Oakwell Trailhead is our local point of entry into the Robert L.B. Tobin Park located on Ira Lee just under Austin Hwy bridge. Mr. Tobin used to reside in Oakwell Farms area across on the other side of Ira Lee so this trailhead is closest to his former home which now sits surrounded by a brand new apartment complex... Oakwell Farms has become a whole little community over the years.
Unfortunately at the time of this review, all of Ira Lee and all the streets around the area close to the creek are under construction and closed, Holbrook Rd as well... for at least the last couple of years and who knows when they will actually open again. We now have to park on the opposite side of Austin Hwy from the trailhead. Just a heads up that this might be the trailhead for you for awhile.
My husband has started a fitness program and has started walking regularly along this trail, a nice upgrade from around the same block over and over in our neighborhood. Lol. He's working on getting our vintage bikes into shape so we can bike as well, travel further. We've been to 410 one way and Rittiman the other way from this trailhead although the trail goes much further past 410 for miles.
The trail is scary cool. I love the vegetation, huge oaks, and wildlife. Too much trash tho, much of it comes from run off as this creek can flood often with the rain.
This trailhead is also close to where the Dawson Massacre happened during the Battle of Salado. Right along Austin Hwy just to west of the bridge is the historic plaque marking the event. Also a historical marker along Holbrook near Black Swan Inn. See pics.
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/dawson-massacre
Battle of Salado Creek
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/salado-creek-battle-of
... ya think this area of trail is haunted??? read more