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3 miles
1.5
wide path; doubletrack
out and back
LCRA map | GPS/Google (.kml) | .gpx file | Elevation Profile
no fee for trail use only
n/a
• Cabins of various sizes (feat.
heat and A/C, bed and bath linens, satellite TV, coffee maker, small
refrigerator, microwave, and bathrooms)
• Kitchenettes can be found in larger cabins
• Picnic tables, grills, and campfire rings outside
• RV campsites with electric and water hookups
• Screened shelters (feat. electricity, ceiling fans, picnic table,
grill, & a campfire ring
• Restrooms
• Boat ramp
• Playground
(512) 389-8900
unavailable
Before ya’ load the bikes
to hit a little-known trail along Lake Fayette, stretching between Oak
Thicket Park and Park Prairie, don’t…not just for the purpose of riding,
anyhow. Although a decent length of approximately 6.25 miles, the Oak
Thicket to Park Prairie Hike and Bike Trail isn’t even close to being
worth the drive if riding is your only goal. However, if you have other
things on your to-do list, then Oak Thicket Park might not be such a
bad place to go. Featuring everything from camping shelters, to bunkhouses
with amenities, to RV hookups, Oak Thicket Park is a great weekend destination
for the whole family to get out and breathe a little fresh air. If you
do find yourself passing by Lake Fayette and decide to hit the trail,
be aware that parking at the playground is free for those using only
the trail and/or playground. In order to access any of the other features
of Oak Thicket Park, there is a $4 per adult fee (see photos).
The trailhead is easily marked and quickly ducks you into the woods surrounding
Lake Fayette. Quickly you’ll realize why this isn’t exactly a noteworthy
mountain bike destination, as the trail is a mix of wide path and doubletrack,
and the elevation change is minimal. Nevertheless, the trail is a rather
relaxing one that, although doesn’t offer much, asks even less. With
that in mind, Oak Thicket Park is a great place to get someone’s feet
wet when it comes to riding on a trail.
The trail gently winds along Lake Fayette, occasionally placing you within
feet of the lake itself, then dipping back into the wooded area. One
of the nice things about this trail is that even if there has been rain
in the recent forecast, areas that may typically become water crossings
are still rideable without fear thanks to being concrete (see photo).
Another nice touch are the mile markers you will find along the trail
in both directions. Although only 3 miles, it’s always nice to know
just how far you have gone (in the absence of any other means)
From a technical perspective, this trail barely exceeds a 1, but doesn’t
justify a rating of 2, so if 1.5 is an option, that’s where this trail
would fall. The turns are gradual and predictable, the elevation is
so minimal that it may hardly be noticed, and the surface, although
slightly sandy in some spots, fails to provide any sort of challenge.
The bottom-line is basically this: if you are looking to supplement a camping/fishing
trip with a little bit of two-wheel time, Oak Thicket Park is a viable
option. If you are just seeking out a new place to ride, Oak Thicket
is not the spot, unless done in conjunction with hitting other nearby
trails (Bluff Creek Ranch, the Lake Somerville trails, or even Rocky
Hill Ranch).
~ MountainBikeTx.com(Mar 2009)