Having been a runner in Central Texas for 25 years, I always treasure the opportunity to find and explore a new trail - this week I had the pleasure of running on the Hamilton Greenbelt in Lakeway.  Special thanks to Staci Wimbush for recommending this beautiful trail. 

The main entrance to the Hamilton Greenbelt is on Lohmans Crossing about 2 mile off of 620.  The trail is well groomed and hilly.  The trail weaves in and away from Hurst Creek which connects up with Lake Travis.  One of the joys of this trail are its many waterfalls and the sounds of water flowing with the Creek.

The Hamilton Greenbelt has a little something for everyone.  The first 1.1 miles of the trail are well maintained and easy to travel, except for the hills, providing for a nice 2 miles run/walk/hike out and back. This section of the trail is called the Hamilton Greenbelt I Trail.  It connects up with the Hamilton Greenbelt II Trail which ends up at the other entrance of the Greenbelt off of Palos Verde Drive.  If you combine both the Hamilton Greenbelt I and II Trails with an out and back course you can obtain close to 3 miles of trail time.  These two trails are excellent for all levels of trail enthusiests, but this is only half of the story of Hamiliton Greenbelt. 

Those who like trails rough and ungroomed will appreciate the Primitive Trails at Hamilton Greenbelt.  The Primitive trail picks up at the end of the Hamilton Greenbelt I.  The Primitive Trails add up to, or more than another mile and a half of trail distance and is very reminiscent of the Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail.  This section of trail is very wooded and shady which should give a break from the heat during the summer months.  The Primitive Trail is a roller-coaster of a trail.  It is hilly with lots of turns.  It has a couple of loops and is marked in various places, the Hurst Trail and the Loop Trail take you back to the farthest most loop; the High Trail can also take you back to the farthest most loop, except with more altitude; the Hamilton I will take you back the the Hamilton Greenbelt I Trail towards Lohmans Crossing; and the Hamilton II will take you toward the other entrance to the Hamilton Greenbelt off of Palos Verde Drive.

If you want to add a little bit more Primitive Trail mileage to your trek, try the Smith Greenbelt directly across the street from the Hamilton Greenbelt I Parking lot, across Lohmans Crossing.  Its not much mileage, but it keeps the theme of the area, shady and beautiful.  Though this park is well worth finding, it is important to mention that parking at both entrances is limited.  I recommend plotting your route to both entrances, just in case one parking lot is full.

Google Map to Hamilton Greenbelt I Entrance
Google Map to Hamilton Greenbelt II Entrance

Other Trail Reviews:
Shoal Creek Hike and Bike Trail
Berry Springs Park and Preserve
Brushy Creek Trail