Austin Hiking Guide 2026: Best Trails In and Around the City

Barton Creek Greenbelt

Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Length: 12+ miles of trails
Parking: Multiple access points including Zilker Park, Loop 360, and Camp Craft Road. Parking can be competitive on weekends.
Views: A lush, urban oasis with limestone bluffs, dense foliage, and popular swimming holes like Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls.

Why it's worth it: The Greenbelt is an iconic Austin experience, offering a refreshing escape into nature without leaving the city. It's a versatile trail system perfect for a quick jog, a long day of hiking, or a refreshing swim. Learn more about the Austin lifestyle.

Mount Bonnell

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.5 miles
Parking: Limited parking at the base of the stairs.
Views: Panoramic views of Lake Austin, the downtown skyline, and the rolling Hill Country.

Why it's worth it: The short climb up 102 stairs rewards you with one of the most breathtaking vistas in Austin. It's the perfect spot for a sunset picnic or to simply soak in the beauty of the city.

Turkey Creek Trail

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.8 miles
Parking: Small parking lot at the trailhead in Emma Long Metropolitan Park.
Views: A scenic, wooded trail with multiple creek crossings and plenty of shade.

Why it's worth it: This is a favorite among dog owners as it's one of the few off-leash trails in Austin. It's a fun and splashy hike, especially after a recent rain.

River Place Nature Trail

Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 5.5 miles (out and back)
Parking: Limited parking at the trailheads.
Views: A challenging trail with significant elevation changes, leading to serene waterfalls and lush canyon scenery.

Why it's worth it: If you're looking for a serious workout, this is the trail for you. The combination of steep inclines and beautiful natural surroundings makes it a uniquely rewarding experience. Check out our other stories for more Austin adventures.

St. Edward's Park

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 2.5 miles of trails
Parking: Small parking area off of Spicewood Springs Road.
Views: A mix of root-covered trails, creek-side paths, and a picturesque waterfall.

Why it's worth it: This hidden gem offers a variety of terrain and scenery in a relatively compact area. It feels like a miniature version of the Hill Country, tucked away in Northwest Austin.

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 2.5 miles of trails
Parking: Ample parking at the visitor center.
Views: A beautiful preserve with trails winding through forests, across creeks, and offering views of the Hill Country.

Why it's worth it: Managed by St. Edward's University, this preserve is a great place for a peaceful and educational hike. The well-maintained trails and informative signage make it a family-friendly option.

McKinney Falls State Park

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: Nearly 9 miles of trails
Parking: Large parking lots throughout the park.
Views: Famous for its stunning Upper and Lower Falls, this park also features the historic Smith Rock Shelter and the ruins of an early Texas homestead.

Why it's worth it: Just 13 miles from the Capitol, McKinney Falls offers a complete state park experience with hiking, camping, and swimming. It's an easy way to feel a world away from the city. For professional services, check out our pros.

Violet Crown Trail

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: The first 6-mile segment is open, with plans for a 30-mile trail.
Parking: Parking is available at the Zilker Park and 290 trailheads.
Views: The trail winds through the Barton Creek Greenbelt, offering a mix of urban and natural scenery.

Why it's worth it: As part of an ambitious project to create a long-distance trail system, the Violet Crown Trail is a continually evolving and exciting hiking destination in Austin.

Bull Creek Greenbelt

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: About 3 miles of trails
Parking: Parking is available at the Bull Creek District Park and along the roadside near the trailheads.
Views: Limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and clear, flowing water make this a picturesque spot for hiking and swimming.

Why it's worth it: Bull Creek is another classic Austin greenbelt experience, with plenty of opportunities to cool off in the water on a hot day. It's particularly beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.

Mary Moore Searight Park

Difficulty: Easy
Length: Over 6 miles of trails
Parking: Multiple parking lots within the park.
Views: A large, multi-use park with a mix of paved and natural trails, open fields, and wooded areas.

Why it's worth it: This South Austin park offers a little something for everyone, with trails for walking, running, and horseback riding. It's a great place for a casual, family-friendly outing.

Inks Lake State Park

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 9 miles of trails
Parking: Parking is available throughout the park.
Views: Sparkling blue water, rugged pink granite hills, and stunning sunsets over the lake.

Why it's worth it: Located about an hour from Austin, Inks Lake is well worth the drive. The hiking trails offer some of the best scenery in the Hill Country, and the lake is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Pedernales Falls State Park

Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Length: Over 20 miles of trails
Parking: Ample parking throughout the park.
Views: The main attraction is the Pedernales River, which cascades over massive slabs of limestone. The park also offers miles of hiking and equestrian trails with beautiful Hill Country views.

Why it's worth it: Another gem of the Hill Country, Pedernales Falls is a must-visit for any serious hiker in the Austin area. The raw, natural beauty of the river and the surrounding landscape is simply awe-inspiring.

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: About 15 miles of trails
Parking: Large parking lot at the entrance of the park.
Views: A mix of single-track and wider trails that wind through a dense forest and along Walnut Creek.

Why it's worth it: This North Austin park is a favorite among mountain bikers, but it also has plenty of great trails for hikers. The extensive trail system and shady canopy make it a great place to explore on a hot day.

Slaughter Creek Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 5-mile loop
Parking: Parking lot at the trailhead.
Views: An open, a scenic trail through a prairie-like setting with wildflowers in the spring.

Why it's worth it: This easy, well-maintained trail is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride. It's a great place to enjoy the wide-open spaces of South Austin.

Mount Lakeway Trail

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Length: About 4 miles of trails
Parking: Trailhead parking is available.
Views: A challenging climb to the highest point in Lakeway, offering panoramic views of Lake Travis and the surrounding hills.

Why it's worth it: If you're looking for a challenging hike with a big payoff, this is it. The views from the top are simply spectacular and well worth the effort.