Austin, TX is known for its outdoor activities, and hiking is no exception! With so many trails to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones to try. Read on for a list of the best hiking trails in Austin.
- Bull Creek District Park
- McKinney Falls State Park
- Barton Creek Greenbelt
- Emma Long Metropolitan Park
- St. Edward’s Park
- Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
- Mt. Bonnell
- Slaughter Creek Trail
1. Bull Creek District Park
The Bull Creek District Park is an ideal spot for hikers looking for a beautiful outdoor experience in Austin, TX. Located in the northwest area of the city, this park features scenic trails that wind through the Austin hills, giving hikers a great overview of the city’s natural beauty.
The trails offer stunning views of Bull Creek and the surrounding area, with plenty of wildlife to observe. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, there is something for everyone at this park. The trails are well-maintained, making them a great choice for novice and experienced hikers alike.
The park also features a picnic area, making it a great spot for a family outing. Enjoy a relaxing picnic in the shade of the trees, listening to the sound of the creek flowing by. Afterwards, take a stroll along the trails and enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty.
If you’re looking for a great hiking experience in Austin, TX, the Bull Creek District Park is an ideal destination. With its scenic trails, stunning views of the creek, and picnic area, it’s no wonder this park is one of the city’s top spots for outdoor adventurers.
2. McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park is an excellent spot for hikers of all ability levels and interests. Located just minutes away from Austin, this park offers plenty of beautiful trails to explore. The Onion Creek Hike Trail is a popular option for families, as it has an easy terrain and plenty of sights to take in. You can enjoy the cascading waterfalls along the way and the wildlife that inhabits the area.
For a longer, more challenging hike, the Upper Falls Trail is a great choice. This relatively strenuous trail will take you past the granite outcroppings, ancient archaeological sites, and across the creek as it winds its way through the park. You’ll be treated to stunning views of some of the most beautiful landscapes in the area.
The Homestead Trail is ideal for nature lovers, as it includes several interpretive signs describing the history and ecology of the area. It is perfect for those wishing to learn more about their surroundings as they make their way along the trail.
McKinney Falls State Park is a great spot for hikers of all experience levels. From the easy Onion Creek Trail to the more challenging Upper Falls Trail, there’s something for everyone here. And don’t forget to take time to admire the cascading waterfalls and the wildlife that inhabits the area.
3. Barton Creek Greenbelt
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is one of Austin’s most beloved hiking trails. This iconic trail is a favorite among locals and features lush greenery, rolling hills, and a variety of wildlife. It’s the perfect spot for morning strolls or for a challenging day hike.
For the morning strollers, the Barton Creek Greenbelt offers many scenic overlooks, peaceful creekside paths, and stunning views of the Austin skyline. The trail is also filled with native Texas wildflowers, so it’s a great option for budding photographers and nature lovers.
For hikers seeking a more vigorous experience, the Barton Creek Greenbelt offers plenty of challenging terrain. The trail winds through the hills of Austin with plenty of elevation changes, and there are plenty of boulders, rock formations, and other natural obstacles to navigate.
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is also great for wildlife-spotting. It’s home to an array of wildlife, including deer, foxes, armadillos, and the occasional bobcat. Birdwatchers can also keep an eye out for cardinals, hawks, and a variety of songbirds.
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is one of Austin’s most beloved outdoor spaces, and it’s easy to see why. With its lush greenery, rolling hills, and variety of wildlife, it’s the perfect spot for a morning stroll or an afternoon hike. Whether you’re a morning stroller or a seasoned hiker, you won’t be disappointed.
4. Emma Long Metropolitan Park
- Peaceful hike through the woods Emma Long Metropolitan Park is the perfect place for anyone looking for a peaceful hike through the woods. With trails ranging from easy to difficult, there’s something to suit everybody’s needs. You can even take a boat out on the lake to explore the surrounding nature. The trails are well-maintained, making it easy to find your way around. And with plenty of wildlife and lush greenery, you’re sure to find plenty of sights to admire. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you’re sure to have an enjoyable experience here.
- Bird watching and fishing Emma Long Metropolitan Park is also great for bird watching and fishing. You can find a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and turtles. There are plenty of fish to be found in the lake, so don’t forget to bring your rod and tackle! You can also explore the area on foot, making it great for a leisurely stroll. The park is open all year round and is great for a variety of activities, including picnics, camping, and fishing.
- Beautiful views and a variety of activities Emma Long Metropolitan Park is a great place to explore and enjoy the outdoors. With its vast array of trails, beautiful views, and a variety of activities, it’s easy to see why this park is one of the best hiking spots in Austin. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk or an adventurous hike, this park is sure to have something to offer. So, grab your gear and head out to explore the best hiking trails in Austin!
5. St. Edward’s Park
St. Edward’s Park, located along the Austin lakefront, is one of the best hiking spots in the city. With an abundance of trails ranging from 1.9 to 9.5 miles, you’ll find something for everyone, no matter the skill level. The park also boasts stunning views of the Austin skyline from most of its trails.
The main trail is 8.2 miles and passes through a nature preserve, making it a great place to spot wildlife and take in the peaceful atmosphere. Other trails include the Ridge Top Trail, which offers a more challenging hike with a steep climb. There is also the Lower Trail, which is an easy and enjoyable walk with plenty of scenic views.
St. Edward’s Park is the perfect spot for a day of exploration and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, you’ll find something to suit your needs. You can also take a break by one of the many picnic areas or enjoy a picnic lunch at the top of the Ridge Trail.
No matter what type of hike you’re looking for, St. Edward’s Park is the perfect place to take in the beauty of Austin. With its scenic views and variety of trails, you’ll find yourself immersed in nature and feeling refreshed after a day of exploring.
6. Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park offers a unique hiking experience for Austinites. The park has a variety of trails, ranging from easy to difficult, and all of them offer stunning views of the serene landscape. The park is filled with lush greenery and is a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Take a leisurely stroll on the easy trails and explore the park’s wildlife. The park is home to a variety of native birds and animals, so you might even have the chance to spot some of them on your trek. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, the more challenging trails offer a great workout and the chance to take in the breathtaking views of the park.
No matter which trail you choose, you’ll be sure to have a memorable experience. Make sure to bring a camera and capture the beauty of the park. There’s something for everyone at Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, so be sure to make it part of your outdoor adventure in Austin.
7. Mt. Bonnell
Mt. Bonnell is a beloved Austin hiking trail and a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors in the city. Located just northwest of downtown Austin, it is one of the highest points in the city, offering a moderate climb up to the top. The trail also provides some of the best views of the city’s skyline, as well as the surrounding Hill Country.
Climbing up the trail can be a challenge, but the reward is worth it. As you ascend, you will be surrounded by lush oak trees and other native vegetation, and the views will be breathtaking at the peak. Here, you can take in the city from a different perspective, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the many species of birds that call Mt. Bonnell home.
The trail itself is about 0.8 miles long, making it great for a short but intense hike. With that said, it is still quite steep, so be sure to wear the appropriate shoes and bring plenty of water.
For those looking for a challenging and rewarding hike in Austin, Mt. Bonnell is the perfect place to start. With its unique views and its steep climb, it is sure to be a memorable experience.
8. Slaughter Creek Trail
Slaughter Creek Trail is a great choice for runners or anyone looking for an adventurous day hike. This trail is a bit more challenging than some of the other trails in Austin, but the breathtaking views make it well worth the effort. Start your hike off at the park entrance, where you’ll find a peaceful pond with a variety of wildlife. From there, you’ll make your way down the winding path alongside Slaughter Creek, which is lined with lush trees and wildflowers. The trail also offers stunning views of the creek and the surrounding wooded areas. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the more unusual wildlife that live in the area, like armadillos, foxes, and coyotes.
If you’re looking for a longer hike, you can continue on to the nearby Turkey Creek Trail, which is connected to Slaughter Creek Trail. This trail is a bit more technical and offers even more spectacular views of the creek, as well as a variety of wildlife. You’ll also find a few historic structures and a few places to stop and rest along the way. From the stunning views to the unique wildlife, Slaughter Creek Trail is the perfect spot to explore the beauty of Austin, TX. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you’re sure to love this trail.
