Hamilton Greenbelt

Lakeway's Hidden Gem: A Trail Network of Diversity and Skill Building

Introduction

In the western suburbs of Austin, Texas, lies a biking spot that serves up a variety of mini-trails, long ascents, short technical sections, and more—all in a single ride. While the trail might be on the shorter side, covering only 12 miles, it packs a punch when it comes to diversity and challenges. If you're keen on introducing a friend to trail riding, or just want to test your own mettle, this place could be your next go-to.

Getting There

To reach this Austin gem, head west to Lakeway and take Lohman's Crossing off of Hwy 620. After passing the main intersection with World of Tennis Blvd., look for the parking lot on your right. Facilities are limited, so plan accordingly.

Trail Features and Terrain

• Wide shared-use granite trail
• Network of challenging singletracks
• Variety of elevations: long ascents and sharp uphills
• Technical sections: rocky downhills and switchbacks
• Mostly shaded terrain

What sets this trail apart is the variety it offers. Cyclists can kickstart their ride on the wide, beginner-friendly granite trail, perfect for newcomers or warm-ups. From here, you'll find several offshoot singletracks that can spice up your ride. These trails vary significantly, offering everything from smooth single track to more difficult rocky sections and lots of switchbacks. Elevation changes are a constant, so bring your A-game when it comes to cardio.

Skill Level and Safety

• Distance: 12 miles
• Level: Intermediate
• Route Type: Network
• City: Austin
• State: Texas

It's not an expansive park, but its small footprint belies its challenging nature. The trails range from blue to blackish in terms of difficulty, with technical sections that are perfect for those wanting to hone their rock-hopping skills. With some parts shaded by trees, it's also a good option for a summer ride. While labeled as an intermediate trail, beginners with a high level of self-preservation will fare well here. On the flip side, overconfident riders with limited skill sets might find themselves in a bit of trouble.

Final Thoughts

This Lakeway trail offers something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned riders. The trail's network layout ensures that riders can tailor their route to fit their skills and desired challenges, making every outing unique. The variety in terrain and the constant elevation changes make it an excellent place for skill-building and fitness. Next time you're in Austin and are craving a ride that brings diverse challenges in a compact package, consider heading west to this hidden gem.