Photo of Hiking Trails in Austin, TX

The Best Hiking Trails in Austin, TX

Explore Hiking Trails

Trail adventures near Texas' capital city

Deep in the heart of Texas (well not exactly, but you know what we mean) there lies a paradise city for hikers and walkers. Austin, with Lake Austin at its center and a huge amount of nearby green spaces, has a variety of hiking trails to choose from. The best hikes in Austin Texas are all a short drive from downtown, so you’ll be on the trail in no time.

We used the data from tens of thousands of hikes to put together this list of the best hikes in Austin, Texas. If you’re looking for a family friendly and stunning trail, you can’t go wrong with the Barton Creek Greenbelt hikes. If you’re looking for a more challenging hike option, consider the River Place Trail which will take you to great views of Lake Austin.

All of the hikes on this list are great. We use a combination of popularity and trail ratings to build our Top Hikes list. Have fun out there and be sure to share your adventure on Strava!

Top 10 hiking trails in Austin, TX

Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail to Twin Falls & Sculpture Falls

The Barton Creek greenbelt is a great place for a walk in the woods. This particular hike, which begins at a trailhead along the South Mopac Service Road, takes you along the creek bed past two waterfalls. When the creek is flowing, so are the falls, but in the dryer months there may not be much of a cascade. This trail follows an out and back route and is suitable for hikers of all abilities. This is one of the most popular hikes among Strava members in Austin Texas.

River Place Nature Trail

This riverside hiking area has mini waterfalls and a fun boardwalk and is perfect for your next hike. The Nature Preserve at River Place has a number of hiking and trail running trails to choose from. This specific route uses the Panther Hollow Trail and Canyon trail then follows an out and back route. Most consider this a moderate hike, but you can lengthen or shorten it as you see fit. The park has a north entrance, which is approximately 2.8 miles from the trailhead where this trail begins. This is a popular hiking area with Strava members and there are a number of options once you hit the trail! Don’t be afraid to explore.

Turkey Creek Trail

The Turkey Creek Trail is a peaceful hiking loop along a creek bed in Emma Long Metropolitan Park. The trailhead can be found at the parking lot on City Park Road at the southern side of the park. This trail follows a lollipop route with an out and back section leading to a loop. Most hikers take the loop in the counterclockwise direction and come back along the shores of turkey creek. This is considered an easy hike and is a popular hiking route with Strava members in the Austin area.

Onion Creek Trail at McKinney Falls State Park

The Onion Creek Trail at McKinney Falls State park is a great loop hike of the beautiful state park. The trail passes by the interesting geological features of Upper McKinney Falls then strolls through the woodland. The hike follows a loop route. There are a few steep bits of trail, but for the most part hikers consider this an easy trail. This is a popular hiking destination for Strava members in the Austin area. The park charges a fee to enter, which you can learn more about here: <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls/fees-facilities/entrance-fees">https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls/fees-facilities/entrance-fees</a>

Violet Crown Trail at Barton Creek Greenbelt

The Violet Crown Trail at the Barton Creek Greenbelt is an easy stroll in the woods along Barton Creek. The trail proceeds point to point through the entire greenbelt, but this out and back route is a popular choice for Strava members hiking in the area. Most would consider this an easy hike. The Barton Creek Greenbelt area is a great place to put one foot in front of the other and immerse yourself in the great green spaces Austin has to offer.

Barton Creek Violet Crown Trail North Half

The North Half of the Violet Crown Trail within the Barton Creek Greenbelt is another great urban escape hiking option. The trail follows an out and back route. Because of the length and gentle grades, most consider this an easy hike. This is a popular hiking option with Strava members in the Austin area.

Slaughter Creek Trail Main Loop

The Slaughter Creek Trail Main Loop is a fun hike through the central Texas countryside. This particular hike follows a loop route. Most consider this an easy trail. The Slaughter Creek Main Loop is a popular hike with Strava members in the greater Austin area. The trail is multi-use and frequently ridden by mountain bikers, so be aware that you’ll be sharing the trail.

Canyon Trail at River Place Nature Trail

The north entrance to River Place Nature Trail provides access to the Canyon Trail which runs most of the length of River Place. This trail follows an out and back route and is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There’s a boardwalk, some peaceful ponds, and plenty to see along the way. This trail is long enough to give you a good workout and is popular with hikers and walkers in the Austin area.

Crockett Garden Falls via Good Water Trail Loop

The Good Water Trail in the Cedar Breaks Park leads to the unique Crockett Garden Falls. This waterfall is overgrown with plants and has an unusual shape. The trail to reach it follows an out and back route. The terrain can be rough, so you’re guaranteed to get a bit of a workout. This trail is popular among Strava members in the Austin area. Take a look at the photos from the community to get a sense of what you'll see along the way.

Great Hills Neighborhood Park Loop

The Great Hills Neighborhood Park loop is a fun and relaxing option for a hike or walk near downtown Austin. This trail follows a loop route with a small section on the road to connect the two arms of the park. Most consider this an easy route. Bring the family and get on the trail for some fresh air and peaceful hours. This hike is popular with Strava members in the Austin area.

A view of the area

Top regions for hiking trails on Strava