Of course I love to hike Purgatory Creek, but then so do a lot of other people. But a great alternative is the Spring Lake Natural Area, especially this time of year. Located close to the Texas State Campus and several apartment complexes on North LBJ street, this trail can get crowded with students when school is in session. And in the spring, a large portion of the trail is blocked off as a nesting area for the Golden Cheek Warbler. So now is the perfect time.
The beauty of this park is the variety of the trails, from woodsy walks to fields of prickly pear cactus to dried up creek and river beds. You’ll find several benches along the way and some interesting stops, including a duck pond with an observation deck and bat box, even a human-sized sun dial where your shadow will give you the time of day.
I usually start my hike at the North LBJ trailhead across the street from the Holland Street Church of Christ. On a nice day, I might go all the way to the Meadows Center. On most days, I exit the park near the sundial, in the Spring Lake Hills neighborhood, then head home. But you can also exit, or start your hike, at the Lime Kiln Trailhead. The area offers trials of varying lengths, and runs alongside several neighborhoods, so you have many options to cut back over to civilization.
