10 Scenic Hiking Trails in Austin for Every Skill Level
Take a Walk Around Austin’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
Austin, a city celebrated for its vibrant culture and live music, also boasts an unexpected treasure: a diverse network of scenic hiking trails, suitable for every skill level. The trails wind through stunning natural landscapes, from the bustling greenbelts just steps from downtown to tranquil state parks on its outskirts.
The city offers an outdoor adventure for every type of adventurer. Whether you’re an avid hiker seeking challenging ascents and technical terrain or a family looking for gentle paths great for a leisurely stroll, Austin’s natural beauty provides a captivating backdrop. Get ready to lace up your boots and explore Austin’s most beautiful landscapes and discover the wild heart of this Texas gem.
1. Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail
A popular trail with several sections to choose from
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Couples
Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail is a versatile option for outdoor enthusiasts, offering over 12 miles (19 km) of trails. It features a mix of terrain, from wide, flat paths near the Zilker Park access point to more challenging rocky sections and steep inclines. On your hike, you’ll find lush greenery, limestone cliffs, and the beautiful Barton Creek winding through the landscape.
A major highlight is the natural swimming holes where you can cool off during warmer months. Check out Twin Falls with its 2 waterfalls, or the locals’ favorite Gus Fruh. If you’re in for a good cardio, take the steep 300-ft (91-meter) ascent to the Hill of Life and enjoy the rewarding views.
Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail
2. Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
An easy urban path meandering by the water’s edge
Good for: Photo, Couples
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is a 10-mile (16-km) loop that circles Lady Bird Lake near Austin city center. In this beloved urban oasis, you get to admire both the city skyline views and natural lakeside scenery. You’ll pass by skyscrapers, diverse neighborhoods, and cultural attractions. The trail is mostly flat with gentle grades, and it features a mix of surfaces, including crushed granite, concrete, and boardwalk. ADA-accessible entrances, restrooms, and drinking fountains are also available.
To experience something exceptional, check out the Statesman Bat Observation Center. From spring to fall at sunset, a large urban bat colony emerges from beneath the nearby Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Be sure to have your camera ready.
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
3. River Place Canyon Trail
A challenging hike featuring a steep incline to the top of a hill
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Couples
The River Place Canyon Trail in northwest Austin is known for its elevation changes, numerous stairs, and forest shade. This trail is about 3 miles (5 km) one way, with a significant elevation gain and loss. It features varied terrain, including dirt paths and some rocky sections. There are about 2,700 steps one way, so with a total of over 5,500 steps, you’re guaranteed to get a great workout here.
As the trail follows the stream beds through the canyon, you’ll find beautiful creeks, mini waterfalls, and lush fern forests on your way. Catch your breath in a cool, shaded spot and take in the views of the surrounding Texas Hill Country, steep canyons, and verdant woodlands.
River Place Canyon Trail
4. Turkey Creek Trail
A dog-friendly hike with rocky pathways and wildflowers
Good for: Photo, Families, Couples
The Turkey Creek Trail northwest of downtown Austin features moderately challenging paths, numerous creek crossings, and stunning Hill County landscapes. Located in Emma Long Metropolitan Park, this 2.5-mile (4-km) walk surrounds you with towering cedars, oaks, elms, and sycamores, as well as mountain laurels and agarita. Visit in spring or summer and you’ll see the landscape flooded with spectacular wildflowers in full bloom.
Along the creek, you can spot small waterfalls, and near the turnaround point, there’s a grotto with a wall of ferns where you can enjoy a bit of shade and snap a photo. Canine companions are welcome, and they can even hike off-leash. As the creek crossings can be slippery, do bring your sturdiest pair of shoes.
Turkey Creek Trail
5. Homestead Trail
Easy and family-friendly hiking with great views of the falls
Good for: Photo, Families, Couples
The 3.5-mile-long (5.6-km-long) Homestead Trail offers easily accessible nature adventures near the Lower Falls in McKinney Falls State Park. The trail is a wide and well-maintained gravel path with many offshoots, so you can take detours and explore several paths.
The main trail begins with a crossing at the Lower Falls of Onion Creek, a beautiful area where water cascades over limestone shelves. Further along the trail, the remains of Thomas F. McKinney’s homestead and gristmill from the 1850s offer a glimpse into early Texas settlement history. For some more stunning landscapes, change to the Williamson Creek Overlook Trail extension and see the river snake past some otherworldly rock formations.
Homestead Trail
6. Three Falls Hike
Waterfalls and forested areas in an urban oasis
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Couples
As the name suggests, the Three Falls Hike boasts 3 beautiful waterfalls in Austin’s Barton Creek Greenbelt: the Twin Falls, Sculpture Falls, and a smaller, unnamed waterfall. The Greenbelt is a remarkable natural escape right within Austin’s city limits, where you can get into the wilderness surprisingly close to an urban environment.
This 7.5-mile (12-km) hike features forested areas where you can find plenty of shade and tranquil spots to rest your feet while admiring the gorgeous views. In places, the terrain is rocky and covered with roots, and it has steeper sections, too. Reward yourself with a refreshing dip in one of the popular swimming holes by the waterfalls and let the cool waters rejuvenate your body and mind.
Three Falls Hike
7. Zilker Trailhead to 290 Trailhead
A fantastic escape into nature within Austin’s city limits
Good for: Adventure, Photo
The Violet Crown Trail (VCT) is one of Austin’s expanding trail systems, and it features the popular and well-established segment from the Zilker Trailhead to the US 290 Trailhead. This moderately challenging portion is just over 5 miles (8 km) of natural surface trail, winding through the urban wilderness of the Barton Creek watershed, which is known for its outstanding recreational areas.
The trail passes through the environmentally sensitive Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, highlighting the importance of protecting Austin’s water resources. Near the Spyglass trailhead, you’ll find Campbell’s Hole, a popular swimming spot on Barton Creek. If rock climbing is more your speed, check out the Gus Fruh climbing wall near the Gus Fruh trail access point.
Zilker Trailhead to 290 Trailhead
8. Mount Bonnell Trail
A sprint hike for iconic views
Good for: Photo, Families, Couples
The short, but steep Mount Bonnell Trail boasts breathtaking views of downtown Austin, Lake Austin, and the Pennybacker Bridge. It’s only 0.4 miles (0.6 km) long one way, but the primary path involves ascending approximately 100 limestone steps to reach the main viewing platform and pavilion at the summit. While there’s a small, unpaved path that runs alongside the stairs on one side, they are the main route.
You’ll find picnic tables at the top, so bring a packed lunch and enjoy a well-deserved breather while taking in the amazing views. If you’re a photography enthusiast, arrive at sunset or sunrise and take some epic landscape photos with the sun painting the scenery in soft pink and orange hues.
Mount Bonnell Trail
9. Mary Moore Searight Park Metro Trail
A versatile trek suitable for leisurely strolls with family
Good for: Families, Photo
The vast and diverse Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park in South Austin features a variety of recreational activities, including its “Metro Trail” system. The park is designed for a wide range of activities, including hiking, running, mountain biking, and even horseback riding. Beyond the trails, the park boasts numerous facilities, including tennis courts, soccer fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and restrooms. There are also workout stations scattered along some of the trails.
For an easy, family-friendly 2-mile (3.2-km) outdoor adventure, take the main loop where the terrain is a mix of open fields and oak-juniper woodlands. Enjoy the urban vistas and green, lush park views, and see how many birds, squirrels, and white-tailed deer you can spot.
Mary Moore Searight Park Metro Trail
10. Emma Long Cliff Loop
A challenging hike along the cliffs of Lake Austin
Good for: Adventure, Photo
The 7.5-mile (12-km) Emma Long Cliff Loop is renowned for being one of the most technical and challenging trails in the Austin area. It’s characterized by numerous limestone ledges, drops, exposed boulders, and rocky climbs, which you might have to navigate by scrambling and using your hands.
Located within the Emma Long Metropolitan Park, the trail offers ruggedly beautiful views of the surrounding area. Despite its roughness, much of the main loop is shaded by a cedar-strewn hillside. The trailhead is off City Park Road and forms a loop along the eastern edge of the park. If you’re planning to visit during a weekend or holiday, purchase your entry pass online in advance as the park can reach capacity quickly.
Emma Long Cliff Loop
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