South Austin & Violet Crown Trail Guide
The southern greenbelt corridor from Zilker to Slaughter Creek, including the Violet Crown Trail and Veloway
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South Austin has its own trail ecosystem, distinct from the Barton Creek Greenbelt and Lady Bird Lake paths that get all the attention. The Violet Crown Trail begins at the Barton Creek Greenbelt entrance in Zilker Park (the Mile Zero Trailhead) and is planned as a 30-mile trail south to Hays County through a limestone and juniper corridor. The Veloway is a 3.1-mile paved loop in Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park, open to bicycles, inline skates, e-bikes and power wheelchairs. McKinney Falls State Park, on the southeast edge, has swimming, camping, and trails along Onion Creek. For buyers in Circle C, Shady Hollow, and Travis Country, these trails are the daily routine - the running loop before work, the after-school bike ride, the weekend family hike that does not require getting in the car.
Trail Map
Violet Crown Trail
Highlights
- Natural-surface trail through juniper and oak savanna
- Part of a planned 30-mile trail from Zilker Park to Hays County
- Rolling terrain with limestone outcrops and seasonal creek crossings
Parking
Mile Zero Trailhead at the Barton Creek Greenbelt entrance in Zilker Park (2212 William Barton Dr). Check the City of Austin's Violet Crown Trail page for other access points.
Local Tip
The trail starts at the Mile Zero Trailhead at the Greenbelt entrance in Zilker Park. Check the City of Austin's Violet Crown Trail page for the sections open now before you plan a long run.
Veloway
Highlights
- 3.1-mile paved loop
- Open to bicycles, inline skates, e-bikes and power wheelchairs (City of Austin)
- Smooth asphalt surface through a wooded corridor
- Safe environment for kids learning to ride on roads
Parking
Veloway parking off La Crosse Avenue inside Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park.
Local Tip
The loop is car-free, which makes it a good place to practice riding. Three laps is about 9.3 miles with gentle hills.
Slaughter Creek Trail
Highlights
- Multi-use trail in southwest Austin near Slaughter Lane
- Part of the Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park trail area
Parking
Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park area on W Slaughter Ln. Check the City of Austin trail directory for current access points.
Local Tip
Check the City of Austin trail directory for the current surface and access details before you go.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Trails
Highlights
- Maintained trails through native Texas plant gardens and restored savanna
- Peak wildflower season March through May is a must-see
- Observation tower with Hill Country views
- Educational programs for kids and adults
Parking
Wildflower Center parking on La Crosse Avenue. Adult admission $15 Monday-Thursday, $18 Friday-Sunday.
Local Tip
The best wildflower viewing is mid-April in an average year, but it shifts based on winter rain. Check their bloom report online before going. The back meadows along the nature trail have denser wildflower stands than the main garden areas.
Blunn Creek Greenbelt
Highlights
- Walk-to trail from Travis Heights and South Congress neighborhoods
- Connects Big Stacy and Little Stacy parks
- Mature pecan canopy provides year-round shade
Parking
Big Stacy Park on Travis Heights Blvd, or Little Stacy Park.
Local Tip
The greenbelt is a neighborhood walk between Big Stacy and Little Stacy parks. The separate Blunn Creek Nature Preserve is at 1200 St. Edwards Dr.
McKinney Falls State Park
Highlights
- Upper and Lower McKinney Falls on Onion Creek
- Swimming at the lower falls when water is flowing
- Multiple trail loops including the Onion Creek Hike & Bike Trail
- Camping and picnic areas within city limits
Parking
State park entrance off McKinney Falls Parkway. $6 per adult. Park can reach capacity on summer weekends.
Local Tip
Most visitors go to the lower falls, which are the easier walk. To reach the McKinney homestead trails, you cross the Lower Falls.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Looking for a home near these trails? These neighborhoods have the best access.