New Braunfels is advancing on the Dry Comal Creek Trail master plan, a 5-6 mile multipurpose trail project designed for recreational opportunities and to connect key areas of the community.

The details

The trail project is a greenway extension organized into four phases based on location, topography and roads, according to official city documents.
  • Segment 1: Landa Park to Walnut Avenue (0.91 miles, 10’ wide concrete trail).
  • Segment 2: Little League Loop Field to Walnut Avenue
  • Segment 3: Altgelt Lane to Loop 337/Little League Loop Field
  • Segment 4: Solms Park to Altgelt Lane
Some of the trail amenities, according to city officials, include:
  • trailheads with parking
  • information signs
  • restrooms
  • picnic areas
  • water fountains
  • bike racks
  • grill stations
Only voluntary acquisition or easements will be used for the trail design and construction, according to the city documents. Property owners and residents engaged with city officials through meetings, workshops and surveys.

The background

The existing Dry Comal Nature Trail, established in 2003, is a 2.25-mile loop trail located off Loop 337. The trail offers wildlife viewing and recreation opportunities and is the only mountain bike trail in the city's park system, according to city documents.


In 2013, a bond program included potential funding for the Dry Comal Creek Trail, but it was not funded due to insufficient remaining funds. Public interest in the trail remained high, leading to the development of the master plan.

Keep in mind

According to the city documents, challenges for the project include:
  • Bank erosion
  • Floodplain management
  • Invasive vegetation
Solutions for these challenges, according to the masterplan, include using raised boardwalks, reconstructing banks with plantings, and removing invasive species, along with installing amenities and signage for better trail usability.

What’s next


The next steps in the update of the Dry Comal Creek Trail project include:
  • Completing the feasibility study by August
  • Presenting concept to the City Council and community stakeholders in September
  • Securing funding for right-of-way acquisition
  • Securing funding for construction
  • Finalizing design within a year and a half
  • Beginning construction phase, estimated to take 1-1.5 years