A 100‑Mile Trail from San Antonio to Austin? The Great Springs Project Is Making It Real

by Mark Stillings

Could you soon hike or bike directly between San Antonio and Austin — through springs, greenspace, and historic corridors?
Yes — that’s the vision behind the Great Springs Project, and it’s moving forward faster than ever.

What Is the Great Springs Project?

The Great Springs Project is an ambitious plan to build a 100‑mile hike and bike trail connecting the Alamo in San Antonio to the Texas Capitol in Austin. Along the route, the trail will link four major springs: San Antonio Springs, Comal Springs, San Marcos Springs, and Barton Springs.

But it’s more than a recreational corridor — the project also aims to protect 50,000 acres over the Edwards Aquifer recharge and contributing zones. In short: it’s conservation, trail building, heritage, and regional connectivity all rolled into one.

A Big Win: State Support and a Deadline

One of the most important developments: House Bill 4230 now legally mandates that the trail be completed by Texas’ bicentennial, January 1, 2036. With that, various state agencies — the Texas General Land Office, TxDOT, and Texas Parks & Wildlife — can more formally collaborate with the Great Springs Project.

This isn’t just symbolic: the law also prohibits the use of eminent domain for acquiring the land, which ensures that private property rights are respected in how the trail is built.

Where Is the Trail Now?

While the whole trail is still years away, progress is already underway.

In San Marcos, the Limestone Link trail — a new 1.3-mile connector — has opened, linking the Ringtail Ridge Natural Area and River Recharge Natural Area.
More than 40 miles of trail segments are already in place across various stretches.
Another 30 miles have been planned, with work underway on coordination, funding, and route alignment.

Additionally, local governments and landowners are being engaged. The project has contacted over 850 property owners along the proposed route; about 60% have expressed interest or willingness to learn more.

In San Antonio specifically, proposed connections include extending greenway access from the Hays Street Bridge into Salado Creek and integrating with existing trails. Local support is growing: Bexar County recently passed a resolution supporting collaboration on these connections.

Why This Matters Locally (Especially for San Antonio)

1. Recreation & Quality of Life

Imagine being able to bike, hike, or run straight from San Antonio to Austin — passing through natural corridors, springs, and scenic landscapes. This project elevates the region’s outdoor infrastructure significantly.

2. Economic & Heritage Tourism

The trail is expected to boost heritage tourism, drawing visitors who want to experience Texas springs, small towns, and natural landscapes. Economic development along the route could be significant.

3. Environmental Conservation

Protecting 50,000 acres over the aquifer zones is a major ecological benefit — preserving water quality, habitat, and open space in rapidly developing corridors.

4. Regional Connectivity & Equity

For San Antonio, connecting underutilized or disconnected trails to the Great Springs corridor means better access to greenways from more neighborhoods. It’s a chance to bridge recreational equity gaps.

Challenges Ahead

Land acquisition and easements remain complicated in areas with many private owners.
Coordination across jurisdictions (cities, counties, state, utilities) is complex.
Funding and phased construction: some segments will come sooner, others later, based on budget and feasibility.
Trail continuity: connecting the “gaps” seamlessly so the route feels like one continuous trail is a design and implementation challenge.

How You Can Get Involved (Especially if You’re Local)

Follow and support the Great Springs Project — their website has updates, maps, and volunteer opportunities.
Engage with local planning efforts — as trail design moves into neighborhoods, public input is critical.
Promote trail awareness so more residents recognize its value — more public support can influence funding priorities.
Explore existing trail segments like Limestone Link to get a feel for the terrain and possibilities.

The Great Springs Project is more than a long-distance trail—it’s a bold blueprint for connectivity, conservation, recreation, and regional pride. For San Antonio, it's an opportunity to link our neighborhoods, natural spaces, and communities to a vision that reaches all the way to Austin.