Mud Creek Park — Attraction in San Antonio

I went to Mud Creek Park for the first time yesterday evening to hike the 1.4-mile loop trail depicted on the online trail map. While I admired the lush foliage and was pleased to see a few deer, those positives were outweighed by the disturbing experience of wandering far off-track due to the complete lack of trail markers or signage enabling hikers to remain on the actual loop trail. Although I used the benches (depicted on the map) as markers, once I got to the area by the dam, where there is a sign saying no weapons are allowed and a grate over what appears to be a little garden, the trail seemed to get more rugged (i.e., two indentations running on either side of a completely untamed grassy median), which leads me to think it wasn't the actual trail anymore but just the remains of some off-roading by cyclists. Still, I didn't see any other trail, so I kept going down that "path." However, when I found myself almost at Loop 1604, I knew for sure that I wasn't on the trail and turned around. On the way back, I tried going down another cyclist-type trail branching off of the faux trail I was on, and it ultimately led to complete untamed wilderness. When I got back to the dam area and the bench, I tried walking up what appeared to be another, inclined trail by the bench, but ultimately ended up at a field with some utility lines after getting stuck in (and scraped up by) brushy wilderness. I finally made my way back to that area by the weapons sign and just walked and ran back down the trail I'd started on to the parking lot. Thankfully, it was still light (I got to my car around 8:10; I'd arrived at 6:30 planning to hike for no more than 45 minutes or so, given the length of the mapped trail), as I can only imagine how much more disturbing that experience would have been in the dark. I strongly urge the SA Parks Department to place signs (and, perhaps, do a bit more trail maintenance) to enable visitors to follow the route depicted on the online map.

Another flaw that seriously detracts from the natural experience at Mud Creek Park is the excessive graffiti, particularly on this abandoned stadium area (which might not be part of the park itself) that the actual trail takes you by and also on the few signs in the park and parking lot and, perhaps, on some rocks or fences throughout the park. I haven't seen so much (if any) graffiti at any other park in San Antonio, so I'm sure there's something that can be done about it at Mud Creek.

I shared these concerns with the Parks Department, so hopefully they will be addressed at some point in the...

Awesome "wild" trail that somebody decided to build houses around. Plenty of deer and fun terrain/elevation changes for beginners and casual hikers. Great shade over the main trails to keep you from getting your energy zapped by the sun. Came across a few people and their dogs (leash only) throughout the hike, but everyone was super friendly, courteous and kept a responsible distance when passing. Just the one trash can and port-a-potty at the very front of the trail, but no where else (plan to pick up your trash accordingly). Some red, wooded benches throughout the main trails. Trail not well marked, but that wasn't an issue since this trek was more of a loop-type trail vs a down-and-back. Parking lot needs a bit of an...

Very natural park with ZERO paved trails and lots of rocks. That being said, the trails are not marked well at all and you are likely to wander off the intended trail onto an animal trail, another trail, or just into the woods. This is great for those with a decent sense of direction, less so for those less geographically inclined.

Amenities: paved parking lot, handicapped accessible parking and port-a-potty, water fountain for humans and pets, bike repair station, trash/recycle cans, and dog poo station. Two maps and 4...