Park It or Take a hike!
Compiled by Connie Swinney One of the most endearing and joyful aspects of the Highland Lakes involves the natural environment which beckon locals and visitors alike to flock to several waterways and pristine nature scenes – all while maintaining access to public amenities. In municipal and state park venues, local entities insist on maintaining waterway access that is free to the public, along with outdoor activity opportunities for hiking, picnicking, sporting events and other fitness and fun festivities. From Marble Falls and Granite Shoals to Kingsland and Llano, the area’s parks beckons one to go outside, soak in the sun and enjoy a place blessed with mostly pleasant conditions in the spring and summer. Marble Falls Parks and Trailheads One stretch of the city of Marble Falls trail system remains tucked away in the heart of the city connecting four parks. Backbone Creek Hike and Bike Trail is approximately 1.3 miles in length running along Backbone Creek from Lakeside Park to Westside Park. The trail surface is 10-feet wide
The Foley family accessed Lake Marble Falls in a little-known but recently refurbished boat ramp with access from Lakeshore Dr. Another public access point for watercraft into the waterway is from Backbone Creek in Johnson Park. Photo by Connie Swinney Page 72
Matt Maple and his son Garrett of Marble Falls enjoyed a sunny day of play at Johnson Park. The venue, 230 S. Avenue J, is nestled in a pecan treeshaded area where Backbone Creek and Whitman Branch flow into Lake Marble Falls. Photo by Connie Swinney and is a combination of asphalt and granite gravel. Points of interest along the trail include Lakeside Park, Falls Creek Park (which includes a skatepark), a manmade waterfall at Andrea’s Pass (raised foot bridge over the creek), Johnson Park, Madolyn’s Crossing (a relocated, historic iron truss bridge) and Westside Park at the intersection of 2nd Street and Avenue Q comprised of 13 acres along a portion of Backbone Creek. • Westside Park, 1610 2nd St., is located at the intersections of Avenue Q and R. The park includes the hiking trail as well as a playscape, disk golf course, dog park, basketball court and both an enclosed and open pavilion to reserve for events. • Johnson Park, 230 S. Avenue J, is nestled in a pecan tree-shaded area where Backbone Creek and Whitman Branch flow into Lake Marble Falls. There is also a designated leash-free zone for dogs located in the venue. Features include two open-
