The Medina River Greenway Links South Bexar Trailheads

The Medina River Greenway runs 17 miles across south Bexar County, from the Medina River Natural Area to a point south of Mission Espada, with several trailheads spaced along the way. It's proof San Antonio is more than its downtown river. There's a whole second river story playing out on the south side.

The route switchbacks under cypress, oak, and pecan as it follows the Medina, passing near Cassin Lake and Mitchell Lake. Mitchell Lake is the standout: its wetland habitat is a well-known stop for migratory birds, the kind of place where you'll see people parked with binoculars and a thermos at dawn.

Choosing where to live, ride, or walk on the south side, this is the spine to know — and it's the easy answer when out-of-town relatives want something greener and quieter than the River Walk. The trailheads sit far enough apart that you can ride one segment for an hour or string several together for a long day.