hiking trails – Page 3 – NPSOT-Williamson County Chapter

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024

Field Trip: Twin Creeks Historic Park Trail

— by Sue Wiseman

What: Twin Creeks Historic Park Trail Field Trip
When: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM, Sunday, February 4, 2024
- Please plan on arriving by 1:30 PM. Once we have everyone signed in we’ll start hiking at 1:45 PM.
Where: Parking lot at 3300 King Monument Lane, Cedar Park, TX

Our field trip is free and open to the public.

Most of the trail at Twin Creeks Historic Park is a wide paved roadway followed by a grassy area next to the headwaters of Cypress Creek. Dress appropriately and bring water.

Directions from US HWY 183 and N FM 620/Ranch Road 620:
- Head west on N FM620 for 1.9 miles.
- Turn right onto Anderson Mill Road for 1.0 mile.
- Turn left at the traffic signal onto RM 2769 for .9 miles.
- Turn right into the parking lot.
- The driveway is on a blind curve so please watch for NPSOT signs.

See photos from other field trips in our album=>

Field Trip Photo Album

January 2, 2024

Trip Report: Jan 1’s First Day Hike

— by Cindy Chrisler

Gary Bowers led 18 enthusiastic hikers on a trail at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock to learn about tree identification and habitats found in the area. Attendees were treated to Gary’s expertise, augmented by the collective knowledge of several local NPSOT members.

In addition to learning a new term (marcescence), the group was entertained by a squirrel entering its nest cavity in an elm, the sight of a very large poison ivy vine, luminescent soapberries, colorful possumhaw berries, and an enormous live oak. We also learned Native American uses of some trees from a NPSOT-Wilco member and botany student at UT Austin, Arnan Pawawongsak.

Two children who dutifully accompanied their parents often engaged Gary with questions about leaves, bark, and other observations on the plants seen on the hike. Several non-members attended the hike, and were eagerly invited to attend our next meeting. This delightful outing was the perfect beginning for the new year.

Plant images: Soapberry, Sapindus saponaria and Possumhaw, Ilex decidua.
Photos by Cindy Chrisler.

See more photos from this field trip and others=>

Field Trip Photo Album

December 11, 2023

Field Trip: January 1, Tree Walk at Old Settlers Park

— by Gary Bowers

What: Start the new year with a tree walk in the park! Led by Gary Bowers.
Where: Old Settlers Park, 3017–3099 Whitlow Way, Round Rock
When: 10:00am-Noon on January 1, 2024
Our field trip is free and open to the public.

View on Apple Maps or Google Maps

We’ll meet in the parking area at the Virgil Rabb Pavilion off of Whitlow Way, in Old Settlers Park. From there we will walk around the pavilion to the nature trail. The walk will be around 2 miles and take 2 hours. We will focus on tree identification during dormancy, discuss different areas of the park (riparian, meadow), and overall enjoy being outside on the first day of the year.