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Walnut Creek Park
36 reviews
3.72 of 5
This trail is great for beginner to advanced riders. There are some awesome singletrack sections as well as challenging hills and "step/shelf" downhill areas. There are about 4 - 6 creek crossings which can range from 6"-14" deep depending on the rain conditions. The track is about 80% dirt and 20% sandstone rock (hills). Several highlights include a natural "half-pipe" style section of singletrack as well as a steep "tree root" downhill affectionately named "Endo Valley". Riders of all skill levels can cater a ride to suit their level of experience so nobody should be left at home. The trails are VERY winding and some have a tendency to confuse riders sometimes into getting lost. It may take several rides to get used to the trail layout until the signs are installed but either way it's a fun ride. Downsides to this trail are small but can be significant to some. Crowds are common during the summer because of the open public swimming pool and baseball fields. Parking can be a bit of a pain on these days but never impossible... besides, we're all bikers there to enjoy the same thing. Even with a packed parking lot the trails still seem empty so don't let a lot of cars in the park discourage your ride. The other point to consider is the present lack of signs on the trail (as of 5/2002). The local "Austin Ridge Riders" bike club is working hard with park officials to include signs in the park very soon to designate mile points as well as GPS coordinates. That should take place late 2002 or early 2003. You can contact the Austin Ridge Riders (http://www.io.com/~arr/) for more information on the status of the trail signs in Walnut Creek. If anything, you can still contact them to thank them for their hard work and dedication to bikers and trails in the Austin area.
Walnut Creek park is located at 12138 North Lamar Blvd., past Braker Ln. and before Yager Ln. (NORTH AUSTIN). If travelling North I-35, exit West on Parmer. Turn left at the very first traffic light after the overpass and onto Lamar. After passing one more traffic light you will see the sign (on your right) indicating the park entrance. There are several parking areas near the park pool and on either side of the streen. There are several trail entrances so it's best to watch riders and pick one for yourself.
Summary: This is my primary trail. I have been riding walnut creek for a number of years and my hat is off to Mark H. His tireless work is much appreciated. The trail is mostly singletrack; smooth with some roots and rock which can challenge some beginner riders. The trails are mostly shaded and there are a few creek crossings. There are hills but mostly what I call short bursts; not long sustained climbs like at comfort. I do use the trail to train for racing but have to be very careful and watch my speed; I come across lots of dogs/walkers/hikers. The trail signs/direction are up on all the trails so it should be easy to find the parking lot. The Austin Ridge Riders have a 930am sunday ride for beginners so if you are new to the area and the trail that should help with orientation.
Recommended Route: Start in the main parking lot by the pool. There are a number of loops that have the green posts indicating the name of the trails and the direction to the parking lot.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Barton Creek Greenbelt
Muleshoe
Lake Georgetown
Rocky Hill
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Summary: The new signs are a great addition as it makes it easy to follow the "best" loop. This place isn't about technical ability. It's mostly about turning and carrying momentum up the short,steep climbs. It's a giant playground, and oversized BMX track, a whole lotta fun. One downside is that after a rain this trail takes a long time to dry out.
Recommended Route: Follow the signs!
Other recommended trails in the same area: Lake Georgetown (Goodwater Trail), City Park (Emma Long), Barton Creek Greenbelt
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Summary: Walnutcreek park or as the locals call it The 'NUT,is probably one of the best parks to ride and run,lots of trails.Poison Ivy is a problem in the summer just off the trail.
Lots of people go riding after work or around4 p.m. and can get real crowed on weekends.They also have a pool open in the summer and softball fields,no water so bring your own,trash-pack it in -pack it out.,dogs can go off leash in park,metal grills for cook outs and pinnic tables,most riders very friendly.If comming to Austin,email me and I'll meet you there.
Recommended Route: There's too many,but I like going out for about an hour at least 3-5 days a week.
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Summary: I've ridden these trails a couple times now since moving from Hawaii,and must say they're some of the most fun trails I've had the opportunity to ride. There's such a spaghetti mess of trails that you can make a million different combination loops,or you can stick to the "main" trails and enjoy the great flow these trails have. There's not alot of climbing,and only a few really technical spots(endo valley comes to mind),but overall this is just a fun place to be on the bike out in the woods playing. Another thing is the great atmosphere here. There's mountain bike riders everywhere,and you can almost always find someone to ride with. The riders I've met have also been very friendly and easy going.
Recommended Route: Start at the parking lot by the pool/playground,and explore everything!
Other recommended trails in the same area: So far this is the only trail I've ridden in the area.
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Summary: Those who complain abouut this and other Austin trails as being "confusing" or "poorly marked" should thank their lucky stars that our trails have been kept natural and free from signage overkill. Yes, Walnut Creek is a veritable spaghetti bowl of trail, but that's half the fun. Get confused, double back, get a little lost, and you'll eventually get to know the trail. I mean, it's not like you're in the outback or something. Lamar Blvd. is only 1/2 mile away at virtually any point on the ride. I love the fact that I've never ridden this place exactly the same way twice, and I've ridden it dozens of times. I swear, some people need a map, a paved road, and a gas station on every corner before they'll venture out of the house. Last time I checked, this was an outdoor, wilderness sport. Walnut Creek provides a little of that in an otherwise urban environment. Get on it. You can ride the whole thing on a singlespeed, but there are some grinder climbs that will make you work for it, and some wicked compression drops that will put your stomach in your mouth. All day fun!
Recommended Route: Start at the pool, head off either across the road or to the left of the p-lot, and see where your wheels take you today.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Barton Creek Greenbelt main drag is choked with amateurs, racer wannabes, and lots of looky-loo hikers with dogs off-leash. Avoid it, unless you drop in on the "real" trails down from Southwest Parkway and Travis Country. Otherwise, leave it for the fratboys.
Rocky Hill in Smithville is so perfect I can't even describe it. Do it on a single and earn your beer.
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