Hornsby Bend River Trail

Birds. 

You cannot speak of Hornsby Bend without talking about our feathered friends. This place is a favorite for bird watching- as well it should be. You can get more bird for your buck here than just about anywhere else in Austin (and maybe the State). So, what attracts such high diversity?

Poop. Probably. 

The Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant was established in the 1950’s. The site was originally chosen because of its proximity to the Colorado River- easy to discharge straight into the water, a practice that continued until the 80s. Eww. The treatment facilities and stabilization ponds and evaporation basins and composting pads have attracted a large variety of birds to the area over the years.

This hike is not in the top 10, 20…50…100 most beautiful hikes in Austin, nor should it be. It’s a flood plain and it smells bad..often enough. And I love it, because it has attracted all sorts of interesting flora and fauna over the years. I’ve seen some really cool nature on this short hike. In fact, one of my most favorite trees is near the trailhead- an ancient pecan that has clearly seen some sh*t. Literally and figuratively. That tree is gnarly as heck and has been there a long time. Last time we were there, my hiking mate swore they spotted a Keebler Elf or two. 

If you use the north entrance, you will have the opportunity to stroll through open grasslands, diverse forests, and riparian wetlands- every turn, a little something different. Including rusty, broken bullshit. And so many butterflies. This place is a trip! 

This is also where Dillo Dirt comes from. When it got going in 1989, it was the first composting program in the state and one of the first in the country. Yes, this really is compost made from wastewater sludge. Poop. Yes, the powers that be have tested it carefully and Dillo Dirt is safe and wonderful for your veggie garden. Don’t be precious. Compost is awesome. 

The hike is extremely toddlerable- a little rough in the summer months with long stretches in the unrelenting sun, but there’s not a whole lot of topography changes until you get closer to the plant. The main trail off Platt Lane is fairly flat and well maintained, until you get closer to the river. For the best birding experience, you’d want to enter from the plant side, which unfortunately has been under construction for a while now. As construction ends, the site will be more accessible. I would recommend reaching out to them for accessibility details before arrival. 

Park Information

North Entrance

Open dawn to dusk, you’ll find a small parking lot equipped with a porto by the trail head. The lot is just passed Tree Folks and Austin Youth River Watch on Platt Lane. You can type in 10611 Platt Ln, Austin, TX 78725 and should be able to find the trail entrance and lot with ease. 

Plant/South Entrance

If you’re going straight for the birds, you’ll want to drive to 2210 S FM 973, Austin, TX 78725. There is parking by the birding shelter (here’s a handy guide https://www.hornsbybend.org/copy-of-location-guide ). Accessibility should be better from this entrance. 

Additional Links

Interested in the history of Dillo Dirt? https://www.austintexas.gov/department/dillo-dirt 

Birding in a Natural Wasteland is a great video that not only covers some great info on birding out there, but the plant processes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV2g2LUFkx4 

Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory website: https://www.hornsbybend.org/