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Austin Trails & Running Routes - Keenan Group Austin Real Estate

Austin Trails & Running Routes

The best hiking and running trails in Austin

#1 ABoR Team 2024$1B+ Career Sales1,000+ Homes Sold

What are the best neighborhoods in Austin for trail access?

Barton Creek, Zilker, Travis Heights, and Westlake Hills offer the most direct greenbelt and trail access in Austin. Barton Creek residents can walk to the 12.7-mile Barton Creek Greenbelt. Zilker sits at the trailhead of the 10.1-mile Ann and Roy Butler Trail around Lady Bird Lake. Northwest Hills connects to the 30,000-acre Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. Travis Heights has direct lakeside trail access on foot.

  • Barton Creek Greenbelt: 12.7 miles, swimming holes, rock climbing
  • Lady Bird Lake Trail: 10.1-mile paved loop, accessible from Zilker and Travis Heights
  • Balcones Canyonlands: 30,000+ acres, accessible from Northwest Hills and Great Hills
  • Wild Basin Preserve: 2.5-mile loop in Westlake Hills, managed by St. Edwards University

Source: The Keenan Group, #1 Austin Board of Realtors Team (2024)

Running Austin: A Trail Runner's Guide to Neighborhoods

I've been running Austin's trails for over 20 years. When clients ask me about outdoor access, I don't pull up a map - I describe the route I ran that morning.

Austin is one of the best trail running cities in the country. You have a 10-mile paved lakeside loop, a 12-mile limestone canyon system, and 30,000 acres of Hill Country preserve - all within city limits. The trail you run tells you the neighborhood you want.

If you want flat, fast miles with skyline views, you want the Lady Bird Lake Trail - which means Travis Heights, Zilker, or downtown. If you want technical singletrack through limestone canyons, you want the Barton Creek Greenbelt - which means Barton Creek, Barton Hills, or Lost Creek. If you want creek crossings and canyon trails, Northwest Hills puts you 5 minutes from Bull Creek.

Here are the routes I run most and the neighborhoods they connect to.

What are the best trail running routes in Austin?

The Lady Bird Lake Trail (10.1-mile paved loop) is Austin's top urban running route - flat, scenic, and accessible from Travis Heights, Zilker, and downtown. For trail running, the Barton Creek Greenbelt offers 12.7 miles of rocky limestone singletrack. Shoal Creek Trail (3.2 miles, paved) runs north-south through Clarksville. Bull Creek adds a 2.1-mile trail running loop with creek crossings near Northwest Hills.

  • Lady Bird Lake Trail: 10.1 miles, paved, flat, water fountains every half mile
  • Barton Creek Greenbelt: 12.7 miles, rocky limestone, 200-400 ft elevation gain
  • Shoal Creek Trail: 3.2 miles, paved, shaded, connects downtown to 38th Street
  • Bull Creek + St. Edwards Park: 4.2 miles combined, creek crossings, canyon terrain

Source: The Keenan Group, #1 Austin Board of Realtors Team (2024)

Lady Bird Lake Trail (Ann & Roy Butler Trail)

Lady Bird Lake Trail (Ann & Roy Butler Trail)

10.1-mile loopEasyPaved, crushed granite sections

Flat - less than 100 ft total gain

Best for: Tempo runs, long runs, all levels

  • One of the top urban running routes in the U.S.
  • Full loop around Lady Bird Lake with downtown skyline views
  • Boardwalk section over the water (completed 2014)
  • Water fountains and restrooms every half mile

Nearby neighborhoods

This is my go-to weekday run. I park at the Lamar trailhead and do the full loop in under 80 minutes. The stretch from the Boardwalk to Zilker at sunrise is the best running in Austin.

Joe Keenan, Broker Associate

Barton Creek Greenbelt

Barton Creek Greenbelt

12.7 miles point-to-pointModerateRocky limestone, dirt singletrack

Rolling - 200-400 ft gain depending on section

Best for: Trail running, technical terrain, hill training

  • Austin's signature trail system through limestone canyon
  • Gus Fruh to Sculpture Falls is the best running section (3.4 mi round trip)
  • Creek crossings after rain - check conditions before you go
  • Multiple trailheads: Gus Fruh, Spyglass, Hill of Life

Nearby neighborhoods

The Greenbelt is where I go for real trail running. Rocky, technical, and completely different from road running. Start at Gus Fruh and head south toward Sculpture Falls. You'll forget you're in a city of 2 million people.

Joe Keenan, Broker Associate

Shoal Creek Trail

3.2 miles one-wayEasyPaved

Flat with gentle grade

Best for: Easy runs, recovery days, commute running

  • Runs north-south through central Austin
  • Tree-lined corridor with good shade year-round
  • Connects downtown to 38th Street district
  • Minimal road crossings

Nearby neighborhoods

ClarksvilleOld West AustinTarrytown
Bull Creek District Park

Bull Creek District Park

2.1-mile loopModerateDirt, limestone, creek crossings

100 ft gain

Best for: Short trail runs, creek running, hill repeats

  • Limestone creek bed running when water is low
  • Shaded canyon trail with dense tree cover
  • St. Edwards Park connects for longer runs (add 2.1 miles)
  • Swimming holes in summer months

Nearby neighborhoods

Northwest HillsGreat Hills

I tell every runner moving to Northwest Hills: Bull Creek is your neighborhood trail. Five minutes from your door, and you can string together Bull Creek plus St. Edwards Park for a solid 4+ mile loop with creek crossings.

Joe Keenan, Broker Associate

Turkey Creek Trail at Emma Long

2.3-mile loopChallengingDirt singletrack through canyon

250 ft gain

Best for: Hill training, canyon running, solitude

  • Rugged canyon terrain in the Balcones Canyonlands
  • Creek crossings and exposed limestone ledges
  • Connects to City Park Road trail system
  • Far less crowded than Barton Creek Greenbelt

Nearby neighborhoods

Mountain Biking Trails in Austin

Austin's mountain biking scene centers on a handful of well-maintained trail systems, ranging from beginner-friendly loops to technical limestone singletrack.

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

13+ miles singletrackModerate

The most popular mountain biking park in Austin. Well-maintained trail system with good signage, a beginner loop, intermediate and advanced options, and night riding permitted with lights. North Austin location.

Barton Creek Greenbelt

12.7 milesChallenging

Austin's most technical mountain biking. Limestone rock gardens require solid bike handling. The Hill of Life climb is a rite of passage for Austin cyclists. Best after a dry spell - slippery when wet. Closest from Barton Hills and Barton Creek.

Pace Bend Park

8+ milesModerate

Trails on a peninsula in Lake Travis with a mix of wooded singletrack and open ridge riding. Swimming access after your ride. Travis County park with $10 day use fee. Closest from Lakeway.

McKinney Falls State Park

3.1-mile loop + connectorsEasy

Beginner-friendly mountain biking in a state park setting, 15 minutes from downtown. The Onion Creek loop is rideable for most skill levels. Waterfall views at Upper and Lower McKinney Falls. Connects to the longer Onion Creek trail system.

Dog-Friendly Trails & Off-Leash Parks in Austin

Austin is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country. Every major trail system allows leashed dogs, and the city maintains dedicated off-leash areas with water access, shade, and room to run. If your dog is part of the home search (and it usually is), here's where to look.

Red Bud Isle

Off-leash

13-acre island in Lake Austin. Completely off-leash with deep water swimming, shaded trails looping the island, and room for dogs to run. The most popular dog destination in Austin - small parking lot fills fast on weekends. Go early or on weekdays.

Zilker Park Off-Leash Area

Off-leash

Large grassy area along Barton Creek with creek access for swimming, shaded sections under pecan trees, and adjacency to Zilker Park proper and the botanical garden. One of the most popular dog areas in central Austin.

Bull Creek Off-Leash Area

Off-leash

Creek swimming with shallow and deep sections in a limestone creek bed. Surrounded by wooded trails with multiple access points. One of the best creek swimming spots for dogs in Austin.

Northwest HillsGreat Hills

Auditorium Shores Off-Leash

Off-leash

Lady Bird Lake access with downtown skyline as your backdrop. Open grassy area for fetch adjacent to the Butler Trail for on-leash walking. Walkable from downtown condos and Bouldin Creek.

Norwood Dog Park

Off-leash

Fenced off-leash area with separate sections for large and small dogs, water stations, and shade structures. Walking distance from South Congress restaurants.

Onion Creek District Park

Off-leash

The largest off-leash area in Austin at 12 acres. Rolling terrain with mature trees and creek access. Southeast Austin location means fewer crowds. Popular with families in Circle C and Shady Hollow.

Scenic Walks, Family Hikes & Swimming Holes

Not every outdoor activity needs to be a workout. Austin has some of the best scenic walks, easy family hikes, and natural swimming holes in Texas - and most are 15 minutes or less from the neighborhoods our clients look at.

Walks & Easy Hikes

Mount Bonnell

0.3 miles (106 stone steps)

Highest point in Austin city limits at 775 feet. Panoramic views of Lake Austin, the Pennybacker (360) Bridge, and the Hill Country. Short but steep - best at sunrise or sunset. 5 minutes from Tarrytown.

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

2.5 miles of trails

Easy, well-marked loop trails through Hill Country terrain. Managed by St. Edward's University. Seasonal waterfall after rain. Interpretive trail signs for kids. Westlake Hills families walk here year-round. Small entry fee.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

4.5 miles of trails

Native Texas plant gardens and restored savanna managed by UT Austin. Seasonal wildflower displays peak March through May. Family-friendly with a cafe and gift shop. Southwest Austin off La Crosse Ave.

Mayfield Park & Nature Preserve

1.3 miles

Free-roaming peacocks and peafowl in historic cottage gardens. Shaded creek-side trails adjacent to Laguna Gloria art museum. A local favorite near Tarrytown. Free admission.

Swimming Holes & Creek Access

Barton Springs Pool

68 degrees year-round. 3-acre spring-fed pool in Zilker Park, fed by the Edwards Aquifer. Open daily, $5-$9 entry. One of Austin's most iconic landmarks and a reason people move here. Walk from Zilker or Barton Hills.

Sculpture Falls

Natural swimming hole in the Barton Creek Greenbelt with flat limestone ledges for lounging. Waterfall feature after rain. Free, no entry fee. 1.7-mile hike from the Gus Fruh trailhead on Barton Hills Drive. Moderate terrain.

Campbell's Hole

Deep swimming hole along Barton Creek with limestone cliffs for jumping. Short hike from the Spyglass trailhead off the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Popular with UT students and locals on warm weekends.

Hamilton Pool Preserve

50-foot waterfall into a natural grotto pool. One of the most photographed spots in Texas. Travis County nature preserve 30 miles west of Austin. Reservations required year-round via Travis County Parks. Worth the drive.

All Austin Trails & Parks by Neighborhood

Comprehensive trail data pulled from our 40+ neighborhood guides.

NameCuisine / TypePriceHighlightsLast verified
183A Shared Use Path
Avery Ranch
  • 6+ miles along 183A toll road, easy, biking_commuting
  • A paved multi-use path running alongside the 183A toll road
2026-03-27
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
Bouldin Creek · Bryker Woods · Downtown Austin · Downtown Condos · East Austin · Hyde Park · Rollingwood · South Congress · ZilkerAccess via Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
  • 10-mile loop, Easy, Paved multi-use trail
  • The crown jewel of Austin's trail system
2026-03-27
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
Barton Hills · Cherrywood · Old Enfield · RosedaleAccess via Zilker Park, Austin, TX 78704
  • 10.1 miles (full loop), Easy, Hike & Bike Trail
  • Austin's signature urban trail loops around Lady Bird Lake
2026-03-27
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
Travis Heights
  • 14.6-mile loop, Easy, Paved Multi-Use Trail
  • Austin's signature trail loops around Lady Bird Lake, and Travis Heights sits right above the south shore
2026-03-27
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail (Holly Segment)
East Holly
  • 10 miles (full loop); Holly segment ~1.5 miles, Easy, Paved multi-use trail
  • The crown jewel of Austin trails runs right along Holly's southern edge at Lady Bird Lake
2026-03-27
Avery Ranch Internal Trail System
Avery Ranch
  • 6+ miles of connected paths, easy, walking_biking
  • Avery Ranch was designed so you can walk or bike between neighborhoods without crossing a major road
2026-03-27
Balcones Canyonlands Preserve
UT Golf Club
Balcones District Park
Allandale · Great Hills · Northwest Hills
  • 1-mile loop plus connector trails, easy_to_moderate, park_trails
  • 51 acres with a one-mile loop trail (half paved, half natural surface), basketball and volleyball courts, a playground, and Balcones Pool
2026-03-27
Balcones District Park Trails
Brentwood · Westover Hills
  • 1 mile of paved and natural trails, Easy, Walking / Nature
  • Paved pathways and short nature trails through the park, connecting the pool, playgrounds, basketball courts, and pavilion areas
  • Enter at 12017 Amherst Dr
  • The free pool is open summer months
2026-03-27
Barking Springs (Off-Leash Swimming)
Barton Hills2201 William Barton Dr (downstream side), Austin, TX 78746
  • Easy, swimming_dogs
  • The unofficial free swimming area just downstream from Barton Springs Pool, where the spring runoff creates a shallower, warmer pool
2026-03-27
Bartholomew District Park
Cherrywood
  • Multiple trails across 57 acres, Easy, District Park
  • 57-acre park just north of the neighborhood with a municipal pool (free admission), playground, picnic areas, and sports facilities
2026-03-27
Bartholomew District Park Trails
Mueller
  • 1.0 mile (internal loop), easy, park_trails
  • 57-acre district park with shaded walking paths, sports fields, and a free public swimming pool with two slides and a diving board
  • The pool is free and open seasonally
  • one of the best-kept secrets in East Austin
2026-03-27
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Barton Creek · Bouldin Creek · Pemberton Heights · Zilker
  • 12+ miles of trails, Easy to Moderate, Natural hiking/biking trail
  • Over 12 miles of limestone trails following Barton Creek south and west from Zilker Park
2026-03-27
Barton Creek Greenbelt - Camp Craft Trailhead
Canyon Ranch1710 Camp Craft Rd, Austin, TX 78746
  • Variable - up to 12 miles one way on the full Greenbelt, easy_to_moderate, hiking_swimming
  • The closest Greenbelt access point for Barton Creek West residents
  • Parking is limited
  • arrive before 9am on weekends or you'll be circling
2026-03-27
Barton Creek Greenbelt - Gus Fruh Access
Rollingwood2642 Barton Hills Dr, Austin, TX 78704
  • 3.0 miles round trip, moderate, hiking / swimming
  • The closest Greenbelt access to Rollingwood and the fastest route to Campbell's Hole, the best swimming hole on the creek
  • Swimming depends on recent rainfall
  • check Austin watershed levels before going
2026-03-27
Barton Creek Greenbelt - Gus Fruh Access
Barton Hills2642 Barton Hills Dr, Austin, TX 78704
  • Access to 12+ mile trail system, Moderate (rocky descent to creek), hiking_swimming_climbing
  • This is THE reason people pay a premium to live in Barton Hills
2026-03-27
Barton Creek Greenbelt - Loop 360 Access
Lost Creek
  • 7.25 miles total greenbelt, Moderate, Hiking / Mountain Biking / Swimming
  • The main access point for the Barton Creek Greenbelt, with the best parking along the trail system
2026-03-27
Barton Creek Greenbelt - Loop 360 Trailhead
Austin Country Club · Davenport Ranch · Four Seasons at Lake Austin · Rob Roy
  • 7.9 miles end-to-end, Moderate, Creek / Swimming Holes / Multi-Use
  • Over 7 miles of trail through limestone canyons following Barton Creek
2026-03-27
Barton Creek Greenbelt - Sculpture Falls
Flintrock Falls
  • 4.2 miles out-and-back, Moderate, Hiking / Swimming
  • Austin's most popular greenbelt trail with natural swimming holes when the creek is flowing
2026-03-27
Barton Creek Greenbelt - Sculpture Falls
Westlake Hills
  • 3.2 miles out-and-back, Moderate, hiking / swimming
  • Access the Greenbelt from the Westlake side via Scottish Woods Trail off 360
  • Enter via Scottish Woods Trail, which dead-ends into Camp Craft Rd
  • The hike down is relentless
2026-03-27
Barton Creek Greenbelt - Spyglass Access
Barton Hills1601 Spyglass Dr, Austin, TX 78746
  • Access to 12+ mile trail system, Moderate, hiking
  • The second Greenbelt access point closest to Barton Hills
2026-03-27
Barton Creek Greenbelt - Spyglass Trailhead
Rollingwood1601 Spyglass Dr, Austin, TX 78746
  • 2.5 miles round trip, easy to moderate, hiking
  • The Spyglass access drops you onto the main Greenbelt trail with options to head east toward Zilker or west toward the wilder upper sections
  • Morning runs here before 8am are the Rollingwood move
  • you'll see the same neighbors every day
2026-03-27
Barton Creek Greenbelt (South Access)
Circle C Ranch · Circle C Ranch
  • 12+ miles, Moderate to Difficult, Natural Surface - Hike, Bike, Swim
  • Austin's signature greenbelt is accessible from the south via MoPac
2026-03-27
Barton Creek Habitat Preserve
Barton Creek · Canyon Ranch · Davenport RanchAdjacent to Barton Creek West off Hwy 71, Austin, TX 78735
  • 4 miles of trails, Moderate, Nature Preserve / Hiking
  • 4,083-acre Nature Conservancy preserve protecting golden-cheeked warbler habitat
2026-03-27
Barton Springs Pool
Barton Hills · Bouldin Creek · Downtown Austin · Downtown Condos · Lost Creek · Rollingwood · South Congress · Tarrytown2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
  • 3 acres, Easy, Natural spring-fed swimming pool
  • A 68-degree spring-fed pool in Zilker Park that holds about 32 million gallons
2026-03-27
Barton Springs Pool Walkway
Zilker
  • 0.5 miles, Easy, Walking / Nature
  • The tree-lined path connecting the Barton Springs Pool entrance to the surrounding park and creek areas
2026-03-27
Bee Cave Central Park
Canyon Ranch · Flintrock Falls · Sweetwater13742 Bee Cave Pkwy, Bee Cave, TX 78738
  • 1.5 miles loop, Easy, Park / Walking Trails
  • Family-friendly park with paved walking trails, a playground, and open green space
2026-03-27
Bee Cave Central Park Perimeter Trail
Serene Hills
  • 1 mile, Easy, Walking / Running
  • Paved perimeter trail just west of the 620 and Bee Cave Parkway intersection
2026-03-27
Bee Cave Central Park Trail
Bee Cave
  • 1.4-mile loop, Easy, Walking / Running / Biking
  • Paved 1-mile concrete trail through 50 acres of grasslands and live oaks
2026-03-27
Bee Cave Hike & Bike Trail
Sweetwater
  • 1.5 miles, Easy, Paved Multi-Use Trail
  • Connects Falconhead Blvd south along 620 to Central Park and then to the Hill Country Galleria
2026-03-27
Bee Cave Multi-Use Trail
Bee Cave
  • 1.5 miles, Easy, Biking / Walking / Running
  • Paved connector trail from Falconhead Boulevard south along 620 to Central Park and onward to the Galleria
2026-03-27
Bee Cave Park Loop
Serene Hills
  • 1.4 miles, Easy, Hiking / Walking
  • Paved loop trail at Bee Cave City Park with a 4.6-star rating on AllTrails
2026-03-27
Bee Cave Sculpture Park
Bee Cave
  • 7-acre park, Easy, Walking / Art
  • A hidden cultural asset most visitors miss
2026-03-27
Bee Creek Trail at Lost Creek
Rob Roy
  • 1.5 miles, Easy, Neighborhood Trail / Walking
  • A paved neighborhood trail that runs through the Lost Creek subdivision adjacent to Rob Roy
2026-03-27
Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park Trails
Allandale · Northwest Hills
  • 1.2 miles of paved and natural trails, easy, urban park
  • The neighborhood's backyard park at 7000 Ardath St
  • The pond loop is stroller-friendly
  • Morning walkers own the path before 8 AM
2026-03-27
Big Stacy Park
Travis Heights
  • Easy, Neighborhood Park / Swimming
  • The heart of Travis Heights outdoor life
2026-03-27
Big Stacy Park & Pool
South Congress
  • 23-acre park, Easy, Neighborhood Park / Swimming
  • Austin's only free and heated public pool sits at the south end of Stacy Park along Blunn Creek
2026-03-27
Blue Hole Regional Park
Driftwood Golf Ranch Club
  • 1.5 miles of trails, Easy, Hiking / Swimming
  • A spring-fed swimming hole on Cypress Creek in Wimberley with towering cypress trees and rope swings
2026-03-27
Blunn Creek Greenbelt
Bouldin Creek
  • 1.5 miles, Easy to Moderate, Natural hiking trail
  • A quieter trail on the east side of South Congress running through St
2026-03-27
Blunn Creek Greenbelt Trail
South Congress · Travis Heights
  • 0.88 miles, Easy, Urban Hiking Trail
  • A shaded urban trail connecting Little Stacy Park to Big Stacy Park through the Travis Heights neighborhood
2026-03-27
Blunn Creek Nature Preserve
South Congress · Travis Heights
  • 40 acres, Moderate, Nature Preserve / Hiking
  • Across from St
2026-03-27
Boggy Creek Greenbelt
East Austin
  • 1.6 miles, Easy, Nature trail / Creek
  • A ribbon of green cutting through East Austin neighborhoods
2026-03-27
Boggy Creek Greenbelt Trail
Cherrywood · East Holly
  • 2.6 miles, Easy, Urban creek trail
  • A shaded corridor along Boggy Creek with oaks, pecans, and a mix of paved and gravel paths
2026-03-27
Boulder Trail Park
Lost Creek
  • Easy, Park / Nature
  • A pocket park on Whitemarsh Valley Walk with natural boulder formations and native landscaping
2026-03-27
Brentwood Neighborhood Park Trail
Crestview
  • 0.6 miles, easy, park_loop
  • Gravel loop circling the open fields at Brentwood Park, passing playgrounds, picnic tables, and sports courts under mature oak and pecan trees
  • Park on Arroyo Seco or Yates Ave
  • The loop connects to the pool area in summer
2026-03-27
Brentwood Park Loop
Brentwood
  • 0.5 miles, Easy, Walking / Jogging
  • The paved loop through Brentwood Neighborhood Park at 6710 Arroyo Seco
  • Morning is best before the playground fills up
  • The pool is open summers only
2026-03-27
Brentwood to North Loop Walk
Brentwood
  • 1.2 miles one way, Easy, Urban Walk
  • The neighborhood walk from Brentwood Park east through tree-lined residential streets to the North Loop shopping and dining district
  • Saturday mornings are ideal
  • Hit Room Service Vintage and Breakaway Records, then grab coffee at Epoch
2026-03-27
Bright Leaf Nature Preserve
Cat Mountain · Highland Park West
  • 2.8 miles, 347 ft elevation gain, Moderate, Nature Preserve / Guided Hikes
  • A protected tract within Highland Park West that requires guided access
2026-03-27
Bright Leaf Preserve
Northwest Hills
  • 2.5 miles of trails, moderate, nature preserve
  • A 200-acre nature preserve with hilltop views on the edge of NW Hills
  • Access is guided hikes only
  • check with the preserve for scheduled tours
2026-03-27
Bright Sky Overlook
Steiner Ranch
  • 0.8 miles, Easy, hiking
  • Short but rewarding trail to one of the best panoramic overlooks in the community
  • Sunset timing is everything here
  • Quick enough for a weekday evening walk
2026-03-27
Brushy Creek Lake Park
Avery Ranch
  • 1.5-mile loop around lake, easy, park_water
  • A 90-acre park centered on a man-made lake with kayak and paddleboard rentals
2026-03-27
Brushy Creek Regional Trail
Avery Ranch
  • 10.9 miles end-to-end, easy, hiking_biking
  • The crown jewel of Avery Ranch outdoor life
2026-03-27
Brushy Creek Sports Park
Avery Ranch
  • Multiple fields and trails, easy, sports_recreation
  • The area's main sports complex with soccer fields, baseball diamonds, a skate park, disc golf course, and playground
2026-03-27
Bull Creek District Park & Greenbelt
Cat Mountain · Great Hills · Northwest Hills · Westover Hills
  • 1+ miles of trails, easy, park_swimming
  • The family-friendly gateway to the creek system
2026-03-27
Bull Creek Greenbelt
Great Hills · Highland Park West · Lake Austin · Northwest Hills · River Place · River Place Country Club
  • 3+ miles of interconnected trails, Easy to Moderate, Creek Trail / Swimming Hole
  • The greenbelt follows Bull Creek through some of the most scenic terrain in Austin
2026-03-27
Bull Creek Greenbelt (Upper)
Cat Mountain
  • 3.0 miles, Moderate, Creek Trail / Nature Walk
  • The upper section of Bull Creek, accessed from 360, is wilder and less crowded than the lower park
2026-03-27
Bull Creek Preserve Trail
Westover Hills
  • 4.7-mile loop, Moderate, Hiking / Nature Preserve
  • A moderately challenging loop through endangered Golden-Cheeked Warbler nesting habitat
  • March through July requires a permit from Austin Parks
  • the warbler nesting season closes portions of the trail
2026-03-27
Burnet Road Corridor Walk
Brentwood
  • 2.5 miles (45th to Anderson Lane), Easy, Urban Walk
  • The increasingly walkable Burnet Road restaurant and retail corridor from 45th Street to Anderson Lane
  • Start at Picnik for coffee, work your way north
  • Phil's Ice House and Amy's for lunch, Top Notch for the Dazed and Confused experience, Yard Bar if you brought the dog
2026-03-27
Camp Mabry Fitness Trail
Highland Park West
  • 1-mile paved loop, Easy, Paved Track / Fitness Circuit
  • A one-mile paved track inside the Camp Mabry military installation, open free to the public
2026-03-27
Canyonlands & Mt. Lakeway Trail System
Belvedere · Lakeway
  • 3+ miles of interconnected trails, Easy to Challenging, Hiking / Mountain Biking
  • Lakeway's signature trail network across 20 acres at Rough Hollow Cove
2026-03-27
Canyonlands at Lake Travis
Flintrock Falls
  • 2.5 miles loop, Easy to Moderate, Hiking / Nature Preserve
  • A 20-acre tract at Rough Hollow Cove with a scenic canyon running through it
2026-03-27
Canyonlands Nature Preserve
Hills of Lakeway · The Hills
  • 1.5 miles loop, Moderate, Hiking / Nature Walk
  • Twenty-four acres of canyon scenery above the Rough Hollow Cove arm of Lake Travis
2026-03-27
Champion Park
Avery Ranch
  • 1-mile loop plus connector trails, easy, park_playground
  • A 33-acre Williamson County park that connects directly to Avery Ranch via a pedestrian bridge over Brushy Creek
2026-03-27
Charro Ranch Park
Driftwood Golf Ranch Club
  • 2.5 miles of trails, Easy, Park / Trails
  • 64-acre Hays County park with walking and biking trails through native Hill Country grasslands
2026-03-27
Cherrywood Pocket Park & Creek
Cherrywood
  • Short walk, Easy, Pocket Park / Creek Access
  • Neighbors transformed a vacant lot at Cherrywood and 34th into this community green space
2026-03-27
Circle C Hike & Bike Trails
Circle C Ranch · Circle C Ranch
  • 10+ miles total, Easy, Paved & Natural Surface - Community Trails
  • An extensive network of paved and natural surface trails connecting Circle C neighborhoods to parks, schools, and shopping
2026-03-27
Circle C Metropolitan Park on Slaughter Creek
Circle C Ranch · Circle C Ranch
  • 5+ miles of trails, Easy to Moderate, Multi-Use Park - Trails, Disc Golf, Fields
  • The neighborhood's backyard park
2026-03-27
Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park
Four Seasons at Lake Austin
  • 2 miles of trails, Easy, Lakefront / Prairie
  • Riverside trails along Lake Austin with restored prairie grasslands, bird watching, and mature pecan groves
2026-03-27
Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park
Davenport Ranch · River Place · River Place Country Club · UT Golf Club
  • 2 miles of trails, Easy, Nature Park / Birding / Hiking
  • Quiet park on Lake Austin with prairie restoration, waterfall trail, and excellent birding
2026-03-27
Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Viewing
Downtown Austin · Downtown Condos
  • easy, wildlife/nature
  • 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats live under the Congress Avenue Bridge from March through November, making it the largest urban bat colony in North America
  • Peak season is July and August when pups join the flight
  • The south shore below the bridge gives the best viewing angle
2026-03-27
Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Viewing
Travis Heights
  • Easy, Wildlife Viewing
  • From March through October, 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the Ann W
2026-03-27
Crestview/Highland Urban Trail
Crestview
  • 1.1 miles, easy, paved_urban_trail
  • Paved commuter path connecting Crestview MetroRail Station to Highland Station, running parallel to the rail line and Airport Boulevard
  • Connects directly to both MetroRail stations
  • Good for bike commuting to ACC Highland or the Q2 Stadium area
2026-03-27
Deep Eddy Pool
Old Enfield
  • Easy, swimming
  • The oldest swimming pool in Texas, spring-fed since 1915
2026-03-27
Deep Eddy Pool
Tarrytown
  • easy, swimming
  • Texas' oldest swimming pool, spring-fed and open year-round
  • Tuesday and Friday closures for maintenance
  • Summer evenings are packed
2026-03-27
Downtown Walk via West 6th Street
Clarksville
  • 0.8 miles to Congress Avenue, easy, walking/urban
  • The reason people pay Clarksville prices: a flat, sidewalked walk east on 6th Street puts you at Congress Avenue and the heart of downtown in 15 minutes
  • West 6th between Lamar and Congress has good sidewalks and shade trees
  • The walk is entirely flat
2026-03-27
Duncan Park and 9th Street BMX
Old Enfield
  • 5 acres, Easy (park), Moderate (BMX track), recreation/BMX
  • A 5-acre park between 9th and 10th on Lamar with picnic tables and something rare in Austin parks - a BMX bike track run by 9th Street BMX
2026-03-27
East Metropolitan Park
East Austin
  • Multiple trails across 273 acres, Easy, Metro park / Multi-use
  • 273-acre park with disc golf, stocked fishing pond, basketball, volleyball, tennis courts, and walking trails
2026-03-27
Eastridge Trail
Steiner Ranch
  • 1.8 miles, Easy, hiking
  • A gentler trail through the eastern section of Steiner Ranch, running through the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve
  • Popular morning running route
  • Less crowded than J Canyon
2026-03-27
Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach
East Holly
  • N/A - park, Easy, Urban lakefront park
  • Built on the former Holly Power Plant site at Lady Bird Lake's north shore
2026-03-27
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
Davenport Ranch · Rob Roy
  • 4+ miles (Turkey Creek Trail), Moderate to Difficult, Lakeside Park / Hiking / Swimming
  • One of Austin's largest parks, right on Lake Austin's shore
2026-03-27
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
Westlake Hills
  • Various trails, 1-3 miles, Easy, park / lake
  • Austin's oldest city park sits on the shores of Lake Austin with sandy beaches, hiking trails through oak and juniper forest, and designated swimming areas
  • Entry fee applies ($5/vehicle on weekdays, $10 weekends)
  • Arrive before 10 AM on summer weekends
2026-03-27
Emma Long Metropolitan Park - Turkey Creek Trail
UT Golf Club
Emma Long Shoreline Trail
Four Seasons at Lake Austin · Lake Austin
  • 1.2 miles along shore, Easy, Lakefront / Walking
  • Flat walking trail along a mile of Lake Austin shoreline inside Emma Long Park
2026-03-27
Falconhead West Primitive Park
Bee Cave · Serene Hills · Sweetwater
  • 3.6 miles (4 color-coded segments), Easy to Moderate, Hiking / Mountain Biking
  • 145-acre natural preserve between Lakeway and Bee Cave
2026-03-27
Fiesta Gardens / Festival Beach
East Holly
  • N/A - park, Easy, Lakefront event park
  • Lakefront event grounds and gardens at 2101 Jesse E
2026-03-27
Flintrock Falls Golf Course Trails
Hills of Lakeway · The Hills
  • Various cart paths and walking trails, Easy, Walking / Nature Walk
  • Members-only walking paths along the Nicklaus-designed course that wind through native Hill Country terrain
2026-03-27
Great Hills Park Trail
Great Hills · Westover Hills
  • 2.3 miles of trails, easy_to_moderate, hiking_nature
  • The neighborhood's own 80-acre nature park with five trailheads, creek crossings, and fossils in the streambed after rain
2026-03-27
Greenway Primitive Trails
Bee Cave
  • ~5 miles total, Moderate, Hiking / Trail Running
  • Undeveloped primitive trails with real elevation changes and low foot traffic
2026-03-27
Gus Fruh Pool - Barton Creek Greenbelt
Austin Country Club
  • 0.5 miles to pool from trailhead, Moderate, Swimming Hole / Hiking
  • A rocky descent leads to one of the Greenbelt's most popular swimming holes and rock climbing walls
2026-03-27
Hamilton Greenbelt
Flintrock Falls · Hills of Lakeway · Lakeway · The Hills
  • 5.1 miles out-and-back, Easy to Moderate, Hiking / Mountain Biking
  • Lakeway's best-kept trail system runs along a creek with small waterfalls and limestone formations
2026-03-27
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Barton Creek · Bee Cave · Belvedere · Driftwood Golf Ranch Club · Loraloma · Sweetwater
  • 0.75 mile trail to pool, Moderate, Natural Pool / Hiking
  • A collapsed grotto with a 50-foot waterfall feeding a jade-green swimming hole
2026-03-27
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Spanish Oaks
  • 0.25 mile trail to pool, Easy, hiking_swimming
  • A collapsed limestone grotto with a 50-foot waterfall dropping into a jade-green swimming hole
  • Reservations required every day of the week
  • $12 per vehicle online plus $8 per adult
2026-03-27
Hancock Creek Greenway
Crestview
  • 1.5 miles informal, easy, neighborhood_path
  • Hancock Creek (also called Hancock Branch) flows through Crestview and Brentwood along the divided Arroyo Seco street before joining Shoal Creek
  • Follow Arroyo Seco for the most pleasant walking route
  • The creek is seasonal
2026-03-27
Hancock Golf Course & Trails
Hyde Park · Rosedale
  • 9-hole course, perimeter walking path, Easy, Golf Course / Walking Path
  • The oldest golf course in Texas, dating to 1899
2026-03-27
J Canyon Trail
Steiner Ranch
  • 1.5 miles, Easy to Moderate, hiking
  • One of the most popular resident trails running through the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve within Steiner Ranch
  • After rain is the best time
  • the creek fills and the canyon comes alive
2026-03-27
Jacob's Well Natural Area
Driftwood Golf Ranch Club
  • 5 miles of trails, Easy to Moderate, Hiking / Swimming
  • A perpetual artesian spring flowing from an underwater cave system - the water is crystal clear and stays around 68 degrees year-round
2026-03-27
Johnson Creek Trail
Zilker
  • 1.2 miles, Easy, Walking / Cycling
  • Connects the Zilker neighborhood to the Lamar Bridge and downtown trail system
2026-03-27
Krause Springs
Loraloma
  • Short garden trails, Easy, Natural Springs / Swimming / Hiking
  • A 115-acre family-owned property with 32 natural springs feeding swimming holes shaded by ancient cypress trees
2026-03-27
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Barton Creek
  • 284 acres with multiple garden trails, Easy, Botanical Garden / Nature Trails
  • The state botanical garden of Texas and a terminus of the Violet Crown Trail
  • Open Tue-Sun, 9 AM-5 PM
  • Adults ~$12
2026-03-27
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Trails
Circle C Ranch · Circle C Ranch
  • 2+ miles of paths, Easy, Botanical Garden Trails
  • Part of UT Austin, with native Texas plant gardens and maintained trails through Hill Country landscapes
2026-03-27
Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk
South Congress · Travis Heights · Zilker
  • 1.3 miles, Easy, Waterfront Boardwalk
  • The newest section of the Butler Trail floats over Lady Bird Lake on the south shore
2026-03-27
Lady Bird Lake Eastside Loop
East Holly
  • 5.8 miles (loop), Easy-Moderate, Paved loop trail
  • The eastern loop of Lady Bird Lake is less crowded than the west side and runs right through Holly's backyard
2026-03-27
Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail
Pemberton Heights
  • 10 miles (full loop), Easy, Lakeside Trail / Multi-Use
  • Austin's most popular trail with 2.6 million visits per year
2026-03-27
Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail (Pfluger Bridge Access)
Clarksville
  • 10 miles (full loop), easy, hiking/biking
  • Walk south from Clarksville through the Seaholm district to reach Austin's signature trail along Lady Bird Lake
  • The walk down from Clarksville to the lake is downhill
  • remember that coming back
2026-03-27
Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail (West Entrance)
Tarrytown
  • 10 miles (full loop), easy, hiking/biking
  • The western end of Austin's signature trail starts near Tom Miller Dam and runs east along the lake through downtown
  • Park at Walsh Boat Landing for easy west-end access
  • Early mornings before 8 AM you'll practically have the trail to yourself
2026-03-27
Lady Bird Lake Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Downtown Austin · Downtown Condos
  • Varies, easy to moderate, water sports
  • Motorized boats are banned on Lady Bird Lake, which makes it one of the best urban paddling spots in the country
  • Texas Rowing Center and The Rowing Dock both offer hourly kayak and SUP rentals
  • Early mornings are glass-calm
2026-03-27
Lake Austin - 360 Boat Ramp Access
Austin Country Club
  • Lake access point, Water Access / Boating
  • Public boat ramp just north of the Pennybacker Bridge
2026-03-27
Lake Austin - Walsh Boat Landing
Rob Roy
  • N/A - lake access point, Easy, Lake Access / Boating / Paddling
  • The most popular public boat ramp on Lake Austin
2026-03-27
Lake Austin Kayak & Paddleboard Access
Davenport Ranch
  • N/A - open water, Easy, Water Sports / Kayaking / Paddleboarding
  • Multiple put-in points along Lake Austin within minutes of Davenport Ranch
2026-03-27
Lake Austin Shoreline at Lake Club
Steiner Ranch
  • 0.5 miles shoreline, Easy, water_access
  • Residents-only access to Lake Austin via the Steiner Ranch Lake Club at 12300 River Bend
  • Electronic key fob required
  • get yours from the HOA office
2026-03-27
Lake Travis Shoreline Access
Rough Hollow
  • 3 miles of shoreline, Easy, Water Access / Swimming
  • Rough Hollow sits on three miles of Lake Travis shoreline
2026-03-27
Lakeside Greenbelt Trail
Rough Hollow
  • 2.8 miles, Moderate, Hiking / Mountain Biking
  • Wooded path winding around canyon gullies that opens to Lake Travis views via the Peninsula Pass connector
2026-03-27
Lakeway Canyonlands
Rough Hollow
  • 8+ miles of trails, Easy to Moderate, Hiking / Mountain Biking
  • City of Lakeway's premier trail system with multiple loops through limestone canyons and juniper groves
2026-03-27
Lakeway Canyonlands to Rough Hollow Cove
Rough Hollow
  • 4.2 miles, Moderate, Hiking
  • Connects the Lakeway Canyonlands trail system into Rough Hollow via the trail connector under the Highlands Blvd bridge
2026-03-27
Lakeway City Park & Dog Park
Flintrock Falls
  • 1.2 miles, Easy, Park / Waterfront Trails
  • Scenic waterfront trails along Lake Travis with picnic areas and a dedicated off-leash dog park
2026-03-27
Lakeway City Park Loop Trail
Lakeway
  • 1.5 miles (paved loop), Easy, Hiking / Walking
  • A paved lake loop trail circling the entire 64-acre City Park with Lake Travis views the whole way
2026-03-27
Lakeway City Park Trail
Hills of Lakeway · The Hills
  • 1.5 miles loop, Easy, Walking / Jogging
  • Paved Lake Loop Trail that circles the entire park with direct Lake Travis views
2026-03-27
Lions Municipal Golf Course (Muny)
Tarrytown
  • 18 holes, 6,001 yards, moderate, golf
  • Austin's most beloved municipal course, open since 1928 on the edge of Tarrytown and the UT campus
  • Tee times book fast on weekends
  • reserve online a week ahead
2026-03-27
Little Stacy Park
Travis Heights
  • Easy, Neighborhood Park / Recreation
  • The trailhead for the Blunn Creek Greenbelt, plus a basketball court, volleyball area, and a playground
2026-03-27
Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt
Crestview
  • 4+ miles of informal trails, moderate, natural_trail
  • 206 acres of wooded terrain with creeks and ravines near 51st Street and US-183
  • Primary trailhead on Springdale Road (5401 Springdale Rd)
  • The terrain is rougher than Shoal Creek
2026-03-27
Loraloma Community Trails
Loraloma
  • 40+ miles planned, Easy to Moderate, Private Community / Hiking / Biking
  • The Loraloma development is building out over 40 miles of private trails winding through 1,300 acres of Hill Country terrain
2026-03-27
Lost Creek Boulevard Park
Lost Creek
  • Easy, Park / Playground
  • The neighborhood's central park, maintained by the Lost Creek Limited District
2026-03-27
Lost Creek Greenbelt
Canyon RanchLost Creek Blvd at Barton Creek, Austin, TX 78746
  • 7.3 miles loop (combined with Barton Creek Greenbelt), easy, hiking_swimming
  • A quieter alternative to the main Greenbelt that connects into the larger trail system
  • The waterfall is seasonal
  • best after spring rains
2026-03-27
Lost Creek Trail
Lost Creek
  • 1.2 miles out-and-back, Easy, Hiking
  • The neighborhood's own greenbelt entry point
2026-03-27
Mansfield Dam Park
Lakeway · UT Golf Club
  • 1 mile of trails, Easy, Swimming / Scuba Diving / Hiking
  • The dam that created Lake Travis in 1942, with picnic areas, swimming access, and one of the few public scuba diving platforms in Central Texas
2026-03-27
Mayfield Park & Nature Preserve
Highland Park West
  • 1.5 miles of trails across 21 acres, Easy, Nature Preserve / Garden
  • Twenty-one acres of hiking trails on a bluff overlooking Lake Austin, with a historic cottage and gardens
2026-03-27
Mayfield Park & Nature Preserve
Pemberton Heights · Tarrytown
  • 23 acres, Easy, Park / Gardens / Nature Preserve
  • Free botanical gardens with an 1870s cottage and about two dozen free-roaming peacocks
2026-03-27
Mayfield Park & Preserve
Austin Country Club
  • 2 miles of trails, Easy, Park / Nature Preserve
  • A 21-acre preserve on a bluff above Lake Austin with a historic cottage, formal gardens, and free-roaming peacocks
2026-03-27
Milton Reimers Ranch Park
Spanish Oaks
  • 18+ miles of trails, Easy to Moderate, hiking_biking_climbing
  • Over 2,600 acres along the Pedernales River with 18+ miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding
  • Trails close after heavy rain
  • check Travis County Parks website before heading out
2026-03-27
Milton Reimers Ranch Park
Bee Cave · Driftwood Golf Ranch Club · Serene Hills · Sweetwater
  • Multiple trails, 10+ miles total, Easy to Difficult (varies by trail), Hiking / Rock Climbing / Swimming
  • The outdoor playground of the Hill Country
2026-03-27
Mount Bonnell (Covert Park)
Cat Mountain · Four Seasons at Lake Austin · Highland Park West · Lake Austin · Northwest Hills · Pemberton Heights
  • 0.3 miles (102 stone steps to summit), Moderate, Scenic Overlook / Stairs
  • Austin's most iconic viewpoint sits right at the neighborhood's western edge
2026-03-27
Mount Lakeway Trail
Flintrock Falls
  • 6.3 miles out-and-back, Moderate, Hiking / Birding / Mountain Biking
  • The signature Lakeway hike at about 2 hours 48 minutes for the full route
2026-03-27
Mueller Greenway Network
Mueller
  • 13 miles total network, easy, multi_use_trail
  • The full trail and protected bike lane system threading through all of Mueller, connecting Lake Park, Southwest Greenway, and neighboring parks including Bartholomew, Patterson, and Morris Williams Golf Course
  • The greenways are why Mueller consistently ranks among Austin's most walkable neighborhoods
  • You can bike from your front door to H-E-B, Thinkery, the farmers market, and Aldrich Street shops without touching a main road
2026-03-27
Mueller Lake Park
East Austin · Hyde Park
  • 1.0 mile (lake loop), Easy, Urban Park / Trail
  • Built on the old Robert Mueller Airport site, this park has a lake loop trail, large playgrounds, and open lawns
2026-03-27
Mueller Lake Park Loop Trail
Mueller
  • 1.2 miles, easy, paved_loop
  • Flat, paved loop circling the 6.5-acre lake at the heart of Mueller
  • Park at the Aldrich Street retail area and walk in
  • The loop connects to the broader Mueller Greenway system if you want to extend your run
2026-03-27
Mueller Lake Park Trail
Cherrywood
  • 2.6-mile loop, Easy, Urban Lake Loop
  • Flat loop trail circling the 6.5-acre lake at Mueller
2026-03-27
Mueller Southwest Greenway
Mueller
  • 1.5 miles, easy, natural_trail
  • The quieter, more natural side of Mueller's 13-mile trail network
  • Best in spring when wildflowers are up
  • The trail is part of the broader Mueller Greenway system that links all 140 acres of parks and open space
2026-03-27
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
Belvedere · Loraloma
  • 9.8 miles, Easy to Moderate, LCRA Park / Biking / Hiking
  • A 654-acre park on a bend of Lake Travis known for two things: mountain biking trails and spring bluebonnets
2026-03-27
North Shoal Creek Trail Extension
Allandale · Brentwood
  • 2.0 miles, Easy, Hike & Bike
  • The northern extension of the Shoal Creek trail system running through the North Shoal Creek neighborhood west of Brentwood
  • Great for after-dinner walks
  • Connects to neighborhood sidewalks for longer loop routes back through Brentwood
2026-03-27
Northwest District Park
Rosedale
  • 25 acres, Easy, District Park
  • Large green space with a disc golf course, sports fields, and a shaded jogging loop
2026-03-27
Old Enfield Historic Walk
Old Enfield
  • 2-3 miles loop, Easy, walking/historic
  • The best way to understand Old Enfield is on foot
2026-03-27
Onion Creek Trails (Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club)
Driftwood Golf Ranch Club
  • 5+ miles, Easy to Moderate, Hike & Bike
  • Over five miles of private hike and bike trails winding along Onion Creek within the community
2026-03-27
Pace Bend Park
Belvedere · Flintrock Falls · Hills of Lakeway · Lakeway · Loraloma · Serene Hills · The Hills
  • Multiple trails, 1-5 miles, Easy to Moderate, Hiking / Swimming / Camping
  • 1,368-acre Travis County park on a peninsula jutting into Lake Travis
2026-03-27
Pace Bend Park
Spanish Oaks
  • 8+ miles of trails, Easy to Moderate, hiking_swimming_camping
  • A 1,368-acre peninsula jutting into Lake Travis with limestone cliffs, swimming coves, and miles of hiking trails
  • The north shore cliffs have the best swimming access
  • Arrive before 10 AM on summer weekends or you may not get a spot
2026-03-27
Pan American Neighborhood Park
East Holly
  • N/A - park, Easy, Urban park with recreation center
  • The Oswaldo A.B
2026-03-27
Patterson Neighborhood Park
Cherrywood · East Austin · Mueller
  • 0.5 miles (park paths), easy, park_trails
  • 20-acre park across Airport Blvd from Mueller Lake Park, connected by Mueller Greenways
  • The skate park draws a good crowd of teenagers
  • a plus if you have older kids
2026-03-27
Pease Park - Kingsbury Commons
Bryker Woods
  • 84 acres, Easy, Urban Park / Trail
  • One of Austin's oldest parks, with a $15 million Kingsbury Commons renovation completed in 2021
  • The treehouse and splash pad make this more useful for families than a standard central-Austin park stop
  • Pease Park Conservancy runs regular volunteer programs and events
2026-03-27
Pease Park / Kingsbury Commons
Allandale · Clarksville · Hyde Park · Old Enfield · Pemberton Heights · Rosedale
  • 84 acres, Easy, Urban Park / Trails
  • Pemberton Heights' backyard park with the $15 million Kingsbury Commons renovation completed in 2021
2026-03-27
Pease Park to Lamar Beach Trail
Bryker Woods
  • 1.8 miles, Easy, Connector Trail
  • Follow Shoal Creek south from Pease Park through the 15th Street corridor to connect with the Lamar Beach section of the Butler Trail
  • This route puts you at Whole Foods flagship and BookPeople
  • Combine errands with exercise
2026-03-27
Pedernales Falls State Park
Spanish Oaks
  • 40+ miles of trails, Easy to Challenging, hiking_swimming
  • Dramatic limestone ledges where the Pedernales River drops through a series of stair-step falls
  • Reservations recommended, especially on weekends
  • The Wolf Mountain Trail is the best full-day hike within 45 minutes of Spanish Oaks
2026-03-27
Pedernales Falls State Park
Driftwood Golf Ranch Club · Loraloma
  • 40+ miles of trails, Easy to Moderate, State Park / Hiking / Biking
  • 5,212 acres along the Pedernales River with a dramatic limestone cascade as the centerpiece
2026-03-27
Pennybacker Bridge Overlook
Austin Country Club · Cat Mountain · Davenport Ranch · Four Seasons at Lake Austin · Lake Austin · UT Golf Club · Westlake Hills
  • 0.5 miles round trip, Easy, Overlook / Short Hike
  • A 10-minute scramble up a rocky trail to the cliff above the 360 bridge with Lake Austin below
2026-03-27
Perry Park Trails
Highland Park West
  • 0.5 miles of trails, Easy, Urban Park / Nature Trail
  • The neighborhood's backyard park sits behind Highland Park Elementary on a former limestone quarry along the Balcones Fault
2026-03-27
Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge
Downtown Austin · Downtown Condos
  • 700 feet, easy, walking/biking
  • The 700-foot pedestrian bridge spanning Lady Bird Lake connects the north and south sections of the hike-and-bike trail
  • Sunset is the magic hour
  • arrive 30 minutes before for the best light
2026-03-27
Powerline Hill Trail
Steiner Ranch
  • 2.2 miles, Moderate, hiking
  • Connects through the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve with open hilltop views and some of the best sunset vantage points in the community
  • Best at golden hour for photos
  • Connects to the broader Steiner Ranch trail network for longer loops
2026-03-27
Ramsey Park
Rosedale
  • 5-acre park with walking paths, Easy, Neighborhood Park
  • The heart of Rosedale
2026-03-27
Red Bud Isle
Austin Country Club · Lake Austin · Northwest Hills · Pemberton Heights · Tarrytown · Westlake Hills
  • 0.5-mile loop, easy, nature walk / dog park
  • A 13-acre peninsula on Lake Austin that's the city's most popular off-leash dog park
  • 3401 Red Bud Trail
  • No swimming for humans
2026-03-27
Red Line Parkway Trail
Crestview
  • 32 miles planned (10-15% complete), easy, multi_use_trail
  • Ambitious 32-mile trail network following the MetroRail Red Line from downtown Austin to Leander
  • Check redlineparkway.org for current open segments
  • The completed Crestview-to-Highland section is the most useful piece right now
2026-03-27
Reed Park
Highland Park West
  • 0.4 miles of paths, Easy, Urban Park / Walking
  • Quiet neighborhood park on Pecos Street with a playground, open green space, and walking paths
2026-03-27
Reed Park Loop
Bryker Woods
  • 0.4-mile loop, Easy, Neighborhood Park
  • Small neighborhood pocket park with a short loop trail, playground, and open green space
  • Good off-leash dog hours early morning
  • The playground is shaded by mature pecan trees
2026-03-27
Reimers Ranch Park
Loraloma
  • 18+ miles of trails, Easy to Difficult, County Park / Rock Climbing / Hiking / Biking
  • A 2,400-acre Travis County park with world-class rock climbing walls along the Pedernales River
2026-03-27
River Place LD Trail System
River Place · River Place Country Club
  • 6+ miles total, Easy to Moderate, hiking_biking
  • The River Place Limited District maintains a network of community trails separate from the Nature Trail
2026-03-27
River Place Nature Trail
Four Seasons at Lake Austin · Great Hills · Hills of Lakeway · Lake Austin · Lakeway · Rob Roy · Serene Hills · Steiner Ranch · The Hills · UT Golf Club · Westover Hills
  • 3 miles one-way (2,763 steps), hard, hiking_scenic
  • A serious workout with 3 miles and nearly 3,000 steps descending through a limestone canyon
2026-03-27
River Place Nature Trail
Spanish Oaks
  • 4.5 miles one-way, Moderate to Challenging, hiking
  • A serious Hill Country hike that drops 800 feet through canyons to the Colorado River
  • Not for casual hikers
  • wear proper boots and bring plenty of water
2026-03-27
River Place Nature Trail - Canyon Trail
River Place · River Place Country Club
  • 5.5 miles out-and-back, Difficult, hiking
  • Over 5,000 stairs and 1,700 feet of elevation change make it one of Austin's true conditioning hikes
  • Seasonal waterfalls, rock shelves, and canyon walls justify the effort if you want a demanding trail close to home
2026-03-27
River Place Nature Trail - Little Fern Trail
River Place · River Place Country Club
  • 1.5 miles round-trip, Easy, hiking
  • The easiest segment of the River Place trail system
2026-03-27
River Place Nature Trail - Panther Hollow Trail
River Place · River Place Country Club
  • 3.5 miles round-trip, Moderate to Difficult, hiking
  • Connects from Woodlands Park down into the canyon system
2026-03-27
Rollingwood Park & Trails
Rollingwood403 Nixon Dr, Rollingwood, TX 78746
  • 0.5-mile loop, easy, walking / playground
  • The community's own park split into upper and lower sections
  • The community garden in the lower park is where Rollingwood neighbors actually get to know each other
  • Little League games at the upper fields are a Friday evening tradition
2026-03-27
Rough Hollow Hike & Bike Network
Rough Hollow
  • 22 miles total, Easy to Moderate, Multi-Use Trails
  • The full 22-mile trail network connecting every section of Rough Hollow
2026-03-27
Rough Hollow Lakeside Trail
Rough Hollow
  • 3.5 miles, Moderate, Hiking / Trail Running
  • The signature trail through Rough Hollow
2026-03-27
Rough Hollow Nature Trail
Rough Hollow
  • 1.2 miles, Easy, Walking / Family Hiking
  • Well-maintained loop through the community that works for strollers, kids on bikes, and evening walks with the dog
2026-03-27
Rough Hollow Trails
Lakeway
  • 5+ miles of community trails, Easy to Moderate, Walking / Hiking
  • An interconnected trail system running through the 1,800-acre Rough Hollow development down to the Lake Travis shoreline
2026-03-27
Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Park
East Holly
  • 3+ miles of trails, Easy-Moderate, Riverside park with trails
  • A 400-acre park on Lady Bird Lake's south bank accessible via Pleasant Valley
2026-03-27
Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Park
East Austin
  • 3+ miles of trails, Easy to Moderate, River park / Trails
  • 436 acres of green space along the Colorado River with wooded trails, disc golf, sports fields, and river access
2026-03-27
Sculpture Falls
Canyon Ranch · Lost Creek · Rollingwood · Spanish Oaks1710 Camp Craft Rd, Austin, TX 78746
  • 3.2 miles round trip from Camp Craft, moderate, hiking_swimming
  • Water cascades over sculpted limestone ledges into wide, shallow pools that work for kids and adults
  • Go on a weekday to avoid crowds
  • The trail involves some rock scrambling
2026-03-27
Sculpture Falls
Barton Creek
  • 3.2 mi round trip from Gus Fruh trailhead, Moderate, Swimming Hole
  • Wide terraced limestone shelf where Barton Creek fans into shallow cascades and deeper pools
  • Visit 2-4 days after rain for best flow
  • Can be bone dry in summer drought
2026-03-27
Serene Hills Community Trails
Serene Hills
  • 5+ miles, Easy to Moderate, Hiking / Biking
  • Private trail network winding through greenbelts, seasonal creeks, and limestone ridges
2026-03-27
Shipe Park Loop
Hyde Park
  • 0.5 miles (loop), Easy, Urban Park
  • The heart of Hyde Park
2026-03-27
Shoal Creek Greenbelt
Allandale · Brentwood · Clarksville · Old Enfield · Rosedale
  • Varies - multiple access points, Easy to Moderate, Greenbelt / Nature Trail
  • The unpaved portions of the Shoal Creek corridor offer a wilder feel than the main trail
2026-03-27
Shoal Creek Greenbelt (Upper)
Bryker Woods
  • 1.5 miles, Easy to Moderate, Nature Trail
  • The upper section of Shoal Creek between 35th and 45th streets offers a more natural, less developed trail experience
  • Can get muddy after rain
  • The limestone sections are slippery when wet
2026-03-27
Shoal Creek Trail
Allandale · Brentwood · Bryker Woods · Clarksville · Downtown Austin · Downtown Condos · Hyde Park · Old Enfield · Pemberton Heights · Rosedale
  • 5.2 miles (out and back), Easy, Urban Trail / Multi-Use
  • Austin's oldest trail runs right along Pemberton Heights' eastern edge
2026-03-27
Shoal Creek Trail (Northern Section)
Crestview
  • 4+ miles (existing paved section), easy_to_moderate, multi_use_trail
  • Austin's oldest hike-and-bike trail, running from Lady Bird Lake north toward Highway 183
  • Access the northern canyon section from Bailey Park at N Lamar and 31st
  • The trail gets more natural and less crowded as you head north
2026-03-27
Slaughter Creek Trail
Circle C Ranch · Circle C Ranch
  • 5.3 miles (loop), Moderate, Natural Surface - Hike & Mountain Bike
  • A proper Hill Country trail with 209 feet of elevation change winding through live oaks and cedar
2026-03-27
Southern Walnut Creek Trail
East Austin · Mueller
  • 7.3 miles one-way, easy to moderate, multi_use_trail
  • 10-foot wide concrete multi-use trail running from Govalle Park to Walnut Creek Sports Park at Johnny Morris Road
  • Access from the Mueller side via Berkman Drive heading south
  • The full out-and-back is 14.6 miles
2026-03-27
St. Edwards Park
Barton Creek · Cat Mountain · Great Hills · River Place · River Place Country Club · Rob Roy · Westover Hills
  • 2+ miles of trails, moderate, hiking_swimming
  • Hidden along old Spicewood Springs Road with trails winding through Bull Creek canyon
2026-03-27
Steiner Ranch Nature Trail System
Steiner Ranch
  • 20+ miles total, Easy to Moderate, hiking_biking
  • Over 20 miles of interconnected trails winding through the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve with Hill Country views, Lake Austin overlooks, seasonal creeks, and wildflower meadows
  • The Bright Sky Overlook trail is the best bang for your effort
  • short hike with panoramic views
2026-03-27
Steiner Ranch Nature Trails
UT Golf Club
Sunset Valley Disc Golf Course
Circle C Ranch · Circle C Ranch
  • 18 holes, Moderate, Disc Golf Course
  • Located within the Circle C Metro Park, this PDGA-recognized course winds through wooded terrain along Slaughter Creek
2026-03-27
Sweetwater Internal Trail System
Sweetwater
  • 10 miles, Easy to Moderate, Paved & Natural Surface Trails
  • Ten miles of trails wind through Sweetwater's 700 acres of preserved open space
2026-03-27
The Veloway
Circle C Ranch · Circle C Ranch
  • 3.1 miles, Easy, Paved Loop - Bikes & Skates Only
  • The first facility of its kind in the US - a 23-foot-wide paved loop exclusively for bicycles and inline skates
2026-03-27
Tom Miller Dam Loop
Tarrytown
  • 3.2 miles, moderate, hiking/running
  • A loop that crosses Tom Miller Dam with views of both Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake
  • The dam crossing is narrow
  • go single file
2026-03-27
Turkey Creek Trail
Four Seasons at Lake Austin · Hills of Lakeway · Lake Austin · The Hills
  • 2.7-mile loop, Moderate, Creek / Loop Trail
  • Winds through Emma Long's 1,100 acres crossing Turkey Creek multiple times
2026-03-27
Twin Falls
Lost Creek
  • 2.4 miles round-trip, Easy to Moderate, Hiking / Swimming
  • Accessible from the Mopac trailhead, Twin Falls is popular for cliff jumping and rope swings when the water is up
2026-03-27
Twin Falls via Barton Creek Greenbelt
Canyon Ranch3755 Capital of Texas Hwy S, Austin, TX 78704
  • 1.5 miles round trip from Scottish Woods trailhead, moderate, hiking_swimming
  • Two cascading waterfalls over limestone shelves, with a popular swimming hole below
  • Parking at the 360 access is paid and fills early on weekends
  • The rock scramble to the lower falls is slippery when wet
2026-03-27
Twin Lakes Park & YMCA Trail
Avery Ranch
  • 2-mile loop, easy, park_fitness
  • A Cedar Park park with two small lakes, fishing, paved trails, and playground
2026-03-27
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
Bouldin Creek
  • 0.5 miles of garden paths, Easy, Sculpture garden/trail
  • A shaded sculpture garden along Barton Creek near Zilker Park with over 130 works by Charles Umlauf
2026-03-27
Upper Bull Creek Greenbelt
Westover Hills
  • 2.1 miles out-and-back, Easy, Hiking / Nature
  • A mellow creekside trail that follows Bull Creek through mature oaks and junipers
  • Access from Spicewood Springs Road or from Loop 360
  • The trail connects to St
2026-03-27
UT Campus Walking Paths
Bryker Woods
  • Varies, Easy, Urban Walking
  • The UT campus is a 15-minute bike ride or 25-minute walk from Bryker Woods
  • Park your car and bike or walk
  • The campus is car-hostile by design
2026-03-27
Violet Crown Trail
Barton Creek · Barton Hills · ZilkerAccess via Barton Creek Greenbelt, Austin, TX 78704
  • 13 miles (Phase 2 extending to 30 miles in 2026), Easy to Moderate, Regional Trail
  • Central Texas's first regional trail
  • 360 Trailhead is the most convenient access from Barton Creek
  • Free, no reservation needed
2026-03-27
Violet Crown Trail - 360 Trailhead
Westlake Hills
  • 4.0 miles (360 to 290 segment), Easy to Moderate, hiking / biking
  • Part of the planned 30-mile trail system connecting Zilker Park to Hays County
  • The 360 trailhead has limited parking
  • arrive early on weekends
2026-03-27
Waller Creek Greenbelt
Hyde Park
  • 2.5 miles (to Lady Bird Lake), Easy, Creek Trail
  • Waller Creek cuts through the eastern edge of Hyde Park along Hancock Golf Course, then winds south to Waterloo Park and Lady Bird Lake
2026-03-27
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
Cherrywood · Great Hills
  • 8+ miles of trails, easy_to_moderate, mountain_biking_hiking
  • Austin's premier mountain biking park with over 8 miles of singletrack
2026-03-27
West Austin Neighborhood Walk
Clarksville
  • 1.5-2 miles loop, easy, walking/historic
  • The best walk in Clarksville requires no trail at all
  • Start at West Lynn and 10th, walk west on 10th to MoPac, north on Waterston to 12th, east back to West Lynn
  • The homes on Charlotte Street between 10th and 11th have some of the best-preserved original cottages
2026-03-27
West Bouldin Creek Greenbelt
Bouldin Creek
  • 1.2 miles, Easy, Neighborhood greenway trail
  • A neighborhood loop trail following the actual Bouldin Creek through the greenbelt
2026-03-27
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
Spanish Oaks
  • Guided canyon hikes (1-2 hours), Easy to Moderate, guided_hiking
  • A nonprofit nature preserve with a collapsed grotto, canyon trails, and a restored prairie
  • Guided canyon hikes on weekends at 10 AM, noon, 2 PM, and 4 PM
  • Self-guided trails open Tuesday through Sunday
2026-03-27
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
Sweetwater
  • Guided tours on 76 acres, Easy to Moderate, Guided Nature Preserve
  • A 76-acre preserve with geological formations, bird hikes, and nature sketching programs
2026-03-27
Westlake Hills Nature Preserve
Westlake Hills
  • 0.5 miles, Easy, community preserve
  • A small community preserve with walking trails right in the heart of Westlake Hills
  • No admission fee
  • Open year-round
2026-03-27
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Austin Country Club · Canyon Ranch · Cat Mountain · Davenport Ranch · Four Seasons at Lake Austin · Rob Roy · Westlake Hills805 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746
  • 2.5 miles of trails, Easy-Moderate, Nature Preserve / Hill Country
  • Austin's first nature preserve, spanning 227 acres of Hill Country terrain
2026-03-27
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Barton Creek
  • 2.5 miles across 227 acres, Easy to Moderate, Nature Preserve
  • A pocket wilderness on Loop 360 between two of Austin's most expensive zip codes
  • Free on weekdays
  • Weekends require reservation and nominal fee
2026-03-27
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Bouldin Creek
  • 350+ acres, Easy, Urban park
  • Austin's flagship park where Barton Creek meets Lady Bird Lake
2026-03-27
Zilker Park & Botanical Garden
Downtown Austin · Downtown Condos
  • 351 acres, easy, park/gardens
  • Austin's 351-acre central park hosts ACL Festival, the Zilker Botanical Garden, Barton Springs, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, and miles of trails
  • The botanical garden charges admission but is worth it for the Japanese garden alone
  • Parking is a disaster during ACL and Trail of Lights
2026-03-27
Zilker Park Trails
Barton Hills · Rollingwood · South Congress · Zilker2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
  • 358 acres, Easy, Park Trails / Multi-Use
  • Austin's 358-acre crown jewel where Barton Creek meets Lady Bird Lake
2026-03-27

Austin's Trail Network: What Homebuyers Should Know

Austin's outdoor infrastructure is a major draw for relocating buyers. The city maintains over 300 miles of trails and 200+ parks across diverse terrain - from flat lakeside paths to rugged Hill Country canyon trails. Here's how it breaks down by area:

The Barton Creek Greenbelt Corridoris Austin's signature trail system. At 12.7 miles, it runs from Zilker to the Hill of Life near MoPac. Neighborhoods with the best greenbelt access include Barton Creek, Barton Hills, and Lost Creek. Expect swimming holes, limestone cliffs, mountain biking, and trail running. The Gus Fruh and Spyglass trailheads are the most popular entry points.

Lady Bird Lake Trail (Ann and Roy Butler Trail)is a 10.1-mile paved loop and Austin's most-used trail. Ideal for running, cycling, walking, and stroller access. Direct access from Travis Heights, Zilker, Bouldin Creek, and downtown condos along Cesar Chavez. The Boardwalk section connects to the east side trail system and is the newest addition (completed 2014).

Northwest Austin and the Balcones Canyonlands offer a different experience - Hill Country terrain with canyon views, endangered species habitat, and over 30,000 acres of preserve. Northwest Hills and Great Hills are 5-10 minutes from Bull Creek, St. Edwards Park, and the Canyon Trail system. This area is a strong pick for trail runners and mountain bikers who want fewer crowds.

Westlake and Lakeway combine Hill Country trails with lake access. Westlake Hills has Wild Basin Preserve (2.5-mile loop) and sits above the greenbelt. Lakeway offers Pace Bend Park on Lake Travis with trails, cliffs, swimming, and camping. Homes in this corridor range from $800K to $5M+.

Year-round runningis one of Austin's best-kept advantages. With 228 sunny days per year and mild winters (average January high of 62 degrees), outdoor access is a 12-month lifestyle here - not a 6-month one. Summers are hot, but early morning runs on shaded trails like Bull Creek and the Greenbelt are a daily routine for thousands of Austin runners.

Frequently Asked Questions: Austin Trails & Outdoors

What are the best neighborhoods in Austin for trail access?

Barton Creek, Zilker, Travis Heights, and Westlake Hills offer the most direct access to Austin's trail network. Barton Creek residents can walk to the 12.7-mile Barton Creek Greenbelt. Zilker borders the 10.1-mile Ann and Roy Butler Trail around Lady Bird Lake. Northwest Hills connects to the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (30,000+ acres). Travis Heights has direct lakeside trail access on foot.

What are the best trail running routes in Austin?

The Lady Bird Lake Trail (10.1-mile paved loop) is Austin's best urban running route - flat, scenic, and accessible from Travis Heights, Zilker, and downtown. For trail running, the Barton Creek Greenbelt offers 12.7 miles of rocky limestone singletrack through canyon terrain. Shoal Creek Trail (3.2 miles, paved) runs north-south through Clarksville and Old West Austin. Bull Creek adds a 2.1-mile loop with creek crossings near Northwest Hills. Turkey Creek Trail at Emma Long has 2.3 miles of canyon running with 250 ft of elevation gain.

How long is the Barton Creek Greenbelt?

The Barton Creek Greenbelt stretches 12.7 miles from Zilker Park to the Hill of Life trailhead near MoPac and Southwest Parkway. It includes swimming holes (Sculpture Falls, Twin Falls, Campbell's Hole), rock climbing walls, and mountain biking trails. Trail conditions depend on recent rainfall - check Austin Parks Foundation or AllTrails before going.

Can you walk or bike along Lady Bird Lake?

Yes. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is a 10.1-mile paved loop around Lady Bird Lake. It connects to the Boardwalk, Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, and Lamar Pedestrian Bridge. Neighborhoods with direct access include Zilker, Travis Heights, Bouldin Creek, and downtown condos along Cesar Chavez. The trail is open sunrise to midnight and has water fountains every half mile.

Where can I mountain bike in Austin?

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park in north Austin has 13+ miles of singletrack and is the most popular mountain biking spot in the city. The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers challenging, technical limestone riding (best when dry). Pace Bend Park on Lake Travis has 8 miles of moderate trails with lake views ($10 day use). McKinney Falls State Park has beginner-friendly loops. Emma Long Metropolitan Park (Turkey Creek Trail) has canyon riding in the Balcones Canyonlands.

What are the best off-leash dog parks in Austin?

Red Bud Isle is a 13-acre island in Lake Austin that's completely off-leash with deep water swimming - the most popular dog spot in Austin (go early on weekends). Zilker Park has a large off-leash area along Barton Creek. Bull Creek off-leash area near Northwest Hills has creek swimming. Auditorium Shores has off-leash access to Lady Bird Lake with skyline views. Norwood Dog Park near Travis Heights has fenced areas for large and small dogs. Onion Creek District Park in southeast Austin has 12 acres of off-leash space with fewer crowds.

What outdoor activities are available in Northwest Austin?

Northwest Austin connects to the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (over 30,000 acres), Bull Creek District Park (trail running, swimming, off-leash dogs), and the Shoal Creek Trail system. St. Edwards Park has a 2.1-mile loop with creek crossings. Commons Ford Ranch has easy lakeside trails. Northwest Hills and Great Hills are 5-10 minutes from all of these.

Which Austin neighborhoods are best for outdoor lifestyle?

For greenbelt hiking: Barton Creek, Lost Creek, Zilker. For lake access: Lake Austin waterfront, Lakeway. For trail running: Travis Heights, Bouldin Creek, Zilker (Lady Bird Lake Trail). For mountain biking: Barton Hills, North Austin (Walnut Creek). For dog owners: Tarrytown (Red Bud Isle), Zilker, Northwest Hills (Bull Creek). For Hill Country terrain: Westlake Hills, Rob Roy, Bee Cave. Keenan Group clients regularly prioritize outdoor access in their home search - we've helped 1,000+ Austin families find their fit over 25 years.

Where are the best swimming holes near Austin?

Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park stays 68 degrees year-round ($5-$9 entry). Sculpture Falls in the Barton Creek Greenbelt is free with a 1.7-mile hike from Gus Fruh. Campbell's Hole along Barton Creek has cliff jumping (short hike from Spyglass). Hamilton Pool Preserve is 30 miles west with a 50-foot waterfall - reservations required via Travis County Parks. Krause Springs near Spicewood has 32 natural springs ($9 cash only). All are seasonal except Barton Springs Pool.

Is Austin good for trail running year-round?

Yes, with planning. Austin averages 228 sunny days per year. The Lady Bird Lake Trail has water fountains every half mile and is runnable 12 months a year. The Barton Creek Greenbelt provides shade in summer. Most runners shift to early morning schedules (before 8 AM) from May through September when temperatures regularly exceed 95 degrees. Fall and spring are ideal - 60s and 70s with low humidity.

How does trail access affect Austin home values?

Homes within walking distance of the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Lady Bird Lake Trail, or Bull Creek typically carry a premium over comparable homes without trail access. Zilker, Travis Heights, and Barton Hills see the strongest correlation between trail proximity and pricing. Northwest Hills and Westlake Hills homes near preserve access also benefit. Our team has helped 1,000+ Austin families factor outdoor lifestyle into their home search over 25 years.

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Written by the Keenan Group - Joe Keenan and Cara Keenan, Austin's #1 real estate team (Austin Board of Realtors 2024). 25+ years, 1,000+ transactions, $1B+ career sales.