What we’re about
This walking group explores the dynamic past and present of Austin's built environment. Tracing the origins of Austin street names, walking streets in their entirety, and stubbornly circumventing limitations posed by half-baked pedestrian infrastructure plans of yore, these events are intended to be adventures but not guided tours. Librarians and blacksmiths, photographers and mechanics, sociologists and forensic accountants alike should feel welcome, provided we have at least two things in common: a deep curiosity about the city of Austin and two strong feet to carry us where curiosity leads.
This monthly group won’t be the fastest hiking group in the city, but we’ll cover long-ish distances, up to 7-10 miles in cooler months. I won’t assume everyone has a car (I don’t), and if you don't you should have the ability and patience to navigate Austin’s far-from-perfect patchwork of bikeshare, public transit, etc. if needed to get to and from the start and end points.
At the end of these walks we’ll find a place to rehydrate, get some food, and talk about it all.
Upcoming events
4
Bluff, Brick, and Bazaar- Walnut Creek area (note 10 AM start!)
Walnut Creek, 12138 North Lamar, Austin, TX, USThough North Austin trends more friendly to automobiles than pedestrians, the nearly 300-acre Walnut Creek Park connects the surrounding neighborhoods to an ancient, historically significant creek. The Tonkawa are long gone, but the park's 15 miles of trails, ball fields, and playgrounds provide refuge from the architecturally bland surroundings.
Corralled between Walmart and Walgreens, Scofield Farms stands out with its distinctive red brick homes.
This month's route (official map here) weaves through both the park and the residential brick area, covering seven miles total. Finding a lunch spot after the walk has become an established ritual for this group—the Serbian Balkan Cafe is one possibility. And to really suck the marrow out of the neighborhood, you might want to stock up on international groceries at Hana World Market, International Foods (Indian/Mediterranean), or MT Supermarket (Asian).
TRANSIT LOGISTICS:
- Note the 10 AM start!!! We’re back on our fall/winter schedule.
- We’ll meet at the Walnut Creek Hiking Trails Parking Lot just south of Walnut Creek Park Road
- Official walk map
12 attendees
Bouldin and Blunn Creeks (10 AM start)
Blunn Creek Nature Preserve, 900 Long Bow Ln, Austin, tx, USDecember’s walk (official map here) follows four waterways in Austin's near south side: West Bouldin Creek, East Bouldin Creek, Blunn Creek, and the Colorado River. After exploring volcanic remains in the rugged Blunn Creek Nature Preserve, we'll follow urban greenbelts for most of our 7.5 mile journey.
Between these greenbelts, we'll weave through the city's residential landscape as well. First, we'll see the hilltop neighborhood surrounding St. Edward's University. Then we'll wind into historic Travis Heights, known for mature trees and good views of the downtown skyline. Last, we'll traverse the upscale bohemian Bouldin Creek neighborhood.
As usual, some of us will likely stop for lunch at the end.
TRANSIT LOGISTICS:
- 10 AM start! We’re on our fall/winter schedule.
- We’ll meet at the trailhead of Blunn Creek Nature Preserve at the east end of Long Bow Lane
- You should be able to find free street parking on Long Bow Lane or St. Edwards Drive.
- Official walk map
8 attendees
Past events
13
