Why Abilene’s Cedar Creek Waterway Trail Is One Of The City’s Hidden Gems

My wife and I finally checked something off our local bucket list here in Texas this past weekend: the Cedar Creek Waterway Trail in Abilene.

We've talked about walking it for a while, and on a cool Sunday morning we finally laced up our shoes and hit the trail. Honestly? I wish we had done it sooner.

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Cedar Creek Waterway Trail Offers One Of Abilene's Best Walks

We started fairly early, and while there were a handful of people out enjoying the morning, it never felt crowded. We passed a few cyclists, some fellow walkers, and even a guy cruising along in one of those electric mobility scooters.

The trail itself is fantastic. Wide concrete pathways wind through the city from East South 11th Street all the way toward North 10th Street. The path is mostly flat, making it an easy walk for just about anyone.

By the time we reached the end and turned around and walked back, we had logged nearly four miles.

Surprising Amenities Along The Cedar Creek Trail

One thing that really impressed me was how much thought went into the trail.

Along the route you'll find emergency call stations, water fountains for both people and pets, and even a bike repair station. Those little details make a big difference, especially during the hotter months in Texas.

There are also several spots where you can get closer to Cedar Creek itself, giving the trail a surprisingly scenic feel.

Does The Cedar Creek Waterway Trail Feel Safe?

I've heard people mention concerns about parts of the area the trail passes through, but I can only speak from our experience. We felt completely comfortable during our walk. The trail was clean, well-maintained, and populated by people simply enjoying the outdoors. At no point did we feel uneasy.

Nostalgic Moments & Trains

One of the coolest moments came on our return trip when we walked beneath the railroad tracks just as a train rolled overhead. It was loud, a little eerie, and honestly pretty awesome.

The walk also took us past the old WTU building and several areas that made it easy to forget we were even in Abilene.

Check Out Photos From Our Cedar Creek Waterway Adventure

If you've never explored the Cedar Creek Waterway Trail, I'd highly recommend giving it a shot. It's peaceful, surprisingly scenic, and a great way to get some exercise without leaving town.

Take a look through our gallery below for photos from our Sunday morning adventure.