The Parks and Recreation Department maintains several types of trails for hiking, biking, skating and other activities. Located along Spicewood Springs Rd and Bull Creek, this little park contains an impressive three miles of Austin park trails, including an especially steep 2-mile loop track known as the Hill Trail. These are the best places for kid-friendly hiking trails in Austin: Which places provide the best hiking trails in Austin for couples? Please see our, Camping Near Austin: 15 Fun Parks + Campgrounds, 19 Best Austin Swimming Holes in (+ Near) the City, 15 Epic Hikes in Texas (+ Map to Find the Trails! Arguably, this is the sexiest park for a date. The climb itself is only about 0.1 miles. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! We respect your privacy. Pedernales Falls State Park 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City For any bird watching fans out there, this is the spot! These places are best for hiking trails in Austin: Which places provide the best hiking trails in Austin for kids and families? For the health conscious and the aspiring, our lovely park and trail systems offer a perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy the beautiful outdoors year-round!" All rights reserved. A prized feature of the Austin landscape, this paved trail features phenomenal views of the lake and the downtown skyline. Butler Metro Park . Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. Similarly, whether or not the swimming holes at Barton Creek are worth a dip depends on water levels as well. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. On the weekends, there is a $10 fee for access, and the trail’s popularity means that you shouldn’t come here expecting to be alone–but there’s a reason that Austinites flock to this trail, and it’s well worth trying out! In addition to hikers, mountain bikers, and joggers, equestrians are welcome on this trail (dogs, however, are not welcome). There are a couple of different trails to choose from. The park and trail is located in the Lost Creek subdivision, west of Austin. As tempting as popular Hill Country hikes like Enchanted Rock and Pedernales Falls are, you don’t need to leave the city limits to get lost in nature in Austin. Austin currently has around 50 miles of urban trails. Last but certainly not least, the popular River Place Nature Trail is one of Austin’s most challenging trails, known for its steep climbs and many, many stairs. Many of the best hikes in Austin are dramatically different based on water levels in the creeks, rivers, and lakes that dot the city–Turkey Creek Trail means wet feet after the rain, but hardly any water to look at during a drought. Dogs are welcome on-leash and services are basically nonexistent, so bring what you need (and if Austin has had rain recently, that includes a swimsuit to take advantage of the Greenbelt’s swimming holes). Here’s The Deal: "'Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park' is a vast 293-acre park located just north of Austin city center.It includes miles of hiking trails, an off-leash dog park, a pool, a playground, and leisure and sports facilities. The park is fairly small, pretty, has a short trail and not crowded. Unlike many of these hikes in Austin, however, dogs aren’t allowed at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. By Katie Friel. As you’re heading south on 360, on the north side of the bridge (right before you would cross it), you’ll see a turnout where you can park. Hours: 8 am to 10 pm This 5-mile loop isn’t particularly difficult–other than a few gentle hills, it’s fairly flat–but it is beautiful, and generally much less crowded than some of the better-known hiking trails in Austin. Austin is surrounded by incredible parks and outdoor recreation areas. Did you know that Austin has its own island? Explore the best trails in Austin, Texas on TrailLink. The estate and park are located near Mount Bonnell and Westwood Country Club. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. Check here for the most updated information about current algae blooms. Project Connect and … If you can, plan your hikes outside of peak times to avoid the crowds–the trails are much more peaceful that way! Parts of the trail are even built as a boardwalk over the lake itself. This 2.87-mile out-and-back trail crisscrosses over Turkey Creek at several points–so depending on how high the water level is, you may need to prepare for your feet getting wet. What are the best places for hiking trails in Austin? The path is ideal for walking or biking with kids–especially since it connects an unbelievable six parks! You can also connect with the Upper Bull Creek Trail from here to combine two hikes into one. Austin's Trails Connect People + Places. *A Yes for ADA Accessible indicates a section of the trail that meets ADA at the time it was constructed. The park is open for a variety of activities including camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail … Like the better-known Barton Creek Greenbelt, the Bull Creek District Park and Greenbelt are beautiful, free to visit, can be reached by several access points, and is characterized by a beautiful creek flowing over slippery limestone. Austin Parks Foundation partners with our community to enhance people’s lives by making our public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support. As an Amazon Associate, Lone Star Travel Guide earns from qualifying purchases. Nature Trails and Parks: Bee Cave Loop Park 13742 Bee Cave Parkway Bee Cave Loop is a 1.4 mile paved loop that is accessible all year round. While a bit too short to be called a hike per se, Mount Bonnell is such an iconic part of Austin that leaving it off of an Austin hiking guide seems wrong! 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703. With nearly 13 miles of trails to choose from (the “main” trail is about 7 miles long) that can be reached by several access points, exploring the Greenbelt is far from a one-and-done experience–it’s the kind of place that Austinites return to again and again. The best time to hike Slaughter Creek is definitely during wildflower season when the fields surrounding the trail explode with beautiful colors! Now, the National Park Service is helping them make that vision a reality. The water is carefully tested, and warnings are put out when blooms are present, but it’s best to be vigilant. This under-visited and underrated park sits on 500 acres two hours from Austin. The water is carefully tested, and warnings are put out when blooms are present, but it’s best to be vigilant. It’s a delightful urban trail, though, featuring all of the essential features of an Austin hike: creeks, small waterfalls (when the water is high enough, anyway), oak trees, and limestone. Apr 13, 2020, 4:27 pm Trail users should now go clockwise around Lady Bird Lake. The trail is almost 6 miles round-trip, and dogs are welcome. Keep in mind that no pets are allowed at Mayfield Park. Visitors can enjoy the trails, picnic tables, pavilion and wildlife viewing area. View the trail directory to see the location and usage types of all City-maintained trails. Throughout the year, Zilker Park is home to many events such as Shakespeare in the Park performances and an annual musical theater production, which are held at the Zilker Hillside Theater. The site-specific installation series uses eco-friendly turf paint to delineate spaces where people can come together to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities - like picnics, yoga, and relaxing in the sun - while maintaining a safe distance. Popular hikes include the Onion Creek Trail and the Homestead Trail, and no visit to McKinney Falls State Park is complete without seeing both the Lower Falls and Upper Falls–the Upper Falls have been compared to a more-impressive version of Sculpture Falls at Barton Creek. While the shady trails, lovely views, and historic nature of the preserve (Mayfield Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places) are all reasons to visit, there’s no doubt that the free-roaming peacocks steal the show at this Austin park! It is recommended the trail be reviewed and compared to user capabilities prior to use* With excellent views, places to swim, and a quiet charm, St. Edward’s Park is located in the northwestern part of the city. The charming, out-and-back Spicewood Valley Trail is a hidden gem of a hike in Austin–partially because it is quite literally hidden in plain sight, with one of the most popular entrances starting between two unassuming suburban houses. Some bodies of water in Austin, including Lady Bird Lake, have experienced toxic algae blooms that have been fatal to dogs in the past. These are the best places for couples seeking hiking trails in Austin: Which places provide the best hiking trails in Austin for travelers on a budget? With more than 32 Austin trails covering 128 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the San Gabriel Park Trail or Johnson Creek Hike and Bike Trail. Austin Parks Foundation partners with our community to enhance people’s lives by making our public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support. ), As tempting as popular Hill Country hikes like, With nearly 13 miles of trails to choose from (the “main” trail is about 7 miles long) that can be reached by. Hiking in Austin often means dealing with intense heat–don’t underestimate it! WALNUT CREEK METROPOLITAN PARK . Quick answer: Point-to-point, the Barton Creek Greenbelt trail is 7.5 miles, but the total amount of Austin Parks and Recreation Department-maintained trail totals 12.68 miles. One of Austin’s most cinematic parks, Butler Park is located next to Vic Mathias Shores (fka Auditorium Shores), where the parking is plentiful and the people-watching is excellent. It is also one of our favorite places to go hiking in Austin. Furthermore, our urban trails system is a key piece of connective tissue, interlacing parks with jobs centers, entertainment, and commercial activities through safe, naturally beautiful corridors. Both vibrant and practical, P A R K S P A C E is an intervention that helps visualize social distancing guidelines in Austin’s parks and green spaces. As a bonus, St. Edward’s is often less crowded than many other parks in Austin! Parts of the trail are paved, though not all of it. Featuring seemingly endless sparkling creeks, craggy limestone paths, and beautiful views, hiking in Austin is an absolute treat–and with so many parks and hiking trails in Austin to choose from, even locals have a hard time running out of new hikes in Austin to try out on the weekends. These places are best for hiking trails in Austin: Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail; Barton Creek Greenbelt; Turkey Creek Trail; River Place Nature Trails; Red Bud Isle Park; See more hiking trails in Austin on Tripadvisor Circling Lady Bird Lake, the crushed granite path stops by some of Austin’s most beloved recreational areas like Zilker Park and Auditorium Shores. Your dog will likely get more exercise than you, as the trail surrounding the outer edge of the island is only about a half-mile long, but looping a few times will ensure that both of you have a chance to make the most of this beautiful spot. The burning quads are worth it, though, to experience the charming creeks, many small waterfalls, and gorgeous scenery at the River Place Nature Trail. 12138 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78753 Directions Since 1928. The beloved crown jewel of Austin hiking and located just minutes from downtown, Barton Creek Greenbelt is a must-see for anyone looking for the best hikes in Austin. Popular spots include Twin Falls, Sculpture Falls, the Hill of Life, and Campbell’s Hole, but there is no shortage of beautiful places in the Greenbelt. Enjoy beautiful Austin parks that are off the beaten path, ... making it an urban haven for wildlife. As in any urban area, there are occasional issues with car break-ins at the parking lots for hiking trails in Austin. 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744. Discover existing and upcoming concrete trails to walk or bike on with the Urban Trails Interactive Web Map. 1000 Barton Springs Rd. more. Brushy Creek Regional Trail The Brushy Creek Regional Trail is the ‘burbs’ answer to Austin’s popular hike and bike trails. "Wonderful park for strolling, walking the dog or walking/biking along the 10 mile paved hike and bike trail that is located along the shores of beautiful Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin." Starting at sunset on Thursday, all City of Austin parks and trails will close for the Easter weekend to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. No list of the best state parks near Austin area would be complete without mentioning Stephen F. Austin Park. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Stargazing in Texas: Dark Sky Locations + Tips. The park is named after one of the first 300 settlers who came to Central Texas with Stephen F. Austin. My husband and I went to Boulder Park on a Saturday afternoon. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Top Austin Parks & Nature Attractions: See reviews and photos of parks, gardens & other nature attractions in Austin, Texas on Tripadvisor. 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