Return to Turkey Creek Trail

Creek's Still Dry
User: bolilloradio - 2/21/2009  [View Log Page]
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 2stars
Distance: 3.00 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Creek is still dry but don't let that stop you as this is still a nice little hike.  On a Saturday morning we encountered 20 people and about 15,000 dogs. 

User: jrr.rhoads@gmail.com - 1/10/2009  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 4stars
Distance: 3.00 Miles Duration: N/A
User: wallis - 1/3/2009  [View Log Page]
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 2stars
Distance: 2.90 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 10 minutes

I think this trail will be a better hike for me and the pups during the week...  Can't wait to do it when the creek has water running through it. 

Dog owners: please, please, please pick up your dog's poop.  One great thing about this trail is that it is "leash free" and it would suck to lose the privilege, not to mention it is better for the land AND no one wants to smell it.

We hiked this one with the kids and the dog.
User: Courtney - 1/2/2009  [View Log Page]
Rating: 5stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 2stars
Distance: 3.00 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
It was great to see so many friendly dogs hiking free of their leashes.
Great for Dogs
User: bspross - 12/28/2008  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 3stars Solitude: 1star
Distance: 2.80 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 5 minutes

This is a great hike for dogs.  Ours must have met 15-20 "friends" and it was a cold, not so pretty day.  This is another one of those great hikes in the middle of Austin.

Dog Central
User: klyevans - 12/9/2008  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 3stars Solitude: 1star
Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Although it's not a bad hike for humans, I think I would feel weird going to Turkey Creek without a dog. Nice trail for an afternoon or weekend stroll with the pup. There are usually a lot of people and other dogs, but it's not overwhelming.
Canyon-like, surrounded by trees
User: HighFox - 12/4/2008  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 3stars
Distance: 1.50 Miles Duration: 35 minutes

Great place to walk the dogs! The trail has 2 (bio-degradeable) poop-bag stations with trashcans. When I went, there was not a drop of water in the creek, but i expected that---Austin is in a drought and it's winter.

I visited at 2PM and found 4 other SUVs in the parking lot, but encountered only 1 woman with 4 large dogs (leashless) on the trail.

The trail stays near the creek bed and winds itself over it several times. My dogs were sniffing every rock on the dry bed, marking thier spots! It was cold today and very windy, but the trail is in a canyon and so the wind was not much of an issue. The large trees were barely moving because of the protection.

I saw no other wildlife, not even a bird or insect. But I suspect they are busy keeping warm someplace.

Not bad, Not spectacular
User: geoff - 6/24/2008  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 3stars Solitude: 4stars
Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes

I've only been in the Austin area for about 3 weeks but as far as I understand It's been a season of pretty suvere drought which was sefinately obvious.  The creek has since turned into a scattered collection of puddles which i'm sure took away from the whimsey of it all. With this in mind it wasn't a bad hike we started about 5pm on a tues so everyone that we would have run into was still sitting in rush hour but we still ran into a couple people and they all definately had dogs. The slopes were pretty easy going as well. Overall I enjoied myself and will definately head back when the water is flowing.

Great place to hike with the dogs!
User: jmm482 - 4/19/2008  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 3stars Solitude: 2stars
Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 10 minutes

This is a gem of a little hike and allows an excellent glimpse of the attributes driving conservation efforts within Austin and the Hill Country.  My dog absolutely loves the numerous creek crossings and meeting all the other dogs and people along the way.  Most folks were out with their dogs and there was one group seeking a glimpse at the all elusive warbler.  I was able to hear at least 7 golden-cheeked warblers while hiking around the loop and near the parking area.  Only a couple were using the primary call (call I), with the majority using the secodary (call II), and call III every once and awhile.  Between mile markers 0.5 to 1.5, there was a warbler near each of the quarter-mile markers, typically on the opposite hillslope as the previous one.  The trail is well defined and lined with limestone rocks.  It's encouraged to stay on the trail and respect the habitat of rare and endangered species found in this area.   

A Little Bit of Everything
User: xoxolat - 5/27/2007  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4point5stars Difficulty: 3point5stars Solitude: 4stars
Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: N/A
The unpredictable nature of the trail was what really stood out for me. True, there is a lot of crossing over the creek in the beginning, but the creek overall is simply beautiful. (Yes, I wound up slipping off rocks and deciding that it was just easier to walk through the water in the end.)

There is also a lot of twisting and turning throughout the trail. Once you head up at the peak/overlook, there is a lot of cactus and clear patches of ground.

I went while it was drizzling, and it had been raining. So, there was a LOT of mud.

Because of the mud factor, and the falling-in-the-creek factor, I can't decide if next time I should wear Teva-like shoes, or just plain tennis shoes.

There weren't many people at all on the trail. In fact, I think I was the last one to hit the trail and most of the people I met were just coming off. And, I only met two dogs, but there were obviously plenty of dogs. It was especially evident on the upper part of the trail where the trail was practically ALL mud for at least 1/2 mile.

Nice hike for getting feet wet
User: annieveg - 5/7/2007  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 2stars
Distance: N/A Duration: N/A

Phil saved a baby rattlesnake in the road.  Thought we heard a mountain lion (sounded more like a jaguar).  Lots of wet smelly dogs.

The Beginning of Our Hiking Adventures
User: silvershark1998 - 4/22/2007  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 3stars Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Well, this was a pleasant hike as this was a spur of the moment hike in that we were out on a drive and took upon ourselves to go for a hike. The weather was a little drizzly. It spotted for a little while. But the trees and the brush help protect us from the drizzle. Alot of river crossing and jumping/hopping across the ravines. Came across a rather interesting collection of trinkets/collectables at the top of summit in an open area. All in all was a great hike.
Dog Social
User: chrislepard - 5/2/2006  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 2point5stars Solitude: 3stars
Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: N/A
Want to get your dog socialized with other dogs, this is place to take 'em. Great place for dogs. You can jog the trail too.
User: glenlake505 - 11/14/2005  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 2point5stars
Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: N/A
Good Hike, Great for Dogs
User: SpicyMcBrett - 9/19/2005  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 1star
Distance: 1.25 Miles Duration: N/A
Trail was nice and well kept. Few areas of rocks and gravel, but overal was packed dirt and stone.
Turkey Creek Hike
User: Texpride12 - 9/15/2005  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 1point5stars
Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: N/A
Hiked Turkey Creek trail today in perfect weather. The scenery was great and the hike was very enjoyable. This trail is great for beginners and dogs as well. If you looking for solitude this is probably not the trail for you. There are camp grounds nearby and I think a lot of people frequent this trail. I saw maybe 10 to 12 people on the trail and most everyone had a dog or two with them. All were off their leashes but just strolled right on by. I would highly recommend this trail vs all the others I've listed before. There is a lot of shade, a lot of greenery and even some water and wildlife. Did see a notice to watch out for Mountain lions but if you are familar with these animals you know adults are pretty much in the clear. If you take kids just keep them close and keep your eyes open. Great Trail though
Shady hour long hike
User: pixistixs - 8/1/2005  [View Log Page]
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 2point5stars
Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: N/A
This is our favorite spot, free, get's the heart rate going and easy to access. Most people you pass have big friendly dogs. Crosses over a creek several times. Nice scenery.
Nice and quiet
User: jkerr57 - 6/23/2005  [View Log Page]
Rating: 5stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 4stars
Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: N/A
Along this trail it is easy to forget that you are in the city. The brief time spent on the bluff over the creek at the turnaround provides a nice change of scenery.
User: Dean Geuras - 4/24/2005  [View Log Page]
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 1star
Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: N/A
Dogtastic and gorgeous, every time.
User: labradorks - 2/11/2005  [View Log Page]
Rating: N/A Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 1star
Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: N/A
We try to get out to Turkey Creek Trail at least once a week. It gets a bit crowded on weekends, but if you're fortunate enough to make it on a weekday afternoon, the solitude rating goes off the scale. The trail itself got a little trashed during the heavy rains of last November (more on that later) but now is, for the most part, easily passable. Regarding heavy rain--if it's sprinkling, hit the trail. However, if there are more than 2 or 3 inches of rainfall in the area in the day(s) preceeding your walk, you're going to get soaked,repeatedly,crossing the creek. And heads up: if there's been more rain than that, you might experience significant difficulty fording the creek in certain areas! The creek is gorgeous, with clear, pristine green-blue pools dotting the route. There are many places (on creek and off) to stop for a break. Wade, read, write, snack, fetch, sit, stay, whatever. If you've got a dog or two or ten, bring him/her/them. This is a superbly dog-friendly trail. If you run into anyone, they're probably going to be accompanied by well-adjusted, well-behaved canines on- and/or off- leash. We applaud the two-legged and four-legged users of Turkey Creek Trail that we've crossed paths with to date. Everyone seems to be courteous, friendly, and enjoying themselves. They are a credit to hikers just as Turkey Creek is a credit to area trails.
Dog romp heaven
User: Shylock and Fiona - 6/20/2004  [View Log Page]
Rating: N/A Difficulty: 1point5stars Solitude: 2point5stars
Distance: 3.00 Miles Duration: N/A
Took the Geo-hounds out for a hike today to meet some other Austin hounds and found 4 of the area geocaches. Great day hiking in this beautiful area. Plenty of water in the creek with a blessedly cool tree canopy. Really enjoyed this outing.
quick hike
User: eezra - 2/28/2004  [View Log Page]
Rating: N/A Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 2stars
Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: N/A
Lots of crossing the creek back and forth so wear good shoes with treads.
beautiful spring day hike in February
User: manwithdog - 2/19/2004  [View Log Page]
Rating: N/A Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 4stars
Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: N/A
With the temperature in the 70's and the sun burning through the haze, Willow and I jumped in the Civic to get out and spend some time with the trees. It was idyllic; the kind of day Thoreau would've waxed rhapsodic about. The water was up and the sound of the creek mingled with the breeze overhead in the branches - lovely. In deeper portions of the creekbed, the water stood in emerald green pools. I wanted to strip down and jump in, it was so inviting. Settled for dunking my head instead. We didn't see another person until we were headed back to the car - and the folks we did meet were nice. Not much in the way of critters - a flock of peeping birds around the halfway point - flitting about on stirring branches. Getting outside is the only thing that makes sense when it's spring in February.
User: Blizzard - 9/13/2003  [View Log Page]
Rating: N/A Difficulty: 3stars Solitude: 2point5stars
Distance: 3.50 Miles Duration: N/A
We did more than the loop, nice hike on a cool day. Autmn can't be too far away.

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