From hardcore hikes to easy strolls, meanders in the woods to walks in the park, there are plenty of tracks and trails in Austin to keep all kinds of walkers happy. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to lace up those boots and hit the great outdoors with our guide to some of the best walks in Austin, Texas.
7 Scenic Walks in Austin
1. River Place Nature Trail
This 5-mile walk will take about one and a half hours to complete. These are tough hikes, so be prepared, but they are well worth it. Three trails make up the route. On the Fern Trail, you’ll be surrounded by nature and walk by waterfalls in the creek. On the Canyon Trail, you’ll admire interesting rock formations, and on Panther Hollow, your legs will get quite the workout but there are pretty places to rest and catch your breath.
2. Blunn Creek Greenbelt
You’ll find the Blunn Creek Greenbelt in the Travis Heights neighbourhood. This gorgeous walk connects Little Stacy and Big Stacy parks. An easy stroll, this is a great walk in Austin if you have children or are pushing a stroller. You’ll find playgrounds and restrooms at the start and end of the greenbelt.
3. Brushy Creek Regional Trail
The Brushy Creek Regional Trail is a 6.75-mile path that connects Round Rock to Cedar Park. Again, this is another family friendly trail as it connects six different parks. On this route, you’ll pass lakes, dams and bridges and there are lots of places to rest and play, for instance, picnic areas, playgrounds and splash pads. As you can imagine, this trail gets super busy on the weekends and holidays.
4. Bull Creek Greenbelt
The 4.5-mile Bull Creek Greenbelt is a great hike, especially if you like to swim too as it is known for its swimming holes, especially after heavy rain. On the route, you’ll pass waterfalls and beautiful cliffs around the creek as you wander through the woods with its pretty wildflowers.
5. McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park is the only state park in Austin’s borders. It is super popular with hikers as well as swimmers who come for the swimming holes. There are three trails here, so you can choose the one that best suits your abilities and mood. The Homestead Trail will thrill history buffs. You’ll pass the ruins of Thomas McKinney’s stone house and gristmill. The Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail is perfect for families as it is stroller-friendly, it’s also great for those with reduced mobility. The Rock Shelter Trail is usually not as busy as the other trails. It is shaded by the limestone cliffs and ideal for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet.
6. Walnut Creek Trail
The wide, flat, bike- and buggy-friendly concrete trails of Walnut Creek are ideal for runners, walkers, bikers and skaters. Enjoy the peaceful, scenic walk through forests and past gurgling creeks, with plenty of places to stop and rest as well as water fountains along the way.
7. Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
This 10-mile trail is one of the most popular walks in Austin. You’ll find it in the heart of the city at Lady Bird Lake. The lush, urban path follows the water’s edge and takes you through different neighbourhoods and past cultural attractions. Look up at the skyscrapers as you stroll and if you are here at sunrise or sunset, these soaring buildings reflect beautifully in the water.
