Stairmaster Stroll

Boardwalk
The trailhead at Big View features a boardwalk along the pond before the trail disappears into the brush.
User: Austin Explorer - 7/24/2010

Location: River Place Nature Trail

Rating: 4stars
Difficulty: 3point5stars  Solitude: 3stars
Miles Hiked: 5.00 Miles  Elapsed Time: 3 hours, 23 minutes

Comments:

Came back after about a week to complete this trail and it was worth it even with the high temperature and humidity today.

Why is this log rating the hike higher than my last visit?  Because I finally got to the Upper Panther Trail segment where the roughest terrain is!   I was surprised by the amount of elevation gain on the trail here.  Lots and lots of stairs certainly made this trail a challenge to construct.

I spotted about six deer crossing the path at one point.  Don't expect too much real solitude though, the trail is well used.

Interestingly, the trailheads have a set of wooden dowels that can serve as hiking poles.  Feel free to grab one and return it to the holder at whatever trailhead where you end your hike.

Overall, this might very well be one of the better and toughest trails in the Austin area.



Log Photos
Boardwalk
Trail View
Trailhead
Waterfall
Stairs
Vista
Recommended Item
Recommended Item 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: San Antonio and Austin: Including the Hill Country
Charlie Llewellin, Johnny Molloy
List Price: $18.95 Your price: $12.90 Buy Now
It's Time to Take a Hike in San Antonio!

The San Antonio and Austin areas are steeped in history -- San Antonio's Alamo stands as a symbol of Texas' fierce independence, while Austin is recognized as the cradle of Texas statehood. This area is also known for some of the most impressive hiking in the Lone Star State. 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: San Antonio and Austin, by veteran authors Charlie Llewellin and Johnny Molloy, guides readers to the best trails found in the Texas Hill Country, all within easy reach of these two cities. The guide takes you to secluded, low traffic areas as well as those that are more popular and heavily used. The former LBJ Ranch, the Guadalupe River, the Highland Lakes Chain, and the Lost Pines area are just some of the spectacular places covered.

With this new edition in the best-selling 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles series, all these visually stunning and ruggedly charming routes are at the traveler's fingertips. This handy guide helps San Antonio and Austin natives get back into nature, with many options right in town. Extensive at-a-glance information makes it easy to choose the perfect hike based on length, difficulty, scenery, or on a specific factor such as hikes good for families, runners, or birding. Each trail profile includes maps, directions, driving times, nearby attractions, and other pertinent details.