South Austin & Violet Crown Trail Guide
The southern greenbelt corridor from Zilker to Slaughter Creek, including the Violet Crown Trail and Veloway
#1 ABoR Team 2024$1B+ Career Sales1,000+ Homes Sold
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 is a 30-mile vision connecting Zilker Park south to Hays County through a limestone and juniper corridor - about 8 miles are built and open. The Veloway is a 3-mile paved loop exclusively for cyclists and inline skaters, looping through the Circle C neighborhood. Slaughter Creek Trail is a flat, paved multi-use path that connects neighborhoods from MoPac to Slaughter Lane. 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
- 8 miles of 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
- Less crowded than Barton Creek Greenbelt despite similar quality
Parking
Northern trailhead at Dick Nichols Park (Beckett Road) or southern access at Slaughter Creek. Free parking at both.
Local Tip
The Violet Crown Trail is the best-kept running secret in south Austin. While everyone packs the Greenbelt, this trail has better surface conditions, gentler grades, and a fraction of the traffic. The section south of Slaughter Lane through the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve is especially quiet.
Veloway
Highlights
- 3.1-mile paved loop exclusively for cyclists and inline skaters
- No pedestrians, dogs, or motor vehicles allowed
- Smooth asphalt surface through a wooded corridor
- Safe environment for kids learning to ride on roads
Parking
Veloway parking lot off Slaughter Lane near Circle C. Free.
Local Tip
The Veloway is the only car-free, pedestrian-free paved loop in Austin. Parents in Circle C use it to teach kids road cycling skills in a safe environment. It is also a solid interval training loop for road cyclists - three laps is a good 10-mile workout with gentle hills.
Slaughter Creek Trail
Highlights
- Flat, paved multi-use trail connecting south Austin neighborhoods
- Well-maintained with good signage and lighting
- Connects to neighborhood parks and schools
- Year-round usability - no creek crossings or flood closures
Parking
Multiple access points along Slaughter Lane. Main parking at Slaughter Creek trailhead near MoPac.
Local Tip
This is the daily trail for south Austin families - less Instagram-worthy than the Greenbelt but far more useful. It connects schools, parks, and neighborhoods so kids can bike between friends' houses without crossing major roads.
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. $12 adult admission.
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
- Exposed volcanic ash and fossilized sea life in the creek bed
- 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
St. Edwards University area on Woodward Street, or Big Stacy Park on Travis Heights Blvd.
Local Tip
The geological exposures in Blunn Creek are some of the best urban fossil sites in Texas. Look for ammonite impressions in the creek bed limestone near the St. Edwards end. This is also where UT geology classes do field work.
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
McKinney Falls is the only state park inside Austin city limits. Most visitors go to the lower falls, which are the easier walk. The upper falls are a 1.5-mile hike and significantly less visited. The ruins of the McKinney homestead near the upper falls date to the 1850s.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Looking for a home near these trails? These neighborhoods have the best access.