10 Best Hiking Areas in Austin

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is a waterfront walking and cycling path around Lady Bird Lake, with downtown skyline views and a scenic boardwalk over the water. It suits walkers, runners, cyclists, families and dog owners seeking an urban outdoor route with benches, restrooms and water fountains along the trail.

Barton Creek Greenbelt is an urban natural area in Austin for hiking, biking, swimming and rock climbing. Its trails combine shaded paths, creekside stretches, rocky terrain and limestone walls, creating a way to spend time outdoors without leaving the city. Some sections involve rocky climbs, and trail markings can be difficult to follow.

Hiking Trail Walnut Creek Park offers hiking, cycling, jogging and walking paths within Austin, with marked routes, maps and mile markers. The park includes paved and dirt trails, creek crossings, benches, shaded cedar sections and areas where dogs are allowed off leash. Its range of paths suits walkers, runners, bikers, families and visitors seeking different levels of challenge.

Turkey Creek Trailhead is an Austin hiking area with a roughly three-mile, dog-friendly loop through shaded, scenic terrain. It suits people walking with unleashed dogs who are comfortable with roots, rocks and a slight incline. The trail can include creek water or an oasis spring, and public dog-waste bags are available, while parking-lot break-in risk has been reported as a practical concern.

McKinney Falls State Park is an Austin-area outdoor destination built around hiking, biking, fishing, camping and the landmark Old Baldy, a cypress tree more than 500 years old. Visitors can explore long trails, rock formations, cypress-lined water and upper and lower falls, making the park suitable for day trips, family outings and weekend camping.

Bull Creek District Park is a tranquil, relatively undeveloped park along the river with dog-friendly trails and picnic areas. It suits families and outdoor visitors looking for easy hiking, shaded paths, water access, wildlife, swimming spots and rock areas. Some trails become slippery after rain, and the open gravel lot has been reported to contain broken glass.

River Place Nature Trail Canyon Trailhead is a hiking area with a riverside trail, steps, elevation changes, shaded greenery and picturesque views. It suits experienced hikers seeking a demanding out-and-back route rather than beginners looking for an easy walk. The trail is described as well maintained and marked, with a roughly six-mile round trip and substantial climbing in the longer hike.

Emma Long Metropolitan Park is a Lake Austin recreation area with 12 miles of forested trails, boat docks, BBQ pits and swimming areas. The city park also provides camp sites, boat ramps, reservation-based picnic sites and a designated beach-entry swimming area, making it suited to lake days, picnics, hiking and camping.