Amidst the growth of our Central Texas Cities, fortunately, there are those with the vision to set aside green space for the development of parks and trails.  North of Austin, in Round Rock is a trail that is growing in popularity, the Brushy Creek Trail.  The Brushy Creek Trail exists as a result of the collaborations between the City of Austin, City of Round Rock, City of Cedar Park, Williamson County, Brushy Creed MUD, and Fern Bluff MUD.  The Brushy Creek Trail is recognized as a National Recreation Trail by the National Parks Service. 

This trail is referred to as a "Spine Trail" because it is a point to point trail with other trails branching away from its main trail.  Other Trails that are currently branching off the main trail come and go from the Fern Bluff and Brushy Creek Neighborhoods; by the end of October 2007 Avery Ranch will connect its neighborhood trail to the Brushy Creek Trail as well. 

This trail connects neighborhoods, parks and cities.  Currently the trail is a little less than 4 miles in length.  The 2 parks connected along the Trail are the Creekside Park at the Corner of Brushy Creek Rd (CR-174 aka Hairy Man Rd.) and Great Oaks Dr. and The Brushy Creek Lake Park located at the corner of Parmer Lane and CR-174.  On October 20, 2007 we will see the opening of Williamson County’s Champion Park which is midway between the Creekside and Brushy Creek Lake Parks on Brushy Creek Rd.  Each of these parks contains restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds and parking.  The Brushy Creek Lake Park has a mini splash park for kids as well as a 1 mile loop trail around the park.

Several runners, walkers and groups are already using the trail for their exercise routines.  One group which happens to be free and open to all levels has its meetings at the Brushy Creek Lake Park on Wednesday evenings at 5:45 pm.  Bill Schroeder coaches this free all levels group and they meet near the restrooms.

In approximately 12 months the trail will extend another 2 plus miles to Twin Lakes Park off of 183.  This extension has been in the works for a couple of years and will be a very welcome addition to the trail.

If you have not had the pleasure of jogging, walking, hiking or running the Brushy Creek Trail, I recommend packing a small picnic, kids and pets for a couple of fun hours outdoors.

Other Trails:

Berry Springs Park and Preserve