Exploring the dusty backroads that abound in and around the Texas Hill Country is a great way to spend a spring weekend. A beautiful contrast to the bustling culture of downtown San Antonio or Austin, Crescent Bend Nature Park in the burgeoning community of Schertz, is a quiet and peaceful place to spend some time getting in touch with nature.
Crystal Faldalen
Nature
Weekend Wandering: Crescent Bend Nature Park
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Photo: Crystal Faldalen
Nestled in the wooded area between FM 1518 and FM 78, Crescent Bend Nature Park is a relatively untouched preserve that lies along Cibolo Creek. The park is subtle in its simplicity, made up of little more than a decomposed gravel walking trail that winds back and forth through the trees. The trail forks in several locations, allowing visitors to choose their own adventure on every visit. The park is dotted with benches along its trails, and a few picnic tables along the creek bank.
Crescent Bend offers visitors a chance to experience this area in its natural habitat. It is home to a number of native birds and wildlife species, and is a favorite of bird enthusiasts. The park features a bird blind and feeders, which provide the perfect location for photography and birdwatching. It is not uncommon in the park to see folks with cameras, families bicycling, or couples enjoying a romantic stroll along its trails. Pet parents also love the park as well, and dog-walking is another common sight at Crescent Bend.
Cibolo Creek cuts through the park, providing another interesting opportunity to explore. Whether casting a line, or just investigating the shells and rocks along the bank, the creek adds another dimension to the park’s habitats.
Spacious and open, Crescent Bend is the perfect place to get back to nature and enjoy the warmth of the Texas sunshine. Off the beaten path and a world away from the overcrowded, manicured parks of the city, Crescent Bend offers a unique experience and a breath of fresh air in the rural Texas countryside.
