We tried 5 hiking spots in Austin. Here’s our favorite.

April 10, 2024

As element of the Texas Hill Region, Austin has wonderful terrain for hiking. There are a ton of trails and organic locations to verify out, all differing in elevation acquire, problems, landscapes, and simplicity of entry. We took it on ourselves to do the significant lifting (or going for walks) and rank five of Austin’s mountaineering places dependent on some of these criteria and, in the long run, our individual ordeals. If you uncover yourself itching for a excellent hike in Austin, don’t hesitate to examine out just one of these picks – they’re all great for fitting in some activity and sunlight into your day.

5. Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bicycle Trail

Tackle: Initial Road Bridge at Girl Chicken Lake, Austin, TX 78701

Problems: Quick

Landscapes: Enjoyable views of downtown

Easily accessible by general public transportation: Of course

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is perfect for these who like a good city path. This path is adjacent to downtown Austin, making it effortlessly available by community transportation and a stone’s throw absent from a excellent following-hike drink or snack. Mainly because of its proximity to the city’s centre, it’s normally not the most scenic on this listing, but there are a good deal of lovely sights of Girl Hen Lake and the skyline nonetheless. It is reasonably flat and not also hilly, so it’s really satisfying for a stroll or a bike trip.

4. Turkey Creek Trail

Deal with: 1401-1711 Town Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730

Issue: Quick

Surroundings: Picturesque creeks and critters

Easily accessible by public transportation: No

The Turkey Creek Path at Emma Very long Metropolitan Park is a rather brief hike that nonetheless manages to immerse you in the attractiveness of Austin’s flora and fauna. It’s straightforward with some elevation improvements and very a handful of creek crossings for a bit of a problem. Make absolutely sure to provide correct sneakers and brace your self to be in close proximity to other hikers this trail is muddy and fast paced, so a slip may possibly be imminent if you are not cautious. The creek is plentiful with awesome water which is refreshing as Austin inevitably heats up. It only took us about an hour, so it’d be a good place for people or these with canine.

3. Barton Creek Greenbelt

Deal with: 3755 S Funds of Texas Hwy B, Austin, TX 78704 (principal accessibility place)

Problems: Easy-Moderate, dependent on distance hiked

Landscapes: Views of the metropolis, scenic woody regions

Conveniently accessible by general public transportation: Sure

The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a kind of all-encompassing pure space exactly where you can hike, bike, boulder, and much more along Barton Creek. There are 12 miles of trails, so you can undoubtedly up the issue by just rising the volume you total. Mainly because it is so very long, there are a number of elevation variations, so relying on the trailhead at which you enter, you can love a rigorous hike or a nice stroll. Basically, it is super multipurpose and an Austin staple for hikers. Selected accessibility factors of the trail can be a small dicey as of late, so we advocate climbing the greenbelt during the working day or carrying correct protection gear for nighttime hikes. The principal obtain issue can be especially occupied, so be mindful that this is not an isolated hike. Its elegance lies in its simple accessibility and versatility, and it’s a terrific way to see a ton of Austin in one hike.

2. Mayfield Park & Character Preserve

Handle: 3505 W. 35th St, Austin, TX 78703

Problems: Extremely effortless

Scenery: Magnificent wildlife

Effortlessly accessible by general public transportation: There is a bus stop about a 15 minute walk away at Exposition/Warren, so not extremely quick but possible

The shorter trails at the Mayfield Park & Character Protect are quickly the most beautiful of the hikes on this record. The nature protect itself is a excellent location to pay a visit to, walk by means of, and get in the wildlife, so the trails on the residence are naturally a excellent addition. They aren’t extensive, are rather quick, and generally loop all-around, but that doesn’t mean they are not well worth checking out. Although this hike is not a tremendous powerful exercise session, it’s absolutely a fantastic way to devote your working day. If you want to get a handful of methods in and see a beautiful enclave of Austin, end by Mayfield Park.

1. River Location Organic Trail

Address: 8820 Big Look at Dr, Austin, TX 78730

Problem: Moderate-Difficult

Surroundings: Picturesque with loads of critters

Effortlessly available by general public transportation: No

The River Location Natural path is my private most loved hike in Austin and undoubtedly the most tricky out of the ones I’ve attempted. It is about a 3-hour-hike spherical trip with lots of elevation attain and tons of stairs – like, the total issue is basically stairs with what feels like a tiny bit of strolling in in between. But, by some means, it nevertheless reigns supreme as the most gratifying, attractive, and perfectly-produced hike in Austin for me. You will certainly feel the burn of all of the stairs, but as you go on via the hike, you are going to see tons of rather wildlife, waterfalls, creeks, and vegetation. It begins with a definitely good boardwalk exactly where numerous people appreciate to fish, so it is easy to make a working day out of this hike. Even better, after you have subjected oneself to the roundtrip, sit again and get pleasure from the rocking chairs at the boardwalk.

Summary

Austin is not always house to the most demanding terrain and hikes to at any time exist, but do not rely this metropolis out. All of the trails and purely natural areas on this list have been a blast and it is generally fantastic to get some steps and Vitamin D in. Whether or not you enjoy a extra urban landscape with sights of downtown or a a lot more hidden normal oasis, there is a ton of range in the kinds of hikes Austin has to provide. So, if you are challenging-pressed for a fantastic path to maintain you occupied, never hesitate to check a single of these places out.

Mae Lackey is a committed journalism university student at the University of Texas at Austin. Having previously labored as an audio producer at The Everyday Texan and an editorial intern at The Austin Chronicle, she enjoys reporting throughout a selection of mediums. She’s passionate about telling stories and digging deep, irrespective of whether it can be about foodstuff or men and women. As a native Texan, she’s happy to be from a state that is household to so quite a few great tales and cuisines.