Your Guide to Austin Hike and Bike Trails

Austin is a bustling city, but it’s also home to peaceful and winding hike and bike trails. With Austin having such a wide range of landscapes, you can either hike and bike at a faster pace downtown, or head to the hill country for something more calm. If you want to take things a little slow, there are also numerous trails in Austin that are flat and leisurely. Check out our list of hike and bike trails in Austin, and figure out where your next adventure will be!

Central Hike and Bike Trails

BARTON CREEK GREENBELT

3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B, Austin, TX 78704
Trail Length: 7.2 miles
Website

The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a popular location for adventure-loving locals! Hikers and bikers can be found year-round, but biking can get a bit more challenging after it rains. With heavy rainfall during the spring, the water level of the creek rises high enough to allow swimming, kayaking, and tubing. In the summer, the expansive greenbelt is the perfect place to walk until you get too hot, and then cool off in the stream.

BLUNN CREEK PRESERVE

1200 St Edwards Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Trail Length: 1 mile
Website

The Blunn Creek Preserve is the perfect spot for people who want an easy-going option. Located across from St. Edward’s University, this 40-acre space is a slice of wilderness in the city. The trail surface is a mixture of paved concrete and crushed granite. It’s a favorite path for neighborhood residents to walk or bike for a bit of exercise. This trail does not attract crowds like the more popular Town Lake trail nearby. It’s also worth noting that pets are not allowed here.

COMMONS FORD RANCH PARK

614 N Commons Ford Rd, Austin, TX 78733
Trail Length: 0.8 miles
Website | Facebook

Commons Ford Ranch is a park on Lake Austin that is great for taking the family out for the afternoon with the dog or enjoying a scenic picnic. The park offers a volleyball court, barbecue pit, picnic tables, fishing, and many trails to explore. There is also a native prairie restoration project that presents the perfect chance to bird-watch.

EILERS (DEEP EDDY) PARK

401 Deep Eddy Ave, Austin, TX 78703
Trail Length: 0.25 miles
Website 

The main attraction at Eiler's Park is, of course, Deep Eddy Pool. The oldest pool in Texas, this man-made swimming spot draws plenty of people to visit. But the park offers more than just that popular attraction. There is also a toddler play area, a hike and bike trail, and a dock that goes to Town Lake that's perfect for fishing and bird watching.

EASTWOODS NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

3001 Harris Park Ave, Austin, TX 78705
Trail Length: 0.5 miles
Website 

Eastwoods Park is a shady 9-acre neighborhood park that sits along Waller Creek, just north of the University of Texas. Those looking to play a relaxing game of tennis at a calm park should head here to enjoy the park’s court. Eastwoods is one of four Texas parks to be chosen as a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation and Park Society. In order to qualify, a park needs to meet certain historic and natural criteria. Eastwoods has a long and rich history—it is one of the original Juneteenth celebration locations, and it is also where the first Eeyore's Birthday Party was hosted.

EMMA LONG METROPOLITAN PARK

1600 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730
Trail Length: 9.13 miles
Website

Arguably the only swimming hole in Austin with a true “beach” shorefront, Emma Long Park sits along Lake Austin, providing cool water to swim year-round, which is the perfect way to cool down after a long hike or bike ride. Though it can get crowded during the summer, it’s fairly easy to find your own spot to enjoy the water along the long strip of land.

JOHNSON CREEK GREENBELT

2001 Enfield Rd, Austin, TX 78703
Trail Length: 1.38 miles
Website

The Johnson Creek Greenbelt is a long public park that has soccer fields, a paved trail, and ample picnic facilities. The entirety of the path is paved and generally easy to navigate. Because the trail runs parallel to MoPac, traffic will always be right by your side. Some bikers might enjoy this energy and speed, but keep it in mind if you are just starting out. The trail goes through a couple of tunnels along its path, so if you aren’t feeling brave, bring a buddy with you.

MAYFIELD PARK

3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
Trail Length: 0.98 miles
Website | Facebook

If you’re looking for a bit of motivation or a walking buddy, head to this spot to stroll with a peacock. Mayfield Park was an estate presented to the city of Austin in 1971 and hosts a historic cottage along with 2 acres of gardens with peacocks. The estate and park are located near Mount Bonnell and Westwood Country Club. Although there are nice wooded trails and gardens, many people show up to catch a peek at the peacocks. Because of the peacocks, pets are not allowed in the park.

NICHOLAS DAWSON PARK

604 W Gibson St, Austin, TX 78704
Trail Length: 0.13 miles
Website

Nick Dawson is a peaceful park tucked away in a neighborhood, and it’s dotted with some interesting community art, like Austin’s most ornate trash can. Fondly referred to as a pocket park, it is on the small side, but it has a lot to offer. It has a fantastic creek that’s fed from a few springs, which attract birds during the spring months, and you can find families swimming and fishing. There isn't any parking, so keep that in mind when you show up to hike or bike.

RED BUD ISLE

3401 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX 78746
Trail Length: 0.52 miles
Website | Facebook

One of the more popular leash-free dog parks in town, Red Bud Isle, is also a great place to swim in Lake Austin if you're a dog. Unfortunately, swimming is still illegal for people here, but it's a great place to go hiking. Located just before the Lake Austin Dam, Red Bud offers easy parking and access to the less-traveled area of Lady Bird Lake just outside of downtown. With 13 acres for exploring, canoeing, and hiking, there is a great deal to do here. If you’re looking for a place where you and your best friend can stretch out and walk, this is the spot. Just be cautious—it has had fatal algae blooms in the past that have impacted dogs, so check the status before you go.

ANN AND ROY BUTLER HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL

1109 S Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin, TX 78741
Trail Length: 10.1 miles
Website 
Formally known as the Town Lake/Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, more than 2.6 million people visit this 10+ mile trail every year. It is named after a former Austin mayor and his wife, and it’s a great place to walk, run, or bike. The paths are big enough that bikers and pedestrians can all have room. It stretches over the lake in certain places along the boardwalk, and it is a unique meeting place for nature and the city. Dogs are welcome to accompany their owners on this trail, but all must be on a short leash.

ZILKER METROPOLITAN PARK

2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Trail Length: 0.27 miles
Website | Instagram 

Zilker Park is a spacious 351-acre park that has an unmatched view of Downtown Austin. It’s truly the park at the heart of Austin, and as such, it’s incredibly popular. Many events are hosted here, like Austin City Limits and the Trail of Lights. People walk, run, or bike around the park daily, and you can bring your pup. In fact, so many people bring their dogs to Zilker that there is an Instagram account about them!

SHOAL CREEK GREENBELT

2600 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78705
Trail Length: 4.62 miles
Website

Only about 10 minutes from Downtown Austin and near the University of Texas campus, Shoal Creek Greenbelt is 76 acres of scenic trails. If you want a break from studying or need to bike off some midterm stress, hit this trail that’s close to school. Developed in the 1960s, this trail has seen a lot of care and attention over the years, and improvements are still being made by the Shoal Creek Conservancy. The trail requires a leash on dogs, except from 24th Street to 29th Street.

East Hike and Bike Trails

BOGGY CREEK GREENBELT

5609 Stuart Cir, Austin, TX 78721
Trail Length: 1.16 miles
Website 

This beginner-friendly trail is part of the Red Line and the Eastlink trail systems. Boggy Creek Greenbelt trail is accessible year-round and is perfect for hiking, walking, birding, and just getting out in nature. It is more for strolling than hiking, so if you were looking for a bit of a challenge, this won’t be that trail. That said, it connects the Parque Zaragoza Neighborhood Center to Rosewood Park and the Downs Mabson baseball field, so there is a lot to do in this area. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash.

BUTTERMILK BRANCH GREENBELT

7500 Meador Dr, Austin, TX, 78752
Trail Length: 0.51 miles
Website

A small and peaceful greenbelt trail, this small path loops behind the Virginia Brown Recreation Center and library. If you want to hike or bike over a few bridges in partial shade, this is the place for you. You’ll also find basketball courts, a multipurpose field, and a volleyball court.

DOVE SPRINGS DISTRICT PARK

5801 Ainez Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Trail Length: 1.32 miles
Website

There are two distinct trail experiences to be had at Dove Springs District Park, despite being connected. The first part of the trail has a granite hike and bike path that is fairly easy and open. As it winds into the trees, the difficulty increases, and you’ll find fewer people. For some, that’s the dream, so keep going! If you make it farther down the trail, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of a clear stream of water.

ROY G. GUERRERO METRO PARK

400 Grove Blvd, Austin, TX 78741
Trail Length: 1.45 miles
Website 

This trail has a fair bit of free parking and is located at Roy G. Guerrero Metro Park. It’s 1.45 miles which isn’t terribly crowded, and the trail takes you out and back, making it perfect for a short hike. The trail is also paved with concrete and wide enough to bike side by side through the trees. If you keep your eyes peeled, you may spot a deer or other wildlife.

North Hike and Bike Trails

BALCONES DISTRICT PARK

12017 Amherst Dr, Austin, TX 78759
Trail Length: .95 miles
Website 

Balcones District Park is located in the neighborhood of Balcones Woods and has a privately owned neighborhood pool for its residents. The park has a popular basketball court, volleyball court, kids' play area, and lots of vast open space. Down the trail behind the pool is access to a hiking trail, as well as a beautiful natural waterfall when the creek is flowing after it rains.

BRUSHY CREEK TRAIL

3400 Brushy Creek Rd, Cedar Park, TX
Trail Length: 7.75 miles
Website

Brushy Creek Trail is a 7.75-mile trail with extensive landscaping and scenic views. It runs through and then out of the 90-acre nearby Brushy Creek Lake Park. Head to the park and you’ll find splash pads, swimming areas, climbing rocks, fishing docks, canoeing and kayaking, disc golf, restrooms, and multiple picnic and pavilion areas. In terms of hiking and biking, this trail stretches through beautiful natural areas and is currently being expanded. Certain areas may be closed for construction, so check here before heading out.

SAN GABRIEL RIVER TRAIL

2101 Co Rd 262, Georgetown, TX 78633
Trail Length: 26 miles
Website

The Good Water Trails is a 26.9-mile trail near Georgetown, Texas. This trail is great for intermediate and advanced hikers, especially because of its length. The trail is usable year-round and features a lake. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. The trail is used for hiking, walking, trail running, backpacking, and camping. A good entrance point for this trail is at the Russell Park trailhead.

NORTH STAR GREENBELT

11701 Tallow Field Way, Austin, TX 78758
Trail Length: 1.49 miles
Website

The North Star Greenbelt has a little community trail with a pretty decent length to it. There are even a few smaller trails that feed into it that are shaded, and you can meander over a few small bridges or rest at a seating area to admire the birds.

OAKVIEW NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

10902 Oak View Dr, Austin, TX 78759
Trail Length: 0.52 miles
Website

Oakview Park has a playscape that has recently been re-done, and the trails (a half a mile total) are well looked after by the city of Austin. The park is well-loved by families, dog walkers, joggers, etc. The park never feels too busy or crowded. The park is a great place to relax and unwind in North Austin, especially if you have kids. The trail itself loops along some plant plaques, so you can learn about native flora.

Northwest Hike and Bike Trails

BULL CREEK GREENBELT

6958 Old Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759
Trail Length: 4.4 miles
Website 

Bull Creek weaves in and out along Highway 360 for 12 miles, beginning in north-central Travis County and ending in Lake Austin, where it merges with the Colorado River. That being said, there are a lot of incredible water spots along Bull Creek, and the trails that are generally referred to as the upper and lower trails. For those looking to hike or bike and then be able to take a dip to cool off, the trails at the Bull Creek Greenbelt might be your new favorite spot. One popular stop on the trails is Upper Falls, a natural swimming spot just off the path.

GREAT HILLS PARK

10801 Sierra Oaks, Austin, TX 78759
Trail Length: varies
Website

Great Hills Park is 90 acres, and it has a variety of different trails. The trails are taken care of and marked very well. Great Hills Parks is an awesome little gem in Austin with a great hiking trail that is almost completely shaded. The trails follow along a small creek as they wind along. You enter the trails through the park and take your pick of maintained or rough paths,  then hike along as they climb and slope, and weave under trees. Some points are a little steep, so it may not be the best for beginners. Dogs are allowed on leash.

ST. EDWARD'S PARK AND GREENBELT

7301 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759
Trail Length: 2.71 miles
Website 

St. Edward's Park is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Austin. During the spring, the wildflowers are entirely in bloom and stretch for miles. Take a walk down to the water, where there are some views with the light shimmering off the rock walls in the early morning that will wow you. It really is beautiful, and it tends not to be too crowded. There are also tons of places for kids (and adults) to splash around!

South Hike and Bike Trails

GARRISON DISTRICT PARK

6001 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745
Trail Length: 0.71 miles

Website

Garrison District Park is one of the only shaded parks in South Austin, a must during the summer. The simple trails are lined with gravel and curve under the trees. You can spend a few hours here because there are picnic tables, trees, a play structure, and a pool! A pro-tip, though: If you come in the summer, expect there to be lots of kids. Summer camps go and spend most of the day at the park, and it tends to get crowded. And please be sure to respect the rules that this is a leashed dog park.

LONGVIEW NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

7609 Longview Rd, Austin, TX 78745
Trail Length: Varies
Website 

Longview Neighborhood Park has a really nice, long, relaxing trail system. There is plenty of concrete as well as paved hills that are perfect for biking. When it comes to hiking, multiple trails split off into the neighborhood or the park’s green spaces. The park also has a well-maintained playground. Just a heads up, the entire park is an off-leash area for dogs.

ONION CREEK METROPOLITAN PARK

7002 Onion Creek Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Trail Length: 2.46 miles
Website 

Located in Southeast Austin and spanning 555 acres, Onion Creek Metropolitan Park is a lesser-known park that is the perfect place for you and your pet to hike. It’s also one of Austin’s largest parks, and since there is so much space, it rarely feels crowded. Most of the park is off-leash and offers areas for animals to swim and venture through the shady hiking trails.

Southwest Hike and Bike Trails

CIRCLE C METRO RANCH METRO PARK

6301 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78739
Trail Length: 2.19 miles
Website 

Circle C Metropolitan Park is a fantastic park off Slaughter Lane. The park houses several basketball courts, a large playground for young kids, a bunch of soccer/mixed-use fields, and a world-class disc golf course. A granite trail runs through the park, as well as a few more rugged trails for mountain bikes. Even if you visit frequently, you might find yourself stumbling across a new trail. It can get busy, but there are times when you’ll have the park mostly to yourself during the weekdays. When the rains come, the creek swells up and can make the trails a little harder to navigate.

GAINES CREEK PARK

4801 Republic of Texas Blvd, Austin, TX 78735
Trail Length: 0.73 miles
Website

Gaines Creek Park has nice trails, is a good-sized park, and has a beautiful nature area to explore. The hike is relatively easy and good for beginners, and there are also two geocache locations near the trails. For the longest hike, take the left option at any forks in the trail. Keep in mind that the parking at this park is limited since it's in a residential neighborhood!

LATTA BRANCH GREENBELT

7910 Beckett Rd, Austin, TX 78749
Trail Length: Varies
Website 

Located across the street from Dick Nichols Park is the Latta Branch Greenbelt. This trail system has rugged walking, running, and biking trails. There are exercise stations throughout the trails, a few picnic areas, and a creek that can be seen through the tree lines. You can end up going for a pretty long walk, as the trails weave through the Villages at Western Oaks, and there are multiple trailheads.

MARY MOORE SEARIGHT METROPOLITAN PARK

907 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748
Trail Length: 3.73 miles
Website 

There is a lot to do at Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park. One great thing about the park is that it's not very crowded. The trails are separated from the playground/recreational play area, and there are several different ones. They go pretty far back, and you may get a little turned around, but the paths are beautiful. There is also an exercise route if you want to get a little workout between jogs!

THE VELOWAY

4900 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
Trail Length: 3.17 miles
Website

The Veloway is a wonderful spot surrounded by nature, and you’ll usually find that there are no sounds besides birds chirping. It's great for a peaceful paved bike ride at around 3 miles long. There are also tons of fun side trails for people looking to explore. The Veloway runs into Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park if you were planning to check that one out.

West Hike and Bike Trails

MOUNT BONNELL

3800 Mount Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX 78731
Trail Length: 0.31 miles
Website | Facebook

Mount Bonnell is a popular tourist destination and is often described as the highest point in Austin, with the elevation at its peak about 775 feet above mean sea level. Few publicly accessible spots offer such a sweeping view of the downtown area. You hike up beautiful stone steps to Covert Park to see the city and Lake Austin below, and some of the Colorado River. 

FALCONHEAD WEST PRIMITIVE PARK

Rockies Run Summit, Austin, TX 78738
Trail Length: 3.6 miles
Website 

Primitive Trail at Falconhead West was designed to facilitate walking, running, hiking, and mountain biking! The park is left in its natural state for the purpose of preserving the open space. There are four trails, and with a technical single track, one section is mountain-bike only.