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Print Friendly MapThe Old Soncy Trail outside of Amarillo is what remains of Old Soncy Road, which the Texas Department of Transportation replaced with the wider Loop 335. The 3-mile segment of the roadway was turned over from TxDOT to Potter County upon completion of the state highway.
With the exception of signs at each end of the trail indicating that motor vehicles are prohibited, the trail is unsigned and lacks amenities. However, this doesn’t seem to bother area runners and cyclists, who come in droves to use the trail. In fact, its popularity has prompted Amarillo to include the Old Soncy Trail in their recent Hike and Bike Plan, and it is possible that the city and county will work together to maintain and improve the trail in the future.
The trail allows travelers to see the High Plains to the west. In the north, the trail ends at Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, which features nature trails, science education and guided wildlife tours.
Local advocates hope for the Old Soncy Trail to eventually be linked with the Rock Island Rail Trail, which currently begins less than a mile east and extends closer to the heart of Amarillo.
Parking for the Old Soncy Trail is available at the Wildcat Bluff Nature Center on N. Soncy Road. Be sure to stop in, check out the exhibits and pay any required fees. Note that the nearby nature trails do not allow bicycles.
On September 20, 2023 we drove to the Wildcat Bluff Nature Center on N. Soncy Road in search of the trail head and parking. There was major construction going on related to the new highway loop. It was difficult to even get to the nature center. When we arrived we talked with the woman who worked there. She told us that the trail no longer existed and that it had been engulfed by the new roadway. We were quite disappointed and would recommend that this trail be taken from the Rails to Trails Conservancy web site. Perhaps there will be a replacement or enhancement in the future. My advice........look for another trail in Texas.
We tried to enter at south end. Only 1/4 mile and then completely unavailable due to construction. Not able to get around so gave up.
There was an open area along the trail at 9th Ave and Soncy, so we parked there. My husband and I took our bikes out on this... mine was a road bike and his was a mountain bike. It has some steep inclines/declines, which can be a little scary for someone to go down if they are not used to those. You can run, walk or ride your bike, and you can go alone, take a friend, go with family and/or bring your dog. It is a straightforward trail, so you don't have to worry about getting lost at all. No shade covering. Very pretty if you go at dusk/sunset. Bring bug spray.
A good riding trail and a great walking trail. However, the review says it is flat. It definitely is not flat e crept the first mile or so. After that there are dips and steep climbs which may be great for training for mountain cycling and racers. But not so great if you just want a nice cruise. (Me) I realize I'm not in shape, but I had to walk most of the way back to our parking close to 1-40. Should have ridden south from Wildcat park and coasted all the way back.
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