The Violet Crown Trail North
The Hill Country Conservancy, and the Cities of Austin and Sunset Valley celebrated the opening of a new one mile segment of the Violet Crown Trail, which now extends from Zilker Park in Downtown Austin, to Slaughter Creek southwest of the intersection at Slaughter and MoPac. The latest phase begins with a trailhead at the end of Home Depot Blvd in Sunset Valley, and ends just northwest of William Cannon at MoPac.
Mayor Pro Tem Paige Ellis cuts the ceremonial ribbon.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Congressman Lloyd Doggett and Austin Mayor Pro Tem Paige Ellis as well as the Crockett Cougar Band. There was big turnout and following the ceremony we had an opportunity to set out and explore. There are two features that stand out in particular: a rock armored low water crossing with a concrete surface, and a switchback ramp made of steel and composite decking. The entire corridor is renaturalized with native plants. I was particularly happy that the single track trails “Flow Daddy” and “Tin Can Alley” are preserved with a nice trail crossing. There is even a new segment called “My Hobby” which begins behind the Hobby Lobby and ends at Brush Country.
This is much needed urban trail, and opens up new gravel routing while also providing a nice bailout option on your MTB ride. Eventually the next phase will break ground from Slaughter Creek and extend to Lacrosse via “Chip Chop”, “Rattlesnake”, and “Terminus”. When the full project is finally complete, the VCT will go all the way to Buda. You can learn more about the project here.
