The River Place Nature Trail is a charming and striking riverfront providing a renowned forested hiking trek, wildlife views, and small waterfalls. If you ask where to go trekking in Austin, River Place Nature Trail is the best choice. This is about a 15 to 20 minutes drive from downtown Austin or Round Rock City. This trail is almost 5 miles long, one way, and has connectivity by roads at both ends. On one end, it begins with a small lake with fountains in the middle.
Approximately five miles out and back course, this is considered the most rewarding and challenging hike in the entire area of Austin, with some serious altitude and seriously amazing sights across the charming and striking riverfront park; as a result, Not to mention a stunning hidden waterfall Perfect for walkers, hikers and runners, the more or less 2,000 log stairs and steps along the way mean this is not ideal for mountain bikers. Refer to This Page
River Place Nature Trail: Short Overview of the Trail
This wonderful gem invites guests to connect with the Mother Nature Locals, and international guests instantly love it for its stunning scenery and enveloping tranquility. Even if the trail is not too technical, its steady climbs, countless stairs, and rolling path make it an endeavor. If you and your friends are only up to part of the fun and adventure, it’s easy to go back at any point.
What You Need To Know About River Place Nature Trail
The slenderness of the track can involve numerous stops to let other visitors go by. As such, you have to be polite and well-manned and give uphill traffic away. Parking is not a problem; you can park at the curbside at the trailhead or near Woodland Park. There is a Boardwalk sign at the beginning of the Panther Hollow Trail and advance around the retention pond to where the single track starts off the walkway.
The Panther Hollow Trail is short, and its highly mellow climb ends at a three-way crossroads with the Little Fern Trail and Canyon Trail. At the Canyon Trail, stairs and side slopes start in earnest. As you go through the trail, the beautiful slosh of Panther Hollow Cree brightens the surroundings; meanwhile, its deep water offers some wading locations along the way. There is an exciting rock faces nearby that help in completing this stunning scene.
The trail’s last section is almost covered in low trees, which bring welcome shade as the altitude jumps up and down. Close to its end, the track climbs out of the hollow to the circle spot at River Place Boulevard.
This is a family-friendly place, and kids will surely love exploring around this creek Plan on turning around prior to the energy evaporating from scaling up all the stairs. Kids will surely enjoy bird watching, swimming, and the waterfall and wildlife.
The trail is well signposted, with extra kiosks installed at each trailhead and any central Panther Junction. Also, there are well-positioned benches spread throughout to rest and, at the same time, catch your breath while respecting and esteeming the sights. The steep altitude and many log steps mean those with issues in mobility must avoid this.
There are many ways to access the hike. Each of the trails has its trailhead in the River Place Limited District. If you search online, you will be taken to the Boardwalk that is the Panther Hollow Trailhead. Also, if you type in Canyon Trailhead or Little Fern Trailhead, you can go there instead.
If you are short of time, you may need to begin at the Canyon Trailhead; you will run into big staircases of the renowned steps fast that way. While the Panther Hollow Trail is superb, the Little Fern Trailer is amazing and prettier.
Key Consideration
Dogs are allowed but should be leashed. Remember to pack out any waste. Pet waste bags are also stocked at every trailhead and some sports along the way.
There are restrooms or water access close to the path or trail. Come ready, and you will want more water than you think after the first 1,000 stairs or so.
Generally, the hike is open from morning to evening. An early start is best if you hike the trail during the summer or on weekends.
Is This Ideal for Everyone
This is perfect for everyone. This is a thrilling, manageable challenge for those who choose a real workout for a gentle stroll in the sunshine. You’ll sweat, work your leg muscles, and see some gripping views out over the city’s lush, surrounding countryside.
Important Information to Remember
- Location: 8820 Big View Dr. Austin, TX 78730
- Local Club: Friends of River Place Trail
- Land Manager: River Place Municipal Utility District
- Website: https://www.google.com/maps/place/River+Place+Nature+Trail/@30.376036,-97.820517,13z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xe82d0ff59d18e44a!8m2!3d30.3569113!4d-97.8641322?hl=en-US