Lake Pflugerville Trail

Trail
3.00 Miles
32 Feet
Free
2stars (2.20)5
1star (1.20)
1point5stars (1.50)
Yes
N/A
Yes
N/A
Pflugerville
Travis
More Info

The Lake Pflugerville Trail is a recent addition to the area, created with the development of the man made Lake Pflugerville that serves as a water source for the city. As such, it is still a work in development and its true character won't be apparent for some time, perhaps years.

There are several trailheads around the perimeter of the lake. We chose the "main" parking area indicated by the Trailhead marker on the track displayed on the map. There are more facilities here which may be of interest if you are not just coming for a stroll around the lake. There are bathrooms, a pavilion for picnicking, beach access to the lake and a boat rental outfit.

The trail simply follows the contour of the lake and thus is fairly flat throughout. The surface is mostly crushed granite with some paved areas in spots. Thus the entire trail can probably be considered to be ADA accessible.

Be prepared with sun screen on sunny days since there is no relief in the form of shade anywhere along the trail's path. There will be one day, just not now. A large number of trees have been planted along the route but most only reach heights of about 6-8 feet and only a few cast shadows that are just beginning to reach the edge of the path.

The trees will also serve as wind breaks in due time. Not only was it windy during our hike but the listing trees testified to the frequent gusts in the area.

There are a number of piers around the lake and fishermen seemed about as numerous as walkers. Though I saw no sign prohibiting them, we don't recall seeing a single bike on the trail.

The organization responsible for the trail has partnered with several local groups to sponsor trail segments, something akin to the adopt a highway programs. Every quarter mile or so another small sign announces those who have stepped up to perform routine maintenance and cleanup of the trail to everyone's benefit.

The trail is a simple loop. If you keep walking in one direction you'll end up exactly where you started and have completed almost exactly 3 miles of hiking in the process. Lake Pflugerville is not the place to go for a strenuous hike, solitude or shade but it does provide a convenient spot for area residents to get some mileage under their belts. The shade will come in time.

Photos
On the whole, a bit monotonous
Flat water, not a lot of trees or landscaping (Photo by plectrudis)
The high point of the trail
There were ducks (Photo by plectrudis)
Lake View
Lake Pflugerville with the trail in the distance. The reed thickets along the shore were a popular place for anglers. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
Trail View
One of these days the trees that have been planted here will provide some nice shade. But for now the trail has full Sun exposure. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
Trailhead
The facilities near the trailhead include bathrooms, a pavilion, play-scape, boat rental and a beach. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
Log Entries
Seemed longer than 3 miles, despite the ducks
By plectrudis on 3/8/2021
Rating: 1point5stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 1point5stars
Distance: 3.00 Miles Duration: N/A

I first walked this trail some 12 or more years ago, and somehow, despite the passage of time, it feels every bit as exposed and treeless now as it did then.  The ducks were fun to watch, and there are nice piers at intervals around the lake for birdwatching and (I presume) fishing.  The path is smooth crushed granite and it's quite flat, which is nice for accommodating lots of different types of walkers.  Nevertheless, it was so scant on trees and so large and monotonous that by the end, I was more worn down than really makes sense.  It turned out to be a surprisingly long 3 miles, and my car kept being much farther away than I thought it was.  No amount of ducks or podcast episodes could really perk the experience up.  If you live in the area, it's definitely a convenient feature for getting in your daily walk, but I don't know that I'll be schlepping my way out there very often--and only during the cool season.  In August, I suspect you'd be well braised by the sun and humidity.  On the plus side, there is a kayak/canoe rental and launch, so that's fun.

By ValEpiscopo on 7/21/2014
Rating: 3point5stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: halfstar
Distance: 3.00 Miles Duration: 1 hour

Nice flat crushed granite trail.  I frequently jog here.  Lots of people ride bikes or push strollers.  There is also swimming, non-powered boats, and fishing at the lake.

Nice little walking trail around the lake
By Austin Explorer on 8/26/2012
Rating: 2stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 1point5stars
Distance: 3.00 Miles Duration: 59 minutes

This is more of a hike and bike trail in the manner of Lady Bird Lake trail in Austin, but newer and with fewer trees for now.  Coppertone and I did the three mile loop in about an hour.

The trail is mostly crushed granite with some paved spots here and there.  For now the trail is always exposed to the Sun.   On our trip today that wasn't much of an issue due to cloud cover.  The many trees that have been planted along the trail will make a difference one day, but that day could be a few years off.

This is not the place to go for solitude or a strenuous nautral hike.  But it's a fine place to get in a few miles of walking.

By sjs on 5/9/2010
Rating: 2stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 1star
Distance: 3.00 Miles Duration: 1 hour
Nice lake
By texaskdog on 12/9/2009
Rating: 2stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 3stars
Distance: 4.00 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 35 minutes

Not much here but fairly isolated and on water, enjoyable enough to do every now and then.  Best of the PF hikes.

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