Explore the best rated trails in Salado, TX, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Waco Riverwalk and San Gabriel Park Trail . With more than 38 trails covering 156 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Parked at Trailblazer Park. Nice and peaceful walk. Just enough nature for children or those not too adventurous. Bridge is a must-see. Seems nice for solo or group walks.
Although labeled as separate trail called "Austin to Manor" here, most local cyclists start at Govalle park in Austin and consider this the northern end of the Southern Walnut Creek trail. This section is not as pretty as the sections closer into to town but it is commonly used by long distance cyclists who start in Austin and ride out to Elgin and Coupland. There are a couple of special concerns on this section. First, as ride along Daffan ln, note that you will cross the driveways of a couple of residential communities. Residents tend to be aware that the bike path crosses the entrance of the community but be cautious of cars that may be coming in or out of these driveways as you ride past. Second, use extreme caution when crossing Decker lane (FM 3177). This is a highly traveled road with many heavy trucks driving at high speed. There is a light and a crosswalk so just use the crosswalk button. Third, this path uses concrete "plates" with expansion joints rather than continuous asphalt. Many of the plates have become misaligned vertically between Decker and Lindell so be careful that you don't hit one of these when you are not paying attention or you may loose control or even get a pinch flat if you hit one hard enough.
* 2024 Update. There is now a new 3 mile extension of this trail. When you reach the end of the path at Lindell ln, you will see a new path that continues east. This path will take you about 3 miles into a small non descript park in the city of Manor called "Ben Fisher" park. The new extension follows the rail road tracks, is very nice (5 stars) well marked. The pavement is generally smoother than Southern Walnut Creek. There are a few sections where you have to cross major streets but they are much easier to cross than Decker lane. The path goes underneath SH 130 so crossing the tollway is not a problem. Please note at the time of this update, the new path doesn't yet appear on Google maps. On Ride with GPS, it's labeled as "Austin to Manor Trail". Once you reach the park in Manor, there is a convenience store a short distance away (.5 miles) but you'll need to take a few neighborhood streets to get there.
I would describe this as a suburban trail. If I lived nearby I might use it, but I don’t recommend traveling far to explore it. Much of the north-south portion of the trail connects neighborhoods and apartment complexes. The two parks at the southern end are nice and include a water park.
Lots of shaded rest areas with benches and water fountains, multiple parking access points, bike, repair tools, has a very rural feel for such an urban location. There are two almost separate trails separated by a comfortable sidewalk. There are more users on the southern half. Well done, Temple!
This isn’t really a recreational trail, it’s more of a commuter path that runs alongside a busy road. It’s better than a bike lane, but serves the same purposes: get to work, go to the store, etc. The area is very commercial with lots of strip malls, fast food restaurants, and driveways that cross the path. There are numerous traffic lights. The most interesting thing to see is the old truss bridge. The connection to Pepper Creek Trail is helpful in providing urban connectivity, however.
As an engineer, I found this trail very interesting. It passes over a dam and the mechanisms that open and close the gates are clearly visible. The elevation of the dam provides a good view. Mostly unshaded.
If you continue north on the Riverwalk trail and do not cross the pedestrian bridge you will reach some amazing mountain bike trails!
As mentioned by a March 2024 reviewer, access to the trail from Trail Blazer Park is not possible. After driving to the other end of the trail (parking near the landfill at 31.480351887289, -97.25833084813019 ) we discovered the trail itself is torn up from Church St all the way to Trail Blazer Park. It appears there's a flood control project in work?
Also slightly disappointing the base of the trail under the concrete apparently wasn't compacted well as the surface is cracking badly in many places. This damage will need repair at some point.
It's a short ride (due to the construction) but still worth it.
The entry from Trail Blazer Park was closed for construction (March 2024) so we started at the end near the landfill. It has easy parking, was clean and well-maintained. The elevated bridges wind through the trees - very nice. I’ll be back!
Easy access at the sports complex. Surface was smooth, easy riding. Even on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon, it wasn't overly crowded.
We enjoyed the ride, particularly the parts suspended over the water. Even during the week, it was quite congested but it makes sense....nice walking path in downtown SHOULD be used.
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