Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Hike
The Salado Creek Greenway is part of the San Antonio Linear Creekway Program, which connects
mostly out-and-back hikes along creeks and rivers. It utilizes areas adjacent to creeks and rivers that
are generally part of a floodplain. They are wide, paved, multiuse trails. Many of the segments have
been connected, creating an opportunity to hike for a full day.
Check out the large display board at the trailhead, which contains a large park map and information
about the flora and fauna within the park. This is a multiuse trail, so keep to the right and be aware of
other people, especially bikers. Once on the trail and heading northeast, almost immediately cross two
concrete bridges over a wet area. The woods contain many large hardwoods that have blocked much of
the understory growth, so the trees have “open” areas around them. Most of the trail has an excellent
tree canopy.
Salado Creek is to the right and can be seen for much of the hike. A group of residences are to the
left, past a fence. The creek and mature trees create great habitat for wildlife, including a variety of
birds. Listen and watch for cardinals, blue jays, and the colorful ladder-backed woodpecker. Doves
like the area, and if a group of them takes off, they can even startle a seasoned hiker. Southern pecan
trees are mixed with the live oak and other hardwoods in the forest. Watch for white-tailed deer among
the trees during early morning or around dusk.
In the spring and fall, butterflies, including the painted lady, may be seen. Numerous climbing vines
use the trees for support, and there are patches of poison ivy along the edge of the trail. Continue fol-
lowing the trail, bearing slightly left (northwest). Pass a trail marker showing the distance to the Tobin
trailhead and the Oakwell trailhead. After a short distance, reach a large live oak with branches that
cross above the trail. From this point backtrack to the trailhead.
The Tobin Endowment donated the land for the Robert Tobin Park. The land was once part of Oak-
well, a 500-acre horse farm and home of the Tobin family.
