geocaching locations. Got out of the car to look around and had to go back for the GPS and camera. This short trail is often within a short distance from houses, but feels quite remote from the city. The turnaround point of the trail in particular is wonderfully serene.