State: TX Length: 13.4 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
The Leon Creek Trail is a tranquil oasis in the northwest corner of San Antonio. The wooded pathway begins at Loop 1604 and winds its way south along the creek. The trail is fairly flat with some gentle slopes. The pathway is dotted with small ponds, including the Earl Scott Pond near its northern end, which is home to a variety of birds and wildlife. It runs adjacent to many parks, including O.P. Schnabel Park, known for its natural beauty, steep cliffs and many amenities, including athletic fields, picnic tables, nature trails and a YMCA facility. The northern end of the trail also runs by the San Antonio campus of the University of Texas.
State: TX Length: 7 miles Surface: Concrete
The Medina River Trail is a natural gem in south San Antonio. As it parallels the river, the pathway winds through the lush woodlands of the Medina River Natural Area. Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful views of the waterway, glimpse the abundant wildlife in the area and gaze in awe at the park's towering cypress, pecan and oak trees. The trail varies from easy to moderate intensity with slopes up to 8.3 percent in two locations.
Rail-Trail
State: TX Length: 1.4 miles Surface: Crushed Stone
The Old No. 9 Trail cuts right through the heart of Boerne along part of what was once an early walking path used by Native Americans to cross Texas Hill Country. Much later the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway Company (SA&AP) line passed near here before State Highway 9 was built. When the route was re-aligned (now US 87), this segment was abandoned, named for the old highway rather than the old railroad. The gravel trail includes interpretive signs, drinking fountains and even a water mister at the Esser Road trailhead for those hot Texas days. There's also a shaded rest area midway at Blanco Road.
State: TX Length: 10.8 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
Though the Salado Creek Trail is under construction, four disconnected segments are open (listed below, north to south). Together, these segments combine to offer more than 10 miles of paved pathway on San Antonio's east side. Segment 1: Huebner Road to Blanco Road This 1.7-mile stretch is one of the trail's most scenic. The pathway traces the Salado Creek through bluffs and hardwood forest. The trail ends at the Voelcker farmstead, an archaeological site and historic set of buildings situated in Phil Hardberger Park. Named after a former San Antonio mayor, the park is an urban green oasis with native grasses and heritage oaks, which will soon offer an ecology center as well. Segment 2: McAllister Park to Loop 410 Note that construction of the Wurzbach Parkway at Starcrest Drive (Bitters Road) adjacent to McAllister Park currently interrupts this segment of the trail. The construction is expected to continue through the fall of 2012. This 4-mile section is the longest segment of the trail. Its northern end offers a hilltop view of the city skyline and airport. The path traverses over a scenic wetland area with the Morningstar Boardwalk, named in memory of Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Morningstar, and continues through dense woodlands. Mid-way, a spur will take you to Lady Bird Johnson Park. The trail ends at Los Patios, a shopping and dining area, though a planned route under Loop 410 will soon connect this segment with the next. Segment 3: Loop 410 to Eisenhauer Road This 2.8-mile pathway offers a well-shaded retreat under towering pecan and oak trees. It begins in the Robert L.B. Tobin Park, a terrific spot for bird-watchers; you may see warblers, buntings, hawks, owls and many other types of birds that call the area home. The park also offers unique faux bois art in its signage, picnic tables and benches. The trail ends at John James Park, named for a surveyor who helped establish the city's bo