Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Jones-Maltsberger. DeLorme: Texas Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 157 F9; page 77 A12.
GPS: N 29 32.849' / W 98 27.121'
The Hike
A convenient starting point is on the asphalt trail near Mud Creek and the baseball diamonds. The trail,
even though closely bordered by trees, is wide enough to accommodate walkers, joggers, and cyclists.
The baseball diamonds and soccer fields on the east side of the park are sometimes visible but go al-
most unnoticed. There are several well-marked road crossings, so use care. Cross Mud Creek and pass
under huge live oaks bordering the trail that create a sense of a pristine area.
The park, created in 1968, was originally called Northeast Preserve. It was renamed in 1974 to hon-
or former San Antonio Mayor Walter W. McAllister. Portions of the park were developed on a flood-
plain to help protect the San Antonio International Airport. A dam has been built to help control the
water level in the Upper Salado Creek watershed. Considering the nearness of the airport, the park has
areas that seem pristine, and the woods muffle much of the noise from the air traffic.
Many paths made by overzealous “explorers” crisscross the official 3-mile asphalt trail. Stay on the
asphalt trail because some areas in the park are ecologically sensitive. There is no official trailhead,
but there are entry spots from numerous parking areas. It is one of the few parks where this capability
exists and allows the 3-mile route to be shortened with no worry about getting disoriented.
Huge live oak trees can be seen near drainage waterways in the lower areas. The trees achieved their
unusual size because they could not be cut, as they were in a floodplain. They have created a large
wooded area that is home to white-tailed deer, rabbits, squirrels, and other wildlife. The largest con-
centration of birds, squirrels, and other animals is near the picnic area, where they scavenge the
crumbs dropped by picnickers.
The upland area of the park had been used as a dairy farm, and as a result there are a few cedar trees
and some mesquite overgrowth. The San Antonio Road Runners and Harmony Hills Optimist Club
have helped construct several of the trails in the park.
This park is an anomaly. It's in a major city, on a floodplain, adjoining a major airport, has baseball
diamonds, soccer fields, and a police substation, yet McAllister Park has become a favorite hiking des-
tination for folks living in San Antonio. They appreciate its convenient location, the easy hiking trail
that is suitable for all ages, the shaded and sometimes almost secluded areas, and the opportunity to re-
lax while watching white-tailed deer and listening to the many species of birds. It's a great getaway
that can be utilized even during a lunch break.
