30 July . 2019
Discover the 5 trails of Sweetwater
From lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol, to sleeping better and experiencing less stress, 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 been made even better with new markers, surfaces, benches and other improvements.
Sunset Trail – Rated as Difficult, Sunset Trail is a .4-mile trail that treats residents to diverse scenery, including three waterfalls and a wildflower meadow. It also passes by the dog park.
Canyon Trail – Also rated Difficult, Canyon Trail is a 1.2-mile trail that leads to rugged scenery amid steep slopes and low water crossings.
Limestone Falls Trail – Rated Moderate, Limestone Falls Trail is a 1.2-mile trail that 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, Greenbelt Trail is a popular .54-mile trail is easily accessible for all Sweetwater residents. A neighborhood park with a playground lies between the two trailheads.
Maidenhair Trail – Maidenhair Trail is a one-mile trail leading to 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. Rated Moderate, this trail offers one of the community’s highest lookout points.