There were parts of this trail that I really liked, and parts that were really annoying, so I guess that adds up to a 3 out of 5?

The best part: tons of shade--one of the shadiest trails in Austin--I love that!  There's a mixed deciduous woodland and a big cedar brake, and I was in shade more than 85% of the time, I think.

Also, the locals clearly have a quirky, artsy aesthetic, as the trail is decorated with metal yard art at various spots.  Not lots of it--just the occasional tucked-away piece to surprise you as you walk along.  This is fun.

The less good: botanically, it was a bit of a yawn for me--very little was blooming, and what there was is super-common--mostly horseherb and weedy non-native carrot relatives.  I did see a good bit of pearl milkvine in bloom, but overall, it was a bit ho-hum for a plant peeper.

And the worst part, as almost everyone else has mentioned, is the lack of any properly marked trails.  I was worried about getting lost, so although I took a number of random side trails, I ended the hike at 2 miles out of fear of losing my way.  I'm usually looking for a 3-5-mile hike after work, so this is not really satisfactory.

However, the shade will definitely bring me back, especially in the dog days of summer.

Didn't see even one person, but could hear cars almost the whole time, so not sure how much "solitude" that is.  Got lost and wound up on Brodie. Nothing is labeled at all, even walking around the outside got lost.  No water or creeks.  The sculptures are pretty cool.  Saw 3 deer run from our right to our left about 20 feet in front of us.  Some cool things but not a very good park yet.

The ground was soaked from a rainstorm a couple of days ago but it was still an enjoyable hike.  Saw some statues made out of the old barbwire from the old Ranch and I almost got lost a couple of times.  I would highly suggest bringing a GPS. 

I remember going to this place as as a teen over ten years ago.  My friend lived in the neighborhood and we all hung out there every day.  Infact my friend is the one with the dirt bike responsible for your trails.  What most people dont know or forget is the cemetery located in the park.  And the fact that its haunted Ive seen two ghost children and a tiny little creature walking on its hind legs SERIOSULY BEWARE

There's more than meets the eye here.  When you get north of the park, your on an old moto cross track.  Head toward Wm. Cannon while staying to the west.  Some interesting junkartwork is stationed around the trails.  Also an old  trail heads west and links up with the creek eventually running under Brodie lane.

The artist left his link: (guess everyone has a myspace or flickr site:)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adolfo_isassi/tags/longviewsculptor/