Commons Ford - Pecan Grove Trail

Getting there: From MoPac in Austin, head west on FM 2244. Continue west on FM 2244 through the intersection with Capital of Texas Highway. Aproximately 3.5 miles after that intersection turn right on Cuernavaca Drive and then turn left on Commons Ford Road. Continue down this road for and look for the entrace to the park on the left. Parking is along the shoulder of the road. Look for a brown wind gauge and antenna on the left for an indication of where to park.

The Hike: This is one of the easier hikes that you'll find on a non-paved surface. Most of the length of the hike is composed of mowed grass, courtesy of the Parks and Recreation Department. The short and sweet loop starts at the waypoint "Trailhead" along the side of the road. we started the hike in a counter clockwise direction heading toward the north east.

The trail was very easy to follow with the higher grass on either side of the trail clearly pointing out the direction of travel. At the waypoint "Y-Left" there is an option. The right fork heads toward the creek. Looking for a longer hike we headed to the left toward lake.

The waypoint "Boathouse" marks the location of a small boathouse along the shores of Lake Austin. But it also boasts a large patch of mowed grass that is perfect for picnicing. We watched and listened to birds in the area for some time. Because there was no motor boat traffic on this portion of the lake at all the scene was very calm and quiet. It's a nice change of pace from the hectic waters one finds along the busy portions of the highland lakes.

The trail turns to the west and follows the contour of Lake Austin. The path is far enough away from the lake so that the water is seldom seen, but its presense is never forgotten. Across the water rise steep cliffs of Limestone. There are no masions with million dollar views here. Just lots and lots of nature. This section of the trail features an impressive line of mature Pecan trees that will continue for a quarter mile. Numerous pecans were scattered on the trail

The trail turns south as it nears the westernmost park boundary. Not far away we could see cattle grazing on the adjancent land. When the trail runs into the park road you'll be at waypoint "Barn". Here you'll see an old barn still used by the park to house the tractor that probably created the trail on which we hiked. Nearby is a large ranch house that the city rents out for events. Also nearby are a volleyball court and gazebo for picnicing.

To complete the loop head east on the park road back to the trailhead. The trailhead should already be within view at this point. In the end this easy hike took about 35 minutes to complete the 1.15 mile loop, with some time spent looking at birds and pecans. It's an easy and enjoyable hike that can be enjoyed by hikers of almost all abilities.