Brushy Creek Regional Trail

Always a great place to ride, run, walk, and explore. I recently moved closer to this area and appreciate it very much.
Many things to do and the trails always stay busy…

So glad I found this gem. Always looking for a nice place to run that I feel safe. There was enough people around but not overly crowded. Such a beautiful park. I will be back soon!

Beautiful scenery and lots of shade. If you’re looking for a stroller-​friendly trail, this is the place to go. It’s not as crowded as Town Lake and is mostly paved. Great place for riding bikes, family hikes, and dogs.

Austin’s Town Lake Trail is beloved by many and will always have a special place in my heart, but as a person who lives & works north, the 6.75 mile Brushy Creek Regional Trail is where you’ll most often find me taking a run outside of my neighborhood.
I love that I can jog along side a beautiful lake with people fishing or paddling around. I love that the terrain and view varies from grassy fields to shady forests to neighborhood greenbelt to kiddie parks to creekside paths to highway underpasses. I love that the concrete sections have interesting animal tracks embedded in them. And I love that the diverse (all ages & skin tones) people & pups on the trail are generally friendly and considerate and not too plentiful (at least compared to Town Lake).
Yesterday, I saw a guy parachute down into the field next to Brushy Creek Lake just as I finished my evening run — neat! In the early spring, the wildflowers were thick. After the rainy spring and early summer we’ve had this year, great water features are prevalent on the southwest side of this trail system (from Twin Lakes to Brushy Creek Lake). I’ve seen a few waterfalls and even some roaring white water under one of the bridges.
If you come out early in the day, you can access water cooler stops managed by Rogue Running Cedar Park at a few spots along the trail, but otherwise, you can always use the water fountains at the 6 different parks along the way.
Speaking of parks along the trail (and places where you can park to drop in or stop to use the restroom, from southwest to northeast):
+ Twin Lakes Park
+ Brushy Creek Sports Park
+ Brushy Creek Lake Park
+ Champion Park
+ Olsen Meadows Park
+ Creekside Park
Find more detail about this wonderful trail system online at
See the trail map here:
Beware: Lots of folks have reported car break-​ins in this area. Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle, or store them out of sight before you drive up to park near the trail. I’ve seen broken glass on the ground in the lots at Brushy Creek Lake Park but so far have not had any trouble myself.

Gorgeous! The water is crystal clear. This is a great place for all. We took our dogs. Everyone loved the trials and wading in the water. It is ine of the best greenbelts in Austin. We plan to bring vistors here and show it off.

I come here about two to three times a week after work to go running. The trail is very nice and the distance is perfect too. If you start in the parking lot on the East side you can make it a 6+ mile round trip.
Trail condidtions are good, considering 95% of the trail is paved and it drains pretty well in the rain. Scenery is good too, it’s a very nice area and most of it is all covered in shade. Most of the times I have come across families taking group photos at one of the bridges so the park is definitely not an eye-​sore. There is also a running club that fills coolers with water at a couple spots along the trail too if you are ever in the need for water.
In summary, lots of parking, good scenery, paved trails, and about 6 miles. Great place to run etc…

I live right next to this place and everytime I go I swear there’s something new to see or explore. It’s got a ton of crap for kids. For grown ups, not so much… Only trails and pretty scenery for you to reflect about things going on in your life like regret and guilt. But don’t let that stop ya checking out this nature park.
Along the trail there is some sort of lake. It’s got a cool little deck with a few methheads. I mean fishermen. You can stand on the dock and gawk at all the fat big houses and the pissed off rich people that hate seeing the likes of the poor…
Further down the trail are bridges with some history scribbling. I didn’t really read any of it. It’s kinda hard to do when you’re drunk anyway. I was more impressed by the 1912 – 1920 exercise equipment they got for you to try. Free of charge too I might add.
After every quarter mile they have these big water coolers for people to use… again free of charge. But during the week if you come by after 3, you can be sure it’s gone. One of these days I’m gonna fill those bad boys up with some cheap jug wine or maybe acid. :) really throw some people off their game. (I’m such an asshole for even thinking that) austinite’s are very trusting people though.
Jokes aside this park is a great place to bring your family, dog, even your sheep. Tons of trails to fit anyone’s fancy. I kid you not they even have a satanic ritual rock circle trail… That’s how I perceived it anyway.
It may sound like I’m making fun of this place but I promise I’m not. You will see my fat ass there at least twice a year. kiddin, I go there daily. Can’t get enough of the soccer moms and hard core cyclists. «LEFT»
I got nothing else to say except check this place out! Good stuff.

I really wanted to not like the Brushy Creek Regional Trail. Mostly because when I first came here, my running group dragged me here in the middle of summer when it was about 112 degrees… But it’s really well done, and what I wish the City of Austin would do with the area between Duval/​Mopac and N. Lamar, along Walnut Creek.
The Brushy Creek Regional Trail runs about seven miles, starting on one end from Twin Lakes Park at the YMCA on 183 in Cedar Park. It goes 2.25 miles, under 183A Toll and a somewhat isolated stretch before hitting the Brush Creek Sports Park, right before Parmer. In the next .75 miles, you’ll then go under Parmer and then hit Brushy Creek Lake Park. Then every mile or so there is a different park: Champion Park, Olsen Meadows Park (no restrooms), and Creekside Park, before it ends between Great Oaks and Sam Bass.
NOTE: If you are starting on the east side, just read the above paragraph backwards.
After the first couple miles, most of the path consists of crushed stone/​cinders (I’ve heard it called both). The rest is concrete, usually where necessary to reduce erosion, or where there are bridges. They seem to do a great job with maintaining the trail, as it’s for the most part fairly wide, and free of uneven spots/​holes.
When the weather’s right, it’s suitable for runners at all levels, walkers, folks with jogging strollers, dog walkers (folks are really good at using their leashes), and cyclists (though some of them need to slow down near the narrower parts). I’d say the unpaved parts would be difficult on a scooter. Within each park are various perks: canoes, water features to play in, sports courts/​fields of all varieties. Just check out each park if you are looking for something specific.
I like that it’s fairly shaded, and there is the occasional sounds of a babbling brook nearby. Occasionally, the path will branch off, providing direct access from neighborhoods. When not in a specific park, you may go a minute or so between passing other people. I’ve not been weirded out by this, though I’ve really only been mid-​day on the weekend, or in the evening with a large group. I only wish there was more of a loop than just an out-​and-​back, but that’s really my only issue with it.
4.6 stars

A bit crowded, but nice trail. It’d be a lot of fun (on a bike) if it wasn’t so crowded. Maybe I’ll try a rainy day. There’s just way too many «let’s walk three across» types who don’t leave room for others.
The other downside is that the nearest trailhead to me leads to a paved section for at least a mile, so running on it would end up being a bit punishing.
Anyway, it’s well maintained, pretty scenic, all things considered, and it’s always nice to see that many people out exercising, even if it makes biking more trouble than it’s worth (and I was out there at 7:15 a.m.) Pretty clearly the area is in desperate need of more trails.

My family and i love to walk/​bike the trails and then take in some soccer practice or get on the playscape. I do want to WARN all who come to the park. We came back to a busted window in our tahoe apparently someone tryied to break in. We are the parents to 2 small kids so really what were they going to steal juice boxes and butt wipes?!? Anyhow this seems to be a common trend as many people on facebook have informed me they too have come back to a busted window and missing items.

My wife and I just started walking on this trail. I love it! We park at the Twin Lakes YMCA and jump right on the paved trail. I like to go at night when it’s cooler an hour before sundown. It’s not too crowded at that time. Yesterday there was tons of blue bonnets, very cool. They smelled great, I need to bring a camera next time.
There are animal prints running across the concrete every so often, not sure if those are some kind of marker? The trail is clean people do a good job picking up after their pets. There are stations with poop bags to make it easy. I have spotted a few deer crossing the trail, It has shady and sunny spots, an overall great scenic trail.
There is a stinky part that quite a few people have mentioned. :-(You just have to hustle through it. Lol.
I so wish I could bring my fresh fur baby with us, (he’s not a people person) I’m positive he would enjoy it. The crowd is very diverse from runners, walkers, bikers, dog walkers, and families. It’s a great safe beautiful place.

I love having Brushy Creek Regional Trail near my house. There are so many different places to access the trail, (as it links up several parks) and the trail itself is incredibly diverse. I’ve walked many different portions during all four seasons and have always enjoyed the sights and sounds of the nature around me.
On weekends, the trail can get really busy, and not all visitors are as courteous as most, so be forewarned. On a week day, like today, I visited and there was nary a person on the entire trail which made for a peaceful journey between the soccer fields and 183-​A. I saw tons of bluebonnets, birds, and many trees are coming out with their new leaves.
If you’re looking for a nice peaceful place to take a bike ride or walk, Brushy Creek Regional Trail is one of the best places around. I’m reserving a star for the weekend crowding, and the lack of garbage cans along the trail between the soccer fields and 183-​A.

This is one of my favorite places to run in the north Austin area. The trail is decently long and is fairly well maintained. It’s best to run during the day from what I can see because I have not seen much in terms of lighting. It’s not too hilly, but does provide a decent challenge at parts for newbie runners. It’s a great place to run or take the family for a leisurely walk.

Excellent place to go running, walking or biking. Very family friendly. Watch out for busy days when all sort of people are on the trail.
Otherwise beautiful. Also there are so many alternative routes that it’s hard to get bored of this trail.

I love running on these trails! There are plenty of bathrooms and it has a nice nature view with water and a golf course. Watch for falling golf balls!
There are lots of deer and squirrels… The trail is safe and there are lots of runners and bikers daily!
Lots of dog walkers too :)

Ah, Brushy Creek. Why have we had such bad luck together? Went out for a run in middle of October, and it’s 78 and humid at 8am. I couldn’t enjoy you the way I want to.
I love this trail, I really do.
Pros:
— Mixture of surfaces to mix things up, and the route is decently scenic
— Lots of parks along the route, with full blown restrooms!
— Not nearly as crowded as Town Lake, although there were a ton of people out today
— Rogue Running puts out tons of water for those using the trail at the Brushy Creek Sports Park
— Tons of parking. Seriously, there’s parking everywhere.
Cons
— Not enough shade in quite a few portions. It can get very hot.
The shade aspect is very real, I’ve been on summer runs here and it is just roasting since there’s no trees in a bunch of spots.
But all in all, I will be using this trail for a significant portion of my long runs on my marathon training quest. It’s a well maintained trail and very family friendly.

Pros:
— Well-​planned
— Public restrooms are spaced well (except maybe the westernmost 2.25 mile stretch but I appreciate that they even have public restrooms available
— Crushed gravel to run/​walk on
— Lots of parking
— Lots of party and sports facilities
— Fish in water (saw people with fishing poles)
Cons:
— Too few people on the trail for me (but some people like solitude).

Hike and Bike Trail at Brushy Creek Regional Park
For those who enjoy nature at its finest, Brushy Creek Regional Trail also provides a natural habitat for native trees, vegetation, plants, wildflowers, and wildlife.
Brushy Creek Sports Park
This 54 acre park has it all! Baseball and Softball fields, Soccer, 9 Hole Disc Golf Course, Skateboard Park, Play Scape, Hiking and biking trails.
The Skate Park is a Custom designed 15,000 Sq. ft. concrete in ground Skate Park, features a Mini Bowl, Large, Bowl and street course, which includes transitions, ledges, steps, rails and a volcano ramp.
The 9 Hole Disc Golf Course length is 2901 ft. and is located next to the Basketball courts.

One of the many trails I grew up on, walking, running and biking. This trail goes out to Round Rock and the whole circuit makes for a great workout.

What is not too love about this trail? The trail runs along Brushy creek and is about 14.5 miles (start to start). Most of the trail is tree-​lined so you can really get a sense of seclusion even though you are yards away from major development. Along the trail are at least 5 parks — a skate park, water-​sprinkler park, canoe rental, dinosaur sand park, and plenty of playgrounds for the kids.
The trails are wide and great for running or biking. The smell is not as bad as others are writing and is only prominent in one small area. It is most prevalent during humid days and after it rains.
Get healthy, join a running group and see you at the Frankanthon marathon on Halloween weekend at the park. Also, Frank Lividais hosts an annual Summer Stampede series of 3– mi races that alternate between Brushy Creek Park and Town Lake on Wednesdays.