Got a little confused, but enjoyed the proximity to the creek

Bridge over the creek along the Creekside Trail
Bridge over the creek along the Creekside Trail
User: plectrudis - 9/6/2021

Location: Commons Ford - Waterfall Trail

Rating: 3stars
Difficulty: 2point5stars  Solitude: 2stars
Miles Hiked: 2.20 Miles  Elapsed Time: N/A

Comments:

I never did find any trailhead at the park called "Waterfall Trail"--maybe they've changed the name?  So I first tried "Creekside Trail," (trailhead and parking at the red star on the map I posted) thinking maybe the waterfall was on the creek?  However, Creekside Trail goes downstream to its confluence with the Colorado--no waterfall here.  It's a short (~1.2mi round trip) hike, no steep bits, and plenty of shade.  There is also a meadow that's supposed to be good for birds.

Then I parked at the Prairie Trailhead, which is in the corner where the road makes an L (at the yellow star on my map).  There's no sign to guide you to the Waterfall Trail, but it's on the opposite side of the road from the Prairie.  Go up the lawn, past the empty house, and you'll see a trail going into the hilly scrub. That's the Waterfall Trail.  By my count, there were 2 huff-inducing hills and some gently wavy bits in between.  The waterfalls were both low, but nevertheless pretty, and as advertised, the second was more impressive. Again, this trail was mostly shady, which was very much welcome.

It was Labor Day morning, so there were more people than I would have liked, esp on the Creekside, but it wasn't mobbed or anything.  The humidity was _vile_, but I don't think that's the park's fault.



Log Photos
Creekside and Waterfall Trails
Bridge over the creek along the Creekside Trail
Baldcypress on the river
Area around Commons Ford - Waterfall Trail
Recommended Item
Recommended Item 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: San Antonio and Austin: Including the Hill Country
Charlie Llewellin, Johnny Molloy
List Price: $18.95 Your price: $12.59 Buy Now
It's Time to Take a Hike in San Antonio!

The San Antonio and Austin areas are steeped in history -- San Antonio's Alamo stands as a symbol of Texas' fierce independence, while Austin is recognized as the cradle of Texas statehood. This area is also known for some of the most impressive hiking in the Lone Star State. 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: San Antonio and Austin, by veteran authors Charlie Llewellin and Johnny Molloy, guides readers to the best trails found in the Texas Hill Country, all within easy reach of these two cities. The guide takes you to secluded, low traffic areas as well as those that are more popular and heavily used. The former LBJ Ranch, the Guadalupe River, the Highland Lakes Chain, and the Lost Pines area are just some of the spectacular places covered.

With this new edition in the best-selling 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles series, all these visually stunning and ruggedly charming routes are at the traveler's fingertips. This handy guide helps San Antonio and Austin natives get back into nature, with many options right in town. Extensive at-a-glance information makes it easy to choose the perfect hike based on length, difficulty, scenery, or on a specific factor such as hikes good for families, runners, or birding. Each trail profile includes maps, directions, driving times, nearby attractions, and other pertinent details.