Although located in the heart of Austin, the Shoal Creek Trail shelters trail-goers from the bustle of the city as it meanders along the creek under a canopy of old oak trees. Built in the early 1960s, the trail is the city's oldest and its surface varies from concrete to crushed gravel and compacted dirt. Along the way, the trail passes through Pease Park and Duncan Park, offering natural beauty and abundant recreational opportunities. A highlight of the journey is passage through a small rocky canyon near the trail's northern end.
At its southern end—on the banks of the Colorado River—you can extend your journey another few miles on the Lance Armstrong Bikeway.
Abundant off-street parking opportunities can be found near the trail's northern end in downtown Austin.
This is a great city trail, that passes through Pease Park, where the trail braids, enabling one to cross back and forth in several places over the river, either on rocks or by bridge. Depending on the route you choose portions of the trail are dirt, gravel or concrete. We came out on a Sunday morning, and found bikes, people and dogs all enjoying the tree-lined space.
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