Surprise Hike - River Trail Hike
Hornsby Bend
- 2/7/2010
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Distance: 6.00 Miles
Duration: N/A
I was suprised at the scenery and solitude of this hike. The River Trail parallels the Colorado River. I parked just ouside the fence. I hiked to the left along side the large man made ponds .. lots of nice ducks .. I kept going South on the narrow road to the River Trail trailhead. This tail is 3 miles each way, 6 total. The first mile has more dense trees. Then there is an interesting huge greenhouse with algae ponds. From here going West was when the hike got even better. To the right of the trail is a large natural pond with lots of birds. The trail curves some .. after about 1 1/2 miles the jeep road trail has a 'Y'. The right follows the power lines and left is very scenic. Lots of river views. On a sunny Saturday only saw 3 other people. Note: this park is closed at sunset with gate locked.
good and bad hike
Hornsby Bend
- 12/15/2007
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Distance: 3.00 Miles
Duration: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Warning: this park is part of a sewage treatment facility. I started hike north edge of pond. Signs warned of "digestive gasses - no smoking" There was a strong breeze and I started to get sick from the gasses. If you drive south of pond and park there are trails south of the ponds that don't have the odors. Very few views of river. Trail faily plain. Nice solitude though. Noise from planes and highways nearby.
nice park, but no hiking trail
Shaffer Bend
- 6/23/2005
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Distance: 1.00 Mile
Duration: N/A
The LCRA web site noted that the terrain of this park made it ideal for hiking. I was somewhat suspicious of their wording as it didn't say there were hiking trails. Well, there are no hiking trails. For anyone who knows the area you don't want to hike through the long grass, trees, cacti, shrubs etc. without a trail in Central Texas. What this park does offer is some very nice shoreline of lake travis. Some sections you can walk along the shore. The are some dirt roads which could make for a nice bike ride (I'm assuming they allow bikes on them) or perhaps a walk. There are camp sites. I went on a summer Monday during the day was almost had the park to myself. It's a very pretty natural setting. So, if you're not looking for a traditional hike on trail outing I'd consider this park.