A new Violet Crown Trail System extension opened this summer in Southwest Austin. With the new extension, the Violet Crown Trail runs continuously from Zilker Park to Slaughter Creek. It also links to the South Austin Trail Network.

Movability member Ghisallo Cycling Initiative teamed up with Austin Public Works to lead a community bike ride on the newly opened section of the Violet Crown Trail at the end of July.

The new 1-mile extension connects Home Depot Boulevard to MoPac just north of William Cannon Drive. It includes an accessible crossing beneath MoPac to Williamson Creek and a new shared-use path on a portion of the northbound MoPac service road.

“This section of the trail furthers the Violet Crown Trail vision to provide an alternate means of transportation for the community and the opportunity to connect with nature amidst a busy urban area," Hill Country Conservancy CEO Kathy Miller said.

Funding for the project came from 2012 and 2016 City of Austin Mobility Bonds and a Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization grant. The trail is anticipated to reach the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center by the end 2024. When complete, the Violet Crown Trail will span more than 30 miles.