Hiking the Violet Crown Trail
Austin recently opened a new portion of the Violet Crown, a trail which winds along through the Austin Greenbelt. A couple of weeks ago, Chris and I visited for the first time. Visitors should note that the new trailhead does not have its own parking lot. You're advised to park at a nearby shopping plaza. Get directions to 4970 W Hwy 290 and park in the Spec's lot close to the frontage road. The trailhead is just slightly east from there on foot. This is what the entrance looks like. You can just barely see it from the frontage road. You're welcomed by a switchback just past the entrance. The trail is well shaded and quite woodsy. Near the 4.5 mile marker you'll find an intriguing cave to look at. The terrain is on the rocky side but the beautiful bluffs give you something to look at as you slowly make your way over the sometimes jagged rocks. Even though the trail winds through an area of the city that is q