Cedar Park
Lake Creek Trail at Brushy Creek Lake Park
A smooth dirt loop that branches off the Brushy Creek Regional Trail and runs right up next to the water. It is popular, gentle and easy to bail out of, which makes it a great first dirt trail.
- Difficulty
- Easiest
- Surface
- Smooth dirt beside the water
- Shade
- Mixed; some open stretches by the lake
- Best for
- Your first real dirt, with the main trail as a fallback
Know before you go
- The loop is the most popular trail in Brushy Creek Lake Park, so expect company, especially on weekends.
- Dirt can get muddy or rutted after rain. If it is wet, stay on the crushed-stone main trail instead.
- There are picnic areas and open space right beside the path, which makes it easy to stop and regroup.
- Check the Williamson County parks page for hours, parking and closures before you go.
- Carry water in summer. Shade is limited near the lake.
Your first run here
Run 3 minutes / walk 1 minute around the loop for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep your steps short and your eyes a few strides ahead.
Why it is a good first dirt trail
The surface is smooth and forgiving, the route is simple, and the main trail is always nearby if you want to shorten your run. You practice quick, light steps on natural ground without any technical rocks.
A sample 35-minute workout
- Walk 5 minutes on the main trail to warm up.
- Run 3 minutes easy, walk 1 minute, repeating 6 times on the loop.
- Walk 5 minutes and stretch.
Practice skills here
- Short, quick steps on dirt.
- Looking ahead instead of at your feet.
- Relaxed arms and shoulders.
- Stepping aside to let others pass.
After rain
Muddy trails get damaged by footprints and ruts. If the loop is wet, use the hard-surface trail and come back another day.
Common mistakes
- Going out too hard because it feels easy.
- Running on soft, wet dirt and leaving ruts.
- Forgetting water at the lake.
Ready for more?
When 40 minutes feels comfortable, try Walnut Creek for winding singletrack, then Bull Creek for roots, rocks and shade.
Want a guide the first time? Join a small-group clinic, or follow the 4-week plan.
Conditions change. Check official City of Austin park and trail updates before you go, and never cross flooded water. Trail running carries inherent risk; run within your ability.