Founded by a handful of outdoor enthusiasts, the nonprofit organization formed in January 2021 and began cutting trails in August 2021.
All of the existing trails are cut by hand with organization members and volunteers donating their time and resources to build and maintain trails in the evenings and on weekends.
GTF Vice President Aaron Zander and Treasurer Cove McCormick said the organization has invested 1,000 hours of labor into the trails. It has hosted public dig days every third Sunday of the month and plans to do so through Christmas.
While both Zander and McCormick are mountain bike riders, their goal is to bring 3-foot-wide multipurpose trails that bike riders, trail runners and hikers of all ages can enjoy. The organization is on pace to build 5 miles of trails per year.
“Our vision really truly is to have 30 miles of novice- to intermediate-level trails in town for younger people to get better and enjoy the outdoors,” McCormick said.
The Georgetown Parks & Recreation Department and City Council approved the GTF’s master plan, and Zander said the city is one of the nonprofit’s biggest advocates.
“The city and the parks and recreation department see the vision that we present,” Zander said. “They’ve recognized that other cities are embracing this as well, and it brings in tourism; it brings in people; it brings in users, and everybody wins.”
The GTF has mapped more than 30 miles of trails on city-owned property as well as 8 acres of land across the San Gabriel River from Chautauqua Park owned by the nonprofit.
Additionally, it is seeking approval from Southwestern University to build trails there. The GTF aims build a network of trails that link up with existing city paved paths.
The first trails built are all located near the San Gabriel River and include a half-mile stint between I-35 and Rivery Boulevard, a quarter-mile segment off University Avenue near Scenic Drive, a 2-mile Katy Crossing Loop Trail near San Gabriel Park and a 1-mile trail on the nonprofit’s property. The organization’s next project is a more than 1-mile trail at Chautauqua Park.
“Most of the stuff we are doing is in flood plains or has already been designated as a future park or green space,” Zander said. “We are only removing invasive species and overgrowth. We are just enhancing what’s already there.”
Trail cutting is a four-step process involving scouting, flagging, clearing and scratching. As self-described “artists of dirt,” Zander said they use handheld tools to form the trail.
McCormick said the organization has developed best practices for how to make their trails sustainable, but the organization is seeking trail stewards to keep up with the maintenance. Zander said if they were to leave a trail unmaintained, it would be overgrown within six months.
“The biggest fear would be if we do all of this work and then in 10 years when we’re not able to continue it, does it just disappear?” Zander said.
The self-funded nonprofit is also applying for grants. McCormick said increased funding from grants and community donations will speed up the pace at which trails can be built.
McCormick and Zander said it is rewarding to see the community use and enjoy something they have built.
“All of us have gotten way more joy out of this than we thought we would,” McCormick said. “We all almost prefer to go build trail ... rather than ride our bikes now.”
Georgetown Trails Foundation
1978 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown
512-913-2440
www.georgetowntrails.org
