The Best Hiking Spots in Austin

1. 360 Overlook

This short hike leads you up to a prime rock spot that overlooks the Colorado River and Pennybacker Bridge.

The hike is located off N Capital of Texas Highway and you can find parking on the right side of the Highway approaching the bridge.

🗓 Open 24 Hours

📍 5300 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78730

2. Barton Creek Greenbelt

Barton Creek is an Austin staple known for hiking, swimming, biking, rock climbing, and bird watching. The Violet Crown Trail runs through most of the Barton Greenbelt, starting at the Zilker entrance and ending at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

🗓Every Day | 5AM–10PM

📍 3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B, Austin, TX 78704

3. Southern Walnut Creek Trail

Photo credit: 📸 Austin Parks Foundation

As part of Austin Parks and Recreation Department, Southern Walnut Creek Trail has over seven miles of sidewalk trails through the scenic flatland and water features. The trail travels through several neighborhoods and is designed to accommodate a variety of activities.

🗓 Every Day | 5AM–10PM

📍5200 Bolm Rd, Austin, TX 78721

4. Mount Bonnell

This short hike is actually considered the highest point in Austin. The pavilion at the top offers an incredible view of the Texas hill country and the astonishing homes located along the Colorado River.

🗓 Everyday | 5AM-10PM

📍Mt Bonnell

5. Bull Creek District Park

Photo credit: 📸 austinparks.org

Bull Creek District Park is named after the creek that runs through the 48 acres of the city park. The greenbelt is popular for its numerous hiking trails, but the park is also great for mountain biking, volleyball, and swimming.
 
🗓 Every Day | 5AM–10PM

📍6701 Lakewood Dr, Austin, TX 78731

6. Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

Photo credit: 📸 stedwards.edu

The Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, a part of Travis County Parks, is home to 227 acres of woodlands and offers 2.5 miles of hiking trails.

The Creative Research center is open to the public as an information hub about the property but also serves student education and research.

🗓 SAT & SUN | 7:30AM, 11:00AM, 2:30PM

805 North Capital of Texas Highway, Austin, TX 78746

7. Mckinney Falls State Park

Photo credit: 📸 tpwd.texas.gov

Mckinney Falls is full of winding trails through the woods and is accompanied by Onion Creek flowing over limestone. In addition to scenic hiking, you can explore an old homestead, geocache, bike, fish, and swim.

🗓 Every Day | 8AM–10PM

📍5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744 

8. River Place Nature Trail

Photo credit: 📸 riverplacelimiteddistrict.org

River Place Nature Trail is home to three hiking trails: Canyon,  Little Fern, and Panther Hollow, which converge at Panther Junction. Regulars often hike this site in training and preparation for upcoming strenuous and long-distance hikes.

🗓 Every Day | 6AM–10PM

8820 Big View Dr, Austin, TX 78730

9. St. Edwards Park & Trail

Photo credit: 📸 Google Maps

St. Edwards Park and Greenbelt are 80 acres of hiking and swimming spots. The two-mile round trip trail has a swimming hole with a rope swing, stunning bluff views, and is dog-friendly!

🗓 Every Day | 5AM–10PM

📍7301 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, TX 78759

10. Shoal Creek Greenbelt

Photo credit: 📸 Alltrails.com

This hiking spot includes 81 acres filled with scenic trails and a dog park. You can’t go wrong with a stroll through Shoal Creek!

🗓 Open 24 Hours
📍 2600 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78705

11. Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

This trail wraps around Lady Bird Lake, previously known as Town Lake. It is the most recognized trail in Austin with more than 2.6 million people visiting the 10-mile trail every year.

🗓 Everyday | 5 AM to Midnight
📍 Multiple Access Points

12. Pedernales Falls State Park

Photo credit: 📸 tpwd.texas.gov

We know you’ll love Pedernales Falls State Park just as much as we do. It’s one of our favorite spots to enjoy a nice, long hike because there’s so much more to do! There are trails that lead you to a fun swimming area for those hot days and we think it’s super cute for your Insta-worthy selfies! You can also do paddling and horseback riding. Have a full-day adventure and pack a picnic!

🗓 Every Day | 8AM-10PM
📍 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636

13. Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

Come for the birds, stay for a hike! The park is home to about two dozen peacocks who wander the grounds. Beyond the park wall is a 21-acre nature preserve, which is a great escape right in the heart of Austin. It’s a short and easy hike with great scenery. Perfect to visit solo or with the family.

🗓 Every Day | 5AM-10PM

📍 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703

14. Reed Park

A short distance from Mayfield, Reed Park is also an easy nature trail that can be done solo or with the kiddos on a weekend. There is a playground and pool at the trailhead, and the walk ends close to the lake. There are some cool historical features on the trail, such as an old rail car system used to carry limestone.

🗓 Every Day | 5AM-10PM

📍2614 Pecos St, Austin, TX 78703

15. Canyonlands

Photo credit: 📸 mlhradio

Enjoy some scenic winding canyon trails out by Lake Travis. It’s a great place to take the dogs on a weekend hike, or go on a mountain biking adventure.

🗓 Every Day | 6AM-9PM

📍113 Trophy Dr, The Hills, TX 78738