Lake Travis, Lake Austin & Hill Country Trails
State parks, swimming holes, and preserves for west Austin and Lakeway buyers who want weekend adventure close to home
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West of Austin, the Hill Country opens up into a different landscape - juniper-covered limestone hills, clear spring-fed creeks, and Lake Travis stretching 65 miles through the canyons. For buyers in Lakeway, Bee Cave, Spanish Oaks, and Spicewood, these trails and parks are the weekend routine. Hamilton Pool is a collapsed grotto with a 50-foot waterfall. Pedernales Falls is a mile-wide cascade over tilted limestone slabs. Reimers Ranch has over 18 miles of trails. This is not suburban hiking - the terrain is rugged and the distances are real. Most of these destinations are 20-45 minutes from Lakeway, which is why the area draws outdoors-focused buyers willing to trade a longer commute for direct access to the Hill Country.
Trail Map
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Highlights
- Collapsed grotto with 50-foot waterfall into jade-green pool
- Canyon walls covered in maidenhair ferns and moss
- Endangered golden-cheeked warbler habitat in surrounding juniper
Parking
Hamilton Pool Road. Reservation required through Travis County Parks: $12 per vehicle (1 vehicle max), plus an $8 per adult entrance fee paid in cash at the preserve.
Local Tip
Reservations are mandatory. Swimming depends on bacteria levels and recent rain, and is not guaranteed with a reservation, so check the Travis County Parks page for current water access before you go.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Highlights
- Mile-wide falls cascade over tilted limestone slabs
- Multiple trail loops through Hill Country grassland and oak savanna
- River swimming at the designated swimming area (a strenuous 1/4-mile hike); no swimming or wading at the falls
- Excellent birding - painted buntings, black-capped vireos in spring
Parking
State park entrance off FM 3232. $6 per adult entry fee. Arrive before 10 AM on weekends or the park closes to new entry.
Local Tip
The falls area is photogenic but the real hiking is on the Juniper Ridge and Wolf Mountain trails deeper in the park. Most visitors never make it past the falls overlook, so the backcountry trails are quiet even on busy weekends.
Pace Bend Park
Highlights
- More than nine miles of Lake Travis shoreline with limestone cliffs
- Primitive camping on the water
- Hike, bike and equestrian trails
Parking
Multiple access points within the park. Travis County day use: $5 per person.
Local Tip
Check Travis County's Pace Bend page for current rules and conditions, and check lake levels before swimming near the cliffs: low water exposes rocks.
Reimers Ranch Park
Highlights
- Over 18 miles of trails (Travis County Parks)
- Rock climbing on the Pedernales River canyon walls
- Swimming in the Pedernales River at low water
- Raptor nesting cliffs - watch for nesting closures in spring
Parking
Reimers Ranch Road off Hamilton Pool Road. Travis County day use: $5 per person. Multiple trailhead parking areas within the park.
Local Tip
The mountain bike trails are rated by difficulty. Check the trailhead kiosks for ratings and current closures before you ride.
River Place Nature Trail
Highlights
- Steep canyon descent toward Lake Austin
- Waterfall at the bottom (seasonal, best after rain)
- 600 feet of elevation change in under 2 miles
- Used by trail runners as an interval workout
Parking
River Place Blvd trailhead in the River Place subdivision. Parking is limited; check River Place's current trail access rules for non-residents before you go.
Local Tip
This trail is essentially a staircase down to the river and back up. It is a genuine workout - not a casual hike. The waterfall at the bottom only flows after significant rain. Go after a wet week for the payoff.
Krause Springs
Highlights
- 32 natural springs feeding multiple swimming pools
- Man-made dam creates a large swimming area
- Butterfly garden and old-growth cypress trees
- Primitive camping under the trees
Parking
Private property on Spur 191 near Spicewood. Check the Krause Springs site for current admission and hours.
Local Tip
Krause Springs is privately owned and has been in the same family for generations. The upper springs are shallow and warm - good for small kids. The lower pool by the dam is deeper and cooler.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park (Turkey Creek Trail)
Highlights
- City of Austin park on Lake Austin; Turkey Creek is a City off-leash trail
- Turkey Creek Trail loops through juniper and oak woodland
- Swimming in Lake Austin at the park beach
- Camping sites directly on the water
Parking
City Park Road off FM 2222. $5 per vehicle Monday-Thursday; $10 Friday-Sunday and holidays (City of Austin).
Local Tip
Emma Long has a 250-car capacity and stops admitting cars once full. Friday-Sunday day passes can be bought online ahead of time.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Looking for a home near these trails? These neighborhoods have the best access.