Brushy Creek Hike & Bike Trail

Starting from the west (the YMCA in Cedar Park) the trail soon passes over the creek and waterfall via this bridge.

Another beautiful view from the same bridge, opposite of the waterfall.

There are a multitude of benches nestled among the trees offering a place to rest or have a snack along the trail.

An interesting piece of history lies along the banks of Brushy Creek. In the 1880’s the Austin and Northwestern Railroad ran through this area and extended to the Granite Mountain quarry in Burnet County. This contributed to the construction of a new state capitol in Austin. More than 4,000 flatcars passed through here in 1886-87, carrying large blocks of pink granite to Austin. Three dozen blocks tumbled off the tracks and were left in the creek bed. They are still there today as you can see in this picture.

As you travel the hike and bike route, look for signage detailing the area’s early history and inhabitants. Several kiosks and signs along the trail provide a historical overview of early settlers to the area.

This peaceful area is located near the Splash Pad and is about halfway through the ride. It's a great place to relax in the shade while enjoying the views. The Lake section of the park has several picnic pavilions, restrooms, BBQ grills, and a splash pad, all scattered under the shade of an oak grove above the lake. Bring a picnic!

Cedar Park’s Brushy Creek Lake Park Dam #7 is one of a series of 23 dams operated by the Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District. Once you cross the dam headed toward Round Rock, the trails will be consist of mostly firmly-packed crushed granite.

The zig-zag nine-foot tall structure also called a“labyrinth weir” increased the amount of water the spillway can handle from 100 feet per cubic second to more than 36,000 cubic feet per second. The dam has no floodgates. The spillway design has fossil stamps that enhance the natural beauty of the trail.

If you decide to take a break, there are many areas like this off the main trail where you can dip your feet in the creek!

Near the end of the trail, you will see beautiful, lush ferns growing along the cliffs. Welcome to Fern Bluff!

Fern Bluff is home to the maidenhair fern, It's the ideal environment for the fern because it is damp and shaded with an abundance of limestone in the soil.