Trail Construction Status
UPDATED: August 31, 2026
When improvements begin in early-mid September, several trails will be closed for construction. Please watch this page for further updates on project status and when the trails will reopen. Thank you!
DETAILS: Several trails have needed ongoing repairs for erosion and poor drainage. To better ensure the safety of both visitors and preserve habitats, the Friends of SCNP has enlisted KOM Trails (Leander, Tx) to improve several trail segments:
Red/Yellow Trail
Starting from the parking lot, this trail crosses the bridge and heads toward the main pond, bordering its north edge. The trail here is eroded in parts, has several areas that are muddy during heavy rains. Several solutions have been attempted to prevent the erosion but haven’t been sustainable long term.
The project will create a slight switchback and re-align the trail with improved slope, grade and drainage. This trail is heavily used by hikers and fishermen alike. This work will mean a trail that is safer for all and less prone to erosion, so easier to maintain
Orange Trail
The Orange Trail starts from the parking lot, parallels Bowman Springs Road, heads toward the North Pond, and passes along a patch of little bluestem. Much of the trail is shaded by Post Oaks and Eastern Redcedar. This trail is used by visitors to the north pond and hikers heading for the north prairie.
The trail here is eroded in parts and has several areas that are muddy during heavy rains. South-Point Constructors volunteers added bridges to make the worst areas passable, but more modifications to the trail are needed. The steeply sloped north end of the trail is difficult to navigate and continues to erode despite our efforts.
Once our project is complete, the steepest parts of the trail will be rerouted to improve the grade.
Blue Trail
Starting from the bluff and heading down to the north prairie, the work on this section of the Blue Trail will be one of the biggest challenges and the most rewarding when the work is finished.
This trail is steep and has resisted our attempts to slow erosion by adding steps and berms to the trail. The Blue Trail’s major revision will install grade reversals and switchbacks resulting in a new route and opening up parts of the forest that aren’t accessible now – maybe some new species to find!
Trailhead from Parking Lot
This link slopes from the north end of the parking lot up to the Kiosk and to the beginning of the preserve’s natural surface trails.
The project plan calls for removing the existing limestone steps and the deteriorated surface, then resurfacing and regrading the area to provide a durable and accessible tread and a smooth continuous surface.
As with all the other trail improvements, this work will mean a trail that is safer for all and less prone to erosion, so easier to maintain.