26 September . 2017
With 10 miles of trails, Sweetwater is a great place to enjoy the benefits of hiking
From lower blood pressure and cholesterol, to less stress and better sleep, the benefits of hiking are numerous.
Austin residents are lucky when it comes to hiking opportunities, living in what Men’s Health magazine has deemed to be America’s second most adventurous city, with 21,000 acres of green space and 227 miles of trails.
Sweetwater residents enjoy one of Austin’s best communities for hiking, with a master plan that calls for 10 miles of trails, meandering through more than 700 acres of green space.
Here are some highlights of Sweetwater’s trail system, which has recently been made even better with new markers, surfaces, benches and other improvements.
Sunset Trail – Rated as Difficult, this .4-mile trail treats residents to diverse scenery, including three waterfalls and a wildflower meadow. It also passes by the dog park.
Canyon Trail – Also rated Difficult, the 1-mile trail offers rugged scenery amid steep slopes and low water crossings.
Limestone Falls Trail – Rated Moderate, this 1-mile trail leads to one of Sweetwater’s most scenic secrets, a natural waterfall and pond with a limestone bottom and crystal-clear water. The Picnic Rock is a popular spot to rest and enjoy a snack.
Greenbelt Trail – Rated Low for difficulty, this popular .7-mile trail is easily accessible for all Sweetwater residents. A neighborhood park with a playground lies between the two trailheads.
Maiden Hair Trail – This .7-mile trail is rated Moderate and includes a scenic waterfall and grotto, an 800-year-old Texas Madrone tree, a wildflower meadow, and an old windmill and water tank from the land’s ranch heritage. It also has one of the community’s highest lookout points.
For more views of Sweetwater’s trail system, check out our photo gallery. Sweetwater’s interactive community map shows how the trail system meanders through most neighborhoods, offering new homes priced from the $300,000s to over $1 million.