The establishment of Big Walnut Creek Nature Preserve dates back to 2002 when Travis County purchased the 1,166-acre property from the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.
The preserve is located on the eastern outskirts of Austin, Texas, in the Texas Hill Country. It was created to protect and conserve the natural beauty and ecological diversity of the region, as well as to provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and education.
In addition, the preserve’s natural features include steep limestone canyons, dense forests, open meadows, and more than 4 miles of scenic creek frontage along Big Walnut Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River.
Have we mentioned that it is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including oak and cedar trees, wildflowers, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and songbirds? The natural area is also home to several endangered species, including the Golden-cheeked Warbler and the Black-capped Vireo.
The preserve’s amenities include over 6 miles of hiking trails, which offer visitors a chance to explore the preserve’s natural beauty and observe its wildlife. The trails vary in difficulty, from easy to moderate, and are suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities. The trails are open from dawn to dusk, and visitors are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water. Visit This Link
In addition to hiking, visitors can also enjoy fishing, birdwatching, and picnicking at Big Walnut Creek Nature Preserve. The preserve has two stocked fishing ponds, which are open to the public year-round. Anglers can catch a variety of fish, including catfish, bass, and sunfish.
The preserve also has several picnic areas, which are equipped with tables, grills, and restroom facilities.
Big Walnut Creek Nature Preserve is located at 9221 US-290, Austin, TX 78736. To get there, take US-290 west from Austin, and continue for approximately 7 miles.
The entrance is located on the right-hand side of the road, just past the intersection of US-290 and Fitzhugh Road. Visitors should follow the signs to the parking area, which is located at the end of the preserve road.
Things You Can Expect When You Visit There
When you visit Big Walnut Creek Nature Preserve, you can expect to experience a tranquil natural setting that offers a wide range of outdoor activities and opportunities to observe the preserve’s unique plant and animal life. The following are some of the things you can expect to encounter during your visit:
- Hiking
The preserve offers over 6 miles of hiking trails that traverse through the preserve’s scenic landscapes, including dense forests, open meadows, and steep limestone canyons.
You can expect to see a variety of plant and animal species along the trails, including wildflowers, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and songbirds.
- Fishing
If you enjoy fishing, you can expect to catch a variety of fish species in the preserve’s two stocked fishing ponds. Anglers can catch catfish, bass, and sunfish, among other fish species.
- Picnicking
The preserve has several picnic areas equipped with tables, grills, and restroom facilities. You can expect to enjoy a peaceful outdoor meal with family or friends while surrounded by the natural beauty of the preserve. Click Here
- Birdwatching
The preserve is home to several bird species, including the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and the Black-capped Vireo. You can expect to see a variety of bird species while exploring the preserve’s trails.
- Nature photography
The preserve’s natural beauty and diverse plant and animal life make it an ideal location for nature photography. You can expect to capture stunning images of the preserve’s landscapes, flora, and fauna.
- Educational opportunities
The preserve offers educational programs, guided hikes, and other events that provide visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the preserve’s natural history and ecological significance.
Overall, when you visit Big Walnut Creek Nature Preserve, you can expect to enjoy a peaceful and natural setting that offers a wide range of outdoor activities and opportunities to connect with the natural world.
How to Go There?
To get to Big Walnut Creek Nature Preserve, you can follow these directions:
- From Austin, take US-290 west for approximately 7 miles.
- After passing the intersection of US-290 and Fitzhugh Road, look for the preserve entrance on the right-hand side of the road.
- Follow the signs to the parking area, which is located at the end of the preserve road.
- Once you’ve parked, you can explore the preserve’s hiking trails, fishing ponds, and picnic areas.
It’s important to note that the preserve is open from dawn to dusk, and visitors are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water. Additionally, the preserve has a “pack it in, pack it out” policy, which means that visitors should take their trash with them when they leave.
Important Information You Should Know
- Address: 9221 US-290, Austin, TX 78736, United States
- Website: http://www.austintexas.gov/
- Phone: +15129749452
- Business Hours: Open daily (5 am-10 pm)
