South Austin Trail Network is a system of interconnected greenbelts tucked away into the suburbs of South Austin from Onion Creek Park all the way to FM1826. Some of these trails are leftovers from an era when this land was owned by ranchers, and indeed you will find many barbed wire fences crisscrossing through the network, some embedded into the trees that have grown in around them. Other trails have been carved out by bandits who bushwhack their way into our hearts. Residents of Circle C, Legend Oaks, Western Oaks, Shady Hollow, and numerous other neighborhoods consider this system their backyard.

The individual greenbelt trail systems have been cleverly linked together using underpasses and drainage tunnels, with few pavement miles or road crossings required to complete an epic ride of 25 miles or more. The primarily intermediate terrain is mostly cross country with mild elevation and many rock gardens on over 100 miles of single track. This is a network tailor made to the cross-country shredder who wants to work on fitness and endurance; however, there are multiple features that will thrill even the advanced rider looking to get rowdy. Meridian Bowl and the drop on E-Spank come to mind.

The network is mostly unsanctioned by the City of Austin at this point in time; however, the Maxwell Slaughter Creek Trail is official, and is a great representation of the areas native blackland prairie.

This network is often recommended to beginners, and it is definitely more mellow than some of the other popular riding areas in Central Texas; however, it is easy to get lost, and you may find yourself walking more rock gardens than you anticipated. For that reason, SATN is often best experienced with a guide, or with a handy navigation app.

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