Boggy Creek Greenbelt

A Natural Escape in East Austin

Situated in East Austin, Boggy Creek Greenbelt offers a refreshing dose of nature without having to leave the city limits. This green space follows the winding path of Boggy Creek, creating a natural corridor through the urban landscape.

Stretching from the Capital Metro MLK Jr. Station all the way down to Rosewood Avenue, this green area allows both locals and visitors to experience nature without leaving the city.

The Path Less Traveled

If you're exploring the northern stretch (from Capital Metro MLK Jr. Station to E. 12th Street), you can find yourself on an urban trail that welcomes both foot traffic and cyclists. This section has been open since July 2019, making it a relatively new addition to Austin's green space collection.

The southern portion, connecting E. 12th Street to Rosewood Avenue, was completed more recently in February 2021. Here, you'll appreciate the thoughtful design featuring a dual-track trail that keeps walkers separate from cyclists and other wheeled adventurers - no more awkward sidesteps when someone zooms past you!

What to Expect on the Trail

The greenbelt offers about 2.5 miles of clearly marked trails, featuring a mix of paved sections and granite dirt paths. The iron pedestrian bridges that crisscross over the creek add character to the trail and offer nice views.

If you're planning an evening stroll, you'll be happy to know that parts of the trail have decent lighting, especially near the crossings at East 11th and MLK. The park welcomes visitors daily from 5AM to 10PM, giving you plenty of time to explore.

The Wild Side

What makes Boggy Creek special is its diverse plant life. Mature oak and pecan trees create a natural canopy, providing shade during hot Texas summers. You'll also find cottonwood and heritage live oak trees throughout the park.

The greenbelt is a haven for local wildlife, making it a modest but rewarding spot for birdwatching and nature observation. The creek itself is the star attraction, but its personality changes with the rainfall - sometimes flowing generously, other times just a quiet trickle.

A word of caution: poison ivy lurks in some of the no-mow zones and clings to trees throughout the greenbelt. Sticking to the marked paths isn't just good etiquette - it's also good sense for your skin!

Take a Break

Need to rest those legs? The park offers several picnic tables scattered throughout, plus a pavilion that's well-suited for small gatherings. You'll also find multiple benches along the paths where you can sit for a moment and soak in the scenery.

When nature calls while you're enjoying nature, restrooms are available and typically open during park hours. They're basic public facilities - functional rather than fancy, but they do the job when needed.

Connected to the City

The greenbelt isn't just a standalone spot - it's actually part of Austin's broader urban trail network, linking up with both the EastLink Trail and the Red Line Trail systems. It's a key piece in the city's ongoing efforts to expand green spaces and create more car-free transportation options.

How to Enjoy Your Visit

The greenbelt works well for leisurely walks, morning jogs, bike rides, or peaceful picnics. Its proximity to residential areas makes it an easy outdoor escape for locals, while also functioning as a green commuting route for the environmentally conscious.

You'll likely share the trail with a diverse crowd - families pushing strollers, dog owners walking their leashed companions, and commuters taking the scenic route. This mix of accessibility and nature makes Boggy Creek Greenbelt a pleasant spot in Austin.