TEXAS
Featured National Recreation Trails

A sampling of National Recreation Trails in the news or recently designated. The NRT program showcases the diversity of trails across America, from our cities and suburbs to the deserts, waterways, and high mountains.

National Recreation Trails ... America's great trails!

Every kind of trail activity is represented in the listing of designated NRTs. Besides hiking and bicycling, the system includes water trails, motorized routes, snow tracks, greenways, and equestrian paths.

Search all of Texas' designated National Recreation Trails in the Online NRT Database

photo of stone walk and benches

Brushy Creek Regional Trail in the Texas Hill Country

Angel of Goliad Trail — Following along the San Antonio River, this 2-mile multi-use trail is rich with historical and natural treasures. The trail is named in honor of a heroine of the Texas Revolution, Panchita Alavez, who is responsible for saving at least 28 people. This trail offers a haven for bird watchers and butterfly enthusiasts, while providing a key connection between historic downtown Goliad, Goliad State Historical Park, and the Presidio La Bahia. In addition to its scenic features, the trail provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and natural history interpretation (designated 2004).

Brushy Creek Regional Trail — This 3-mile urban trail and conservation corridor was originally part of a planned 8-mile system, but the trail's initial success has led to a vision of expanding the system to 30 miles. Located along Brushy Creek in the Hill Country, the trail serves as a key community connector to local parks, wetlands, businesses, and neighborhoods. Trail users enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including walking, hiking, and biking. Resulting from a partnership between Williamson County, 3 cities, 2 municipal utility districts, and many private landowners, this valued trail is a fine example of what is possible through a diverse partnership (designated 2004).

photo of rocks and trees

Lions Park Nature Trail in Temple, Texas

Cameron Park Trails — This 20-mile system of trails in Waco features handcrafted bridges, varying terrain, views of the Brazos and Bosque Rivers from 100-foot cliffs, bamboo forests, and cedar groves. It is home to mountain bike races, community events, and weekly walks, bringing more than $1 million per year to the local economy (designated 2009).

Doeskin Ranch Trail System — Located near Austin in Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, this backcountry, interpretive trail system extends more than 3 miles. Visitors can explore an array of habitats and learn about the resource management practices and historical aspects of the refuge. The trail system offers a wealth of scenic vistas and opportunities to observe wildlife, such as the endangered Golden-cheek Warbler and Black-capped Vireo (designated 2005).

Heritage Trail Loop – Serving as the backbone of the city’s trail system, this 3.1-mile rail-trail and bikeway links area residents to numerous recreational facilities, historical sites, and a local renewable energy demonstration projecto (designated 2008).

Knob Hills Trail – Located on the west end of Grapevine Lake, near the City of Flower Mound, Texas, the 5.43-mile Knob Hills Trail is a natural surface trail that traverses the prairies and bottomland on the north bank of Denton Creek. Hikers and bicyclists share the trail with equestrians for part of its length (designated 2010).

Lacy Point Nature Trail is a 19 miles trail featuring interpretive trail markers, directional maps at junctions, and picnic tables. Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers on the west shore of Waco lake, the multi-use trail runs through bottomland hardwoods, scrub, and grassland in central Texas. within an 877-acre Access Area two miles west of Waco dam (designated 2010).

photo of people with river

San Gabriel River Trail in Georgetown, TX

Lions Park Nature Trail – Given its artistic features, hilltop vistas, and recreational facilities, it is easy to see why this 2-mile walking trail is so popular with Temple residents of all ages (designated 2008).

San Gabriel River Trails: This 6.5-mile urban trail/bikeway follows Georgetown's scenic North and South San Gabriel Rivers, featuring natural springs, wetlands, a star gazing and bird watching area, and the historic Blue Hole Park (designated 2006).

Ann and Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail (formerly Town Lake Trail) Lady Bird Lake bisects the center of downtown Austin, Texas, and is surrounded by 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, with access to parks, nature centers and wilderness preserves (designated 1975).

Willows Trail — Located on Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, this 0.8-mile walking/wildlife observation trail meanders through a variety of natural habitats and takes visitors to "The Willows," a popular spot for migratory birds crossing the Gulf of Mexico.

We frequently add NRT information, photos and maps to these pages. Send suggestions and information requests to American Trails. Research additional NRTs in the NRT database. Update trail/contact information by sending us a completed update form (PDF format). You may also e-mail this information.

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TEXAS Featured National Recreation Trails

National Recreation Trails ... America's great trails!

TEXAS
Featured National Recreation Trails