I haven't visited many of the greenbelt walking trails around Austin, but this 6 mile walking/jogging trail, is and has been "My Gym" since 2007.
I love spring time when we have had rain and everything is so green and lush! You can actually smell the different wild flowers in the air and the wet grass. I grew up in Aspen Colorado so I have experienced some of the best outdoor sports and rec parks, trail heads for hiking, rafting, etc.
To be clear, this trail doesn't hold a candle to Aspen, but it is like a small piece of my childhood hometown, here in Austin TX. At least in the spring time when it's so green, and the trickling little streams along the way. (They are actually very nice drainage pathways). lol But hey the water is clear and it's nice and quiet and winds around a large neighborhood, under Wells Branch PKWY, then behind couple apartment properties that backup to part of the Greenbelt. There for the most part, this section of the trail has a nice big space between the trail and the apts. It's also a small part of this trail, and if you prefer, can be avoided if you look at the map beforehand. There are many trail-heads leading into this 6 mile figure 8 trail, park areas.
There are a lot of trees that shade large parts of the trail through the neighborhood to the duck/fishing pond. Great in the summertime. You will find Wooden Porch Swings along the trail way if you need a break, or just to swing and enjoy the scenery and or people watch. There are a few scattered small playgrounds along the trail with cute wooden bridges over water crossings, as well as a nice size playground, pick-nick areas, pavilion, swimming pool, tennis courts, winding around a decent disc golf course.
I have seen many of times, family photographers using this trail/park area for a nice backdrop for pictures. You will see a person with a nice camera and a group of nicely dressed people walking as a group. It's hard to miss when you see them.
The changes of scenes and the Wells Branch Parks offers plenty of different things to see and do. Lots of choices for both adults and families.
It's well maintained, pathway lights in most areas, and patrolled for crime at all times of the day and year. You may occasionally smell pot by the disc golf area, but this is Austin and it's not like its Spring Break in Cancun with a bunch of rowdiness.
I think it is a decent trail for north Austin outskirts. Well worth checking it out. read more