Bright Leaf Preserve

Bright Leaf is a natural area over 200 acres in size within the city limits of Austin, Texas. It is free and open to the public, and guided hikes take place every second Saturday and Sunday of every month. The Austin Chronicle Critics Picks 2008 awarded it the "Best Walk in the Park" of Austin. Bright Leaf is a natural area over 200 acres in size within the Austin city limits. In order to protect the fragile nature of Bright Leaf, all hikes in the park must be guided hikes. Free guided hikes on the second Saturdays and Sundays of the month at Bright Leaf Preserve are fun free stuff for both children and adults. Park visitors are to meet the guide at the parking lot off of 2222 and Creek Mountain Road. Hikes are approximately 4 miles long, last 2-1/2 hours and are free. Hikers should dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. Bright Leaf began as the inspiration of Georgia Lucas who purchased the land in 34 separate real estate transactions in order to put together the property she named Bright Leaf. To gather 216 acres of contiguous undeveloped land within the city limits of Austin today would be impossible. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has recently partnered with the National Wildlife Federation to offer a Best of Texas Backyard Habitats certification program. Wildscaping is an important concept for wildlife, water conservation, and an appreciation of the beauty of the native plants around us. Bright Leaf is a great place to see some of the native plants that can be used in wildscapes and are available at area nurseries.