Support Us Button Widget
Travel and Outdoors

Rainey Street Trailhead opens at the tip of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

The new park area has something for all Austinites — young and old — with play areas, seating, a dock, and access to the rest of the trail.

July 12, 2024 • 
Laura Figi
A view of moveable logs and steps for kids to play in front of a large oak tree.

Kids can run and play in this natural building area, where there are trees and stumps for building and jumping.

Photo by ATXtoday

Austin has a new daytime destination: the Rainey Street Trailhead.

The new park opened at the corner of Rainey and Cummings streets — an entry point at the tip of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail — on Friday, July 12.

Mayor Kirk Watson cuts the ceremonial orange ribbon opening the trailhead, surrounded by Trail Conservancy staff and City Councilmembers.

Mayor Watson also said the Trailhead “creates safe access from the neighborhood to the trail and to the lake,” before cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

Photo by ATXtoday

“The Rainey Street Trailhead is a critical piece of all of the puzzles that we’re working on,” Mayor Kirk Watson said at the opening. “It’s turning an underutilized area into a more stable ecological area.”

Here’s what the trailhead has to offer:

  • An area with organic play materials made of recycled trees and a sand pit
  • A lush lawn and picnic tables
  • A dock for stand-up paddleboards and kayaks
  • A public restroom
  • Native plants and ecological restoration
A view of the new dock shrouded by greenery.

Next time you hit the water, setting off at this dock will make it easier.

Photo by ATXtoday

Additionally, the $1.1 million project includes safety improvements like security cameras, pedestrian-scale lighting along East Avenue and the trail, and expanded split rail fencing.

More from ATXtoday
ATX_W Block of Red River_No Text.jpg
City
Red River Cultural District unveils five-year strategic enhancement plan
The Soundtrack to the Future plan outlines improvements to the venue facades, curb appeal, and safety features.
April 16, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Downtown Austin from the east, featuring train tracks running through a busy street, lined with trees and vegetation in the foreground. Modern high-rise buildings with glass and steel facades dominate the skyline, interspersed with older, low-rise structures. Cars navigate the streets below, and traffic lights and street signs add to the busy, bustling atmosphere. Clear skies with light clouds above the city.
Culture
If Downtown is Austin’s living room, what does that make the rest of town?
Mayor Kirk Watson calls Downtown “Austin’s living room,” so we’re speculating on what that means for the rest of the city.
April 15, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A vibrant mural with the text "Greetings from 78666 San Marcos" featuring illustrations of a yellow rose, a historic city hall, and other local landmarks integrated into the zip code. The mural is painted on a red wall with a small sign on the bottom right indicating sponsorship.
Play
Get in — we’re going to San Marcos, Texas
The Mermaid Capital of Texas, home to Texas State University, and riverside town is a great place to take a day trip — we’ve got all the spots to hit when you visit.
April 14, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
One person handing a bag of food to another person on the porch of a home
Play
40+ volunteer opportunities in Austin
This list of volunteer opportunities in Austin, TX includes everything from building homes for people in need to fostering shelter animals.
April 8, 2026
 · 
STAFF
A spaceman kite floating facing down in front of a sky filled with dozens of other kites.
Events
A brief history of Austin’s ABC Kite Fest
The ABC Kite Fest — originally called the Kite Tournament — has been an Austin staple for almost a century, providing free fun for kids and adults alike.
April 7, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A singer and guitarist in a cowboy hat sings into a microphone with a bassist and drummer in the background.
City
Red River Cultural District announces $529 million inaugural economic impact report
The home to some of Austin’s most iconic venues, the district has generated $2.3 billion in impact in five years.
April 6, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_CapMetroFools
Culture
April Fools’ pranks in Austin that we almost fell for
We’ve got some jokers in the Capital City, and these pranks from local businesses almost had us fooled.
April 1, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A bottle of Desert Door sotol on the rocky ground next to a golden easter egg and a spiky plant.
Events
Try This: Adult Easter egg hunts in Austin
Who says the kids should have all the fun? Here are four Easter egg hunts where everybunny 21 and up can relive the nostalgia.
March 31, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Thousands of people gathered at Zilker Park, flying kites, in front of the Austin Skyline.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Austin
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
March 30, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_ParamountSXSW.JPG
City
ATXtoday’s takeaways from SXSW 2026
The momentous 40th anniversary of the festival brought hundreds of celebrities, dozens of premieres, thousands of steps, and some key messages to ATX in 2026.
March 26, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi