Location: Austin
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What to do and see in Austin, Texas (TX): The Best Hiking Trails
Every year thousands of hipsters, groupies, and die-hard fans flock to Austin for the annual South by Southwest festival, which has catapulted the Texas city up the must-visit charts for many travelers. The sandstone Capitol building is symbolic of the Lone Star State’s "bigger is better" mentality, featuring a gorgeous whispering gallery rotunda and 22 acres of grounds. Cool off with a dip in Barton Springs, a huge natural limestone pool that’s fed by underground sources.
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1. Inga VanNynatten Memorial Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
2. South Walnut Creek Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By ronaustx - Austin, United States
Gentle climb from Boggy Creek to Decker Lake Park, 10 mile route one way, dedicated bike/hike path, paved, easy ride through green shady tunnel. Nice ride, safe, easy, lots of cyclists.
3. Balcones District Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By 901rickb - Round Rock, United States
known mostly for it's pool Balcones District Park is also a very nice place to go for a walk or bike ride. One note the park is open from 5 am until 10 pm pool hours may be different. from the parking lot if you take the single track trail past the picnic area and pool towards the high walled viaduct this will lead to the best part of the trails. once past the viaduct and into the woods this becomes a magical place especially if the creek is flowing. Yes this trail follows a sometimes dry branch of Walnut Creek. 1st time Quincy and I went it was dry but still very scenic and an excellent 3 mile loop. The bluebonnets were in bloom and it was beautiful walking through 100 yards of bluebonnets at the end of our walk. The second time the creek was flowing after 3 inches of rain had fallen and although parts of the trail were flooded there were trails to get you by these areas. This also had the water fall flowing and it is quite stunning for a little place like this probably a 15 foot drop. The first time we went we walked out to the MOPAC frontage road turned around and went back. The second time we went I found that if you turn left on the frontage road cross the bridge the trail continues to wind down the hill and under the MOPAC. This will eventually lead all the way to the huge walnut Creek Metro park so a whole day of hiking could easily be realized here. Great little park with a ginormous swimming pool.!
4. Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,700 reviews
Scenic trail through lush green parks and peaceful lakes: a great place to bike, hike and run.
Reviewed By DebbieMG130 - Rochester, United States
Coming to Austin from the frozen tundra of Western New York, I absolutely loved how much outdoor activity is going on there. Bikers, hikers, dog walkers, kayaks, canoes, and everything in between. Lady Bird Lake is centrally located near the downtown area, and it has a wonderful 10-mile bike trail encircling it. I rented a bike from Barton Springs Bike Rental (really nice folks), and I spent a wonderful 72 degree afternoon riding on the bike path, and taking it all in. It's a great way to see a different view of Austin, and to work off some calories from all the incredible restaurants.
5. Shoal Creek Greenbelt
6. Barton Creek Greenbelt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By blaine2016 - Austin, United States
All 10,000 acres is beautiful, and in the city’s center. But this section is stunning. Park off of southbound Mopac (Loop 1) just south of Capital of Texas Hwy(Hwy 360). You’ll see the parked cars. From there, find the signs that mark the trailhead, and head Southwest. The trail will rise and fall to and from creek level past several waterfalls, rapids, bluffs, forests, and pastures. Allow a bout 2–3 hours.
7. Red Bud Isle Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By seethestarsablaze - Austin, United States
If you're looking for a nice dog park with beautiful scenery, some peace and quiet, and water for your dogs to swim in this is the place! It's a ways out from central Austin but not hard to get to, and definitely worth the drive. If your dog is well behaved off leash then definitely take them here to explore and swim. There's no swimming allowed to people, so be sure to bring water for yourself if it's a hot day.
8. Turkey Creek Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By A6763KEamandak - Denver, United States
Beautiful Trail! Definitely worth a visit if your in Austin. On Monday, 10/19 one of our beloved staff therapy dogs from Dell Seton Medical Center in Austin, TX was hiking the trail with his owner when he went missing. If you visit this trail, please keep an eye out for him. He is a tan toy poodle with a blue collar and is chipped. Thank you!
9. River Place Nature Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By ochoaca - Houston, United States
We took our three kids (13, 11 and 7) on this six mile hike, unsure how they would do. It proved to be tough but doable! We were so proud of them for hanging in there - all those steps were not easy. The trail was mostly shaded and well kept. We went on a random Wednesday, so it was pretty quiet.
10. Spicewood Valley Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Sightseer465735
Enjoyed it very much. Took my 8 year old and had a nice little picnic off the trail. Parking is a bit weird. Must park in street. Just follow the crowd to their tiny parking lot for trail entrance.
