Wide range of landscapes, gorgeous outdoor sceneries, there are plenty of outdoor opportunities and attractions in Austin. One of them are hike and bike trails. Many of Austin’s hiking trails run along with bodies of water, some have multiple access points for easy access. In this blog, we listed down 16 best hiking trails in Austin for your next journey.
1. Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Address: Sandra Muraida Way and W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78701
This trail is a 10-mile look around Lady Bird Lake that includes several parks along the way. Admire the sunset, stunning Austin skyline views, and run near the waterscape. This trail is bookended by two major recreational areas which are Zilker Park on the west and Guerrero Park on the east. The Ann and Roy Butler trail is surely one of the best hiking trails in Austin.
2. Barton Creek Greenbelt
Address: 3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B, Austin, TX 78704
The Baron Creek Greenbelt is one of the city’s most prized attractions with seven access points. Located in South Central Austin, The Greenbelt had 12.68 miles of trails which includes 7 miles of its main trail. Here are the following access points to Barton Creek Greenbelt:
– Trail Head 2201 Barton Springs Road
– Spyglass Entrance 1601 Spyglass Dr.
– Barton Hills Entrance 2010 Homedale Dr.
– Gus Fruh Entrance 2642 Barton Hills Dr.
– Loop 360 Entrance 3755-B Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360)
– Gaines Creek / Twin Falls Entrance 3918 S. MoPac Expy.
– Trail End 1710 Camp Craft Road
You can also find numerous of amenities within The Greenbelt such as Campbell’s Hole. The Flats, Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls.
3. Covert Park at Mount Bonnell
Address: 3800 Mount Bonnell Dr., Austin, TX 78731
This is one of the best hiking trails and the highest point in Austin with beautiful sunset views worth the visit! This beginner friendly spot in Austin can take your breath away with its panoramic views of the city. Mount Bonnell is an ideal place for a quick workout. The main hiking path measures just about 0.3 miles with 200-foot elevation gain from the bottom of the stairs. Up to this day, it remains to be an Austin hotspot attracting everyone from hikers, bikers, couples, and families.
4. McKinney Falls State Park
Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744
The only state park within the borders of Austin. McKinney Falls State Park has three trails for you to choose form. The Onion Creek Hike is moderately long but easy to traverse. You can take your dog for a walk although the state park requires them to be on a leash. Visitors can enjoy various activities in including hiking, birth watching, mountain biking, fishing, and wildlife observation.
5. Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Address: 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
With a trail length of just about 0.98 miles, Mayfield Nature Preserve are located near Mount Bonnell and Westwood Country Club. The hike is beginner-friendly with beautiful surroundings, wooded trails, and gardens.
6. Slaughter Creek Trail
Address: 9901 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Austin, TX 78737
Residents from South Austin don’t need to go further to find a good trail to hike. Aside from the Greenbelt, Slaughter Creek trails provide 5 miles of hike and mike friendly pathways. Trails for beginners and the experienced are available in the area.
7. Brushy Creek Regional Trail
Address: 3400 Brushy Creek Rd Cedar Park, TX
With almost 7 miles in length, the trail goes through several parks with plenty of stopping points to rest. There are informative points throughout the trail where you can read about early settlers and what the region was like before it was developed. Brushy Creek Trail also offers different amenities for walkers, hiker, and bikers visiting.
8. Mary Moore Searight Park
Address: 907 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748
A great thing about this park is that it’s not as crowded as the others. Trails in Mary Moore Searight Park are separated from the recreational play area for kids. An exercise route is also available if you are looking into adding some workout into your hike or bike visit. Make sure you remember or know your way out as the trail marks in this area are not so easy to follow!
9. River Place Nature Trail
Address: 4998 River Pl Blvd, Austin, TX 78730
If you want to feel the burn while hiking, the River Place Nature Trails has over 5 miles of trail within this scenic spot near the Austin proper making it one of the best hiking trails in Austin, Texas. The nature trail is also a dog-friendly place so if you need a companion during your workout, you can take your canine with you. The River Place Nature Trail has three trails: Fern Trail, Canyon Trail, and Panther Hollow.
10. 360 Bridge
Address: 360 Bridge, Austin, TX 78746
Also known as the Pennybacker Bridge Overlook Trail, offers magnificent views of downtown Austin and scenic hills which makes hiking to the top a worthwhile experience. Remember to wear sturdy shoes as you make your way to the top!
11. Turkey Creek Trail
Address: 1401-1711 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730
Located within the ground of Emma Long Metropolitan Park, Turkey Creek Trail has a 3-mile trail with moderate in difficulty. The scenic views are one of the things the locals love while hiking or biking in the area. Turkey Creek Trail runs near Lake Austin with several creek crossings and limestone cliffs. Definitely one of the best hiking trails in Austin. This is also one of the trails where you can have your canine companion off leash with you.
12. Shoal Creek Trail
Address: 2600 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78705
Just about 10 minutes from downtown and UT Austin, the Shoal Creek Greenbelt has 76 acres of scenic trails. Dogs can be brought within the trail but requires a leash although they are not allowed on the 24th to the 29th Street. The shady trail passes by the Duncan and Pease Park and is now also connected to the Lady Bird Lake Trail. One of the best hiking trails in Austin near downtown.
13. Southern Walnut Creek Trail
Address: Bolm Rd, Austin, TX 78721
This kid and dog-friendly trail offers plenty of activities for families. This includes picnic areas, barbecue pits, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and swimming pools. The trail is located at East Austin encompassing more than 7.3 miles of multi-use trail nearby trees, flatland, soft hills, and water. The Southern Walnut Creek Trail consists of a 10-ft concrete path designed for various trail visitors.
14. Red Bud Isle
Address: 3401 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX 78746
Your canine companion will love this trail road since they can be with you leash-free. Red Bud offers easy access to parking and parts of the Lady Bird Lake outside downtown Austin. If you don’t find yourself hiking or biking within the grounds, take a kayak and paddle away at the waters.
15. Hamilton Pool Preserve
Address: 24300 Hamilton Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Located within the Wedding Capital of the Texas, Dripping Springs, the swimming hole in Hamilton Pool Preserve is not just the only one that captivates visitors in the area. People also look forward to enjoy the numerous hiking trails within. You can spot a hiking trail to the pool and guided hikes are also available with tours that being in the dry uplands and descends 80 feet into a canyon that features a wide diversity of native plants and animals. Definitely one of the best hiking trails in Austin.
16. Commons Ford Ranch Park
Address: 614 N Commons Ford Rd, Austin, TX 78733
The Common Ford Ranch is a lakefront park on Lake Austin with a trail length of 0.8 miles. A great place to take your family and pet for a picnic after a hike. There are also amenities such as a volleyball court, picnic tables, and barbecue pits.
If you are looking to settle within neighborhoods close to plenty of outdoor attractions, hike, and bike, areas, get in touch with us. We’d be glad to help you out with your search!
