From quick and easy loops around town to drives that take you to watering holes and hilltop views, our city has so many options to hit the trail. So lace up your hiking boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking guide for the Austin area with 11 routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure and experience breathtaking views.
Note: While parks and trails may be listed as open, we recommend checking park websites before visiting for further info, current trail conditions, and safest practices for the area.
Key: Easy = 🥾 | Moderate = 🥾🥾 | Hard = 🥾🥾🥾
Central Austin
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, Multiple access points
- Difficulty: 🥾
- Length: 10-mile loop
- Wheelchair accessible: Portions
- Pet-friendly: Yes
Although more likely to be used by runners and dog walkers than intense hikers, this trail running along Lady Bird Lake is a favorite recreational spot for Austinites. Several bridges crossing the lake connect the trail in multiple points, meaning the 10-mile loop can be reduced into shorter loops as needed.
Waterloo Park Amphitheater Garden Loop, Multiple access points
- Difficulty: 🥾
- Length: 0.9-mile loop
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
Go for a quick walk on this short trail that beautifully juxtaposes nature and cityscape. Along the way, walkers will be able to spot views of the Texas Capitol, waterfalls, and native plants.
Take in water features like streams and waterfalls at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve.
Photo by Beverly Hamilton, @beverlyandersonhamilton
West Austin
Laurel, Yaupon, Possum and Arroyo Vista Loop, 805 N. Capital of Texas Hwy.
- Difficulty: 🥾🥾
- Length: 1.8-mile loop
- Wheelchair accessible: No
- Pet-friendly: No
Explore the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, a pristine 227-acre plot of Texas Hill Country. This trail meanders up and down hills and contains streams, a waterfall, and views.
River Place Canyon Trail, 8820 Big View Dr.
- Difficulty: 🥾🥾
- Length: 5.4-mile out-and-back
- Wheelchair accessible: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
Expect to get your heart pumping, because this trail has lots of elevation changes. The good part? That means lots of views, too.
Turkey Creek Trail, 1600 City Park Rd.
- Difficulty: 🥾
- Length: 2.7-mile out-and-back
- Wheelchair accessible: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
Emma Long Metropolitan Park runs along the north bank of Colorado River, but this trail largely explores the forested inner areas of the park. If you want to extend your hike, take some of the smaller paths that branch out from the main trail.
East Austin
Mueller Lake and Southeast Greenway, 4550 Mueller Blvd.
- Difficulty: 🥾
- Length: 3-mile loop
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
Looping around Mueller Lake Park, this trail borders waterfront seating, a playground, a food truck park, an outdoor stage, and several grassy recreation areas. Although parts of this trail are packed gravel, most of it is paved and gently sloped, making it a great option for those with mobility needs.
Take in the Hill Country from the Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail.
Photo by @tuckerridesbikes
South Austin
Greenbelt Twin Falls Trail, 3918 S. MoPac Expy.
- Difficulty: 🥾
- Length: 3.2-mile out-and-back
- Wheelchair accessible: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
There are several hiking trails along the Barton Creek Greenbelt, but the trek out to Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls is one of the most popular. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit, because the falls areas are great spots for a quick mid-hike dip.
Spot parts of the St. Edward’s University campus from the Blunn Creek Nature Preserve trails.
Photo by @monsterpopcorn
Blunn Creek Greenbelt Trail, 1200 St. Edwards Dr.
- Difficulty: 🥾
- Length: 1-mile loop
- Wheelchair accessible: No
- Pet-friendly: No
Expect to see some flora and fauna on your walk — this secluded trail near St. Edward’s University runs through a nature preserve. The short path also loops around a creek that runs through the property.
Onion Creek and Homestead Trail Loop, 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy.
- Difficulty: 🥾🥾
- Length: 6.8-mile loop
- Wheelchair accessible: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
Wander through wooded areas, over waterfalls, and among wildflowers at McKinney Falls State Park, the only state park in Travis County. In addition to rock formations and 1800s-era shelters, you might spot some exciting bird species.
Take in a peaceful moment at Mary Moore Searight Park.
Photo by @vishwanand
Mary Moore Searight Park Metro Trail, 907 W. Slaughter Ln.
- Difficulty: 🥾
- Length: 1.8-mile loop
- Wheelchair accessible: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
This trail is open year-round for runners, bikers, hikers, and walkers. If you’re bringing kiddos, plan to check out the playground at this park’s trailhead.
North Austin
Walnut Creek Loop, 12138 N. Lamar Blvd.
- Difficulty: 🥾
- Length: 1.3-mile loop
- Wheelchair accessible: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
Sit by the water — and let your pups take a splash — on this trail that runs along the Tar Branch of Walnut Creek. A portion of this North Austin park is off-leash for dogs.
Get the right gear
Get the most out of your trip with comfortable, handy, and helpful hiking gear:
- For the best footwear, check out Nordstrom Rack’s sneaker edit for hiking.
- If your trail demands a proper hiking boot, we like Columbia’s collection on Amazon.
- For apparel that’s both flattering and functional, we turn to small business Aesthetic Built. We love the oversized scuba hoodies for women and the muscle scallop tees for men.
- Travel light (but still have room for snacks) with lululemon’s Everywhere Belt Bag.
- Get a good bulk deal on Perfect Bars, Clif Bars, or Kind Bars at a warehouse store like Sam’s Club.
- Don’t forget to bring a compact, portable phone charger (you’ll thank us later).
- We like this Teton hiking backpack.
- We like this lightweight water bottle.
- Psst — to be ultra-prepared, here are the 10 items you should never enter a national park without, according to the National Park Service.
