Home >> Austin >> Top Hiking Trails in Austin
Austin is one of the best cities in Texas for getting outdoors. From rugged limestone canyons and shaded creek beds to Hill Country overlooks and scenic waterfront paths, there are hiking trails in Austin for nearly every experience level.
Whether you're looking for a challenging workout, an easy nature walk, a trail with water views, or a quick hike close to downtown, these 10 Austin hiking trails are great places to start.
| Trail | Best For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Barton Creek Greenbelt | Overall adventure | Easy–Hard |
| River Place Nature Trail | Challenging workout | Moderate–Hard |
| McKinney Falls State Park | Waterfalls & nature | Easy–Moderate |
| Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve | Hill Country scenery | Easy–Moderate |
| Turkey Creek Trail | Shaded hiking | Easy–Moderate |
| Mount Bonnell | Scenic views | Easy |
| Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail | Waterfront walking | Easy |
| Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park | Trail variety | Easy–Moderate |
| Violet Crown Trail | Longer hikes | Moderate |
| Lower Bull Creek Greenbelt | Creekside scenery | Moderate |
Barton Creek Greenbelt is one of Austin's signature outdoor destinations and a top choice for hikers who want a more rugged experience without leaving the city.
The trail system follows Barton Creek through limestone terrain, wooded sections, and rocky creek beds. Depending on where you start, you can explore shorter sections or turn your hike into a much longer adventure. Popular sights include Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, although water levels can vary considerably depending on recent rainfall.
Best for: Scenic hiking, swimming holes, rock formations, and longer adventures
Difficulty: Easy to hard, depending on the route
Trail length: More than 12 miles across the broader trail system
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. Rocky and uneven terrain is common.
If you're searching for a challenging hike in Austin, put River Place Nature Trail near the top of your list.
This west Austin trail system is known for steep elevation changes, long stair sections, and shaded canyon scenery. The connected Panther Hollow, Little Fern, and Canyon trails provide several ways to explore the area.
It's a particularly good option if your idea of hiking includes a serious workout rather than a leisurely stroll.
Best for: Elevation gain, stair climbing, and challenging workouts
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Highlights: Canyon scenery, creek crossings, stairs, and elevation changes
Tip: Bring more water than you think you'll need, especially during Austin's warmer months.
For waterfalls, limestone scenery, and a variety of hiking options, McKinney Falls State Park is hard to beat.
Located within Austin city limits, the park features Upper and Lower Falls along Onion Creek as well as several trails ranging from easy walks to more moderate hikes. The Rock Shelter Trail is one option for combining hiking with some of the park's natural and historic highlights.
Best for: Waterfalls, families, photography, and a full outdoor day
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Upper Falls, Lower Falls, Onion Creek, limestone formations
Tip: Check park conditions before visiting and consider making plans ahead on busy weekends.
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve offers a taste of the Texas Hill Country in west Austin.
The preserve protects more than 200 acres of habitat and has nearly three miles of interconnected hiking trails. Expect rocky terrain, elevation changes, wooded areas, and scenic overlooks.
Because this is a protected natural area, hikers should stay on marked trails and follow preserve guidelines.
Best for: Nature lovers, wildlife, and peaceful Hill Country scenery
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Hill Country landscape, overlooks, native plants, and wildlife
Tip: Check current access and reservation requirements before your visit.
For a shaded, more natural-feeling hike, head to Turkey Creek Trailhead near Emma Long Metropolitan Park.
Turkey Creek follows a wooded creek corridor and offers a quieter alternative to some of Austin's busiest hiking destinations. The trail is especially popular with people looking for a scenic hike where dogs can also enjoy the outdoors under the applicable park rules.
Best for: Shaded hiking and dog-friendly adventures
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trail length: About 1.9 miles according to the City of Austin trail directory
Highlights: Creek crossings, trees, rocks, and natural scenery
Tip: Wear shoes with good traction because sections can become slippery or muddy after rain.
Mount Bonnell at Covert Park is one of the easiest ways to get a spectacular Austin viewpoint without committing to a long hike.
The trail itself is short, but reaching the top requires climbing a series of stone steps. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Austin, the surrounding hills, and parts of the city.
Best for: Views, sunrise or sunset, and short hikes
Difficulty: Easy, with a steep stair climb
Trail length: About 0.32 miles according to the City of Austin
Highlights: Panoramic views and historic Austin landmark
Tip: Bring water even for this short hike, particularly in summer.
If you want an easy hike with excellent city views, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake is a great choice.
This urban trail provides a relatively flat route along the water and offers views of the Austin skyline, parks, bridges, and downtown attractions. It is much more of a walking and recreational trail than a rugged backcountry hike, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors.
Best for: Easy walks, downtown views, and sightseeing
Difficulty: Easy
Trail length: About 10 miles
Highlights: Lady Bird Lake, skyline views, parks, and waterfront scenery
Tip: Go early in the morning or later in the evening if you want to avoid some of the daytime heat and crowds.
North Austin's Walnut Creek Greenbelt offers a different kind of hiking experience, with a mix of wooded creekside trails, dirt paths, and multi-use routes.
The extensive trail network makes it easy to customize your hike based on how much time and energy you have. It's a good choice for people who want more trail variety without driving far outside the city.
Best for: Trail variety, families, runners, and repeat visits
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Wooded trails, creek areas, and multiple route options
Tip: Trail conditions can change after rain, so check conditions before heading out.
The Violet Crown Trail is a strong option for hikers looking for a longer urban-to-natural adventure.
The trail connects the Lady Bird Lake area near Zilker with destinations farther south and provides access to a mix of wooded and open landscapes. Its length and route options make it better suited to hikers who want to cover more ground than they would on a short neighborhood trail.
Best for: Longer hikes and trail mileage
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Wooded sections, open landscapes, and connections to other trails
Tip: Plan your route before you start and bring sufficient water.
For a classic Austin creekside hike, explore Lower Bull Creek Greenbelt in Northwest Austin.
The trail follows Bull Creek through a combination of rocky terrain, wooded areas, and natural scenery. It's a good pick for hikers who prefer less manicured trails and want a more rugged experience close to the city.
Best for: Creekside hiking and natural terrain
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Bull Creek, rocky sections, wooded scenery, and wildlife
Tip: Stay aware of trail intersections and watch your footing on uneven terrain.
Austin's hiking conditions can change quickly, particularly during periods of heavy rain or extreme heat. A little preparation can make your hike safer and more enjoyable.
Austin summers can be extremely hot. For longer or more exposed hikes, an early-morning start can help you avoid the hottest part of the day.
Even shorter Austin hikes can feel strenuous in hot weather. Carry more water than you expect to need, especially when hiking rugged or hilly trails.
Many Austin trails feature limestone, exposed rocks, roots, creek crossings, and uneven surfaces. Hiking shoes or trail shoes with good traction are a better choice than casual sneakers for rugged routes.
Creeks and waterfalls are highly dependent on rainfall, while heavy rain can make some trails muddy or slippery. Check current conditions before leaving.
Stay on established trails, pack out your trash, respect wildlife, and keep dogs under control where required. Austin's trail guidance also recommends checking the weather, wearing comfortable shoes, and bringing water.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime Austin resident, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore around the city. From the rugged limestone landscape of Barton Creek Greenbelt to the panoramic views at Mount Bonnell and the waterfalls at McKinney Falls State Park, Austin's trails showcase the variety of Central Texas scenery.
For the best experience, choose a trail that matches your fitness level, check conditions before you go, bring plenty of water, and give yourself enough time to enjoy the landscape.