A unique feature of our city is the sheer number of green spaces that we get to enjoy, in fact, Austin’s Parks & Recreation Department uses the tag-line “the city within a park”. Just after graduating from college, I moved away from Austin, but returned later to raise my son here. Just prior to moving back to Austin, I remember having a number of very vivid & beautiful dreams about the trees here. I often tell people that it was the trees that brought me back to Austin. I know there are many people who share my love for all the green spaces that our city has to offer– one such person is Jay. Jay recently moved to Austin from having lived in the Northern part of the U.S. He has been enjoying hiking the Nature Trails throughout Austin and has agreed to contribute to this blog by writing about the distinguishing characteristics about some of the different trails and nature preserves in and around our city from his own perspective. Jay’s first write-up is on hiking around the Barton Creek Greenbelt:
As with most things I do, the urge to hike that day was pure spontaneity. I had been up early to go bird watching, more like bird listening because it was still dark for most of the event. But after some tennis drills and a late lunch, I found my energy level still high. With a clear blue day, temperature just right, and a desire to commune with nature, all I had to do was decide where. My first inclination was Enchanted Rock, but a quick look at the clock told me that was not a reasonable choice. So I decided to hike one of my favorite Austin sites, Barton Creek. Most of my experience with this trail has been running it. Today I decided to slow down and walk a portion I had not previously visited.
With the recent rains the creek was running full. --Photo used with permission by Jay
Getting across was not an option so starting at the Loop 360 Access point I walked the western edge.
The initial track follows the bluffs around the knee of the creek. The knee is where the creek makes a left hand turn and begins flowing easterly. This turn has created some great spots for picnicking or resting in the shade. As I was just starting I carefully picked my way over this one rough spot on the trail. I have to say thanks to the volunteers that have worked on the trail. They have carved steps in certain portions making it easier to navigate this difficult portion. The good news is once you leave this behind the trail is level, fairly smooth and shaded. This makes for a great stress reliever which is what I was looking for. My eye caught a flash of yellow in the sunlight and as I walked out into a little clearing saw across the creek a huge field of yellow flowers.
You can see clear blue sky, a full creek (just like a river) and the swath of yellow that caught my eye. --Photo used with permission by Jay
I passed Twin Falls which was the major attraction that day. Families of all sizes had made the trek to enjoy the sun, water and beauty offered by this amazing slice of nature. I talked with kids about 2 years old, teenagers and adults, so the trail can be navigated by all. By the way, I would recommend a good pair of running shoes if you don’t have boots. Once passed the falls my pace picked up and I enjoyed stretching my legs out.
This pace ate up the distance quickly but I kept my head up and enjoyed the views. --Photo used with permission by Jay
Not to be outdone by the yellow sunflowers, all sorts of smaller wildflowers were in bloom. This kept my eye and brain engaged as I continued walking north. Approximately 1.5 miles after Twin Falls the path was finally blocked by water and terrain, try as I might a clear trail was not available. I had wanted to walk to the Scottish Woods Trail Access point, but it was not to be. The return trip proved to be fruitful as I saw both a Texas Coral Snake and a large interesting black beetle.
Texas Coral Snake --Photo used with permission by Jay
--Photo used with permission by Jay
Both were on the trail and keeping an eye pealed can provide for some interesting interactions with wildlife. The snake almost got himself run over by a mountain biker. I was glad to be standing over him as the rider came around a bend and I stopped him just in time. Mr Coral did not seem to mind me taking his picture, but as soon as the mountain biker showed, he high-tailed it into the bush. The sun was starting to drop below the rim of the canyon as I finished my hike. All in all I thoroughly enjoyed myself and would recommend this trail to anyone. All that is needed is a good pair of shoes, bottle of water, and a desire to see the beauty Barton Creek has to offer.
