Those visiting the Lonestar State’s capital of Austin will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the place via its numerous parks alongside the thriving cosmopolitan area full of entertainment, shopping, and vibrant culinary scene. Enjoy paddle boarding along the Colorado River, hunting for bargains at the Domain or at the outlets between Austin and San Antonio, and listening to live music in the summer under the star-filled night sky. After enjoying hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding in order to experience the great outdoors, venture downtown to indulge in some of the best mouthwatering Mexican cuisine north of the border. To enjoy such scenic spots as Lady Bird Lake, please check out the following list of the top hiking and trekking spots in Austin, Texas.
1. St. Edward's Park
The entrance to St. Edwards Park can be reached by travelling down Spicewood Springs for a ¼ mile (0.4 kilometres) to a large parking lot. As hikers trek along this hidden wilderness trail, they can expect to encounter plenty of cacti and open fields of wildflowers and grasslands. During this nature hike, visitors will travel for a total of 2 miles (3.22 kilometres) for nearly two hours, and they will discover fast-moving creeks, heavily wooded forests, and cascading waterfalls pouring into calm pools. While crossing the numerous terrains, it is advisable to proceed with caution due to the possibility of slipping on stones on the creeks or on ledges that are narrow and wet from the spray of waterfalls or rainfall.
St. Edward's Park
Address: 7301 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, TX 78759
Website: St. Edward’s Park
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
2. River Place Nature Trail
Commence the 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometre) journey at the nearby Woodland Park and look for the Panther Hollow Trail boardwalk sign to find the trailhead. Prepare well by wearing good walking shoes, as much of the trail meanders through deep water stream beds where wading is a necessity. Hikers should be in good physical health to descend numerous stone staircases along the trail to check out the amazing scenery dotted with waterfalls, as they will be in for a rigorous workout. Along the path, expect to come across sweeping views of the valleys and deep canyons, plus plenty of trees and brush.
River Place Nature Trail
Address: 8820 Big View Drive, Austin TX 78730
Website: River Place Nature Trail
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
3. Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Hikers looking to spend time on the 2.5-mile (4-kilometre) adventure through the rugged earthen trails should be in decent physical shape since there are several twists and turns. As hikers cross acres of stunning woodland landscapes, they can expect to come across the golden-cheeked warbler along with other native wildlife. During this wilderness hike, visitors will see beautiful waterfalls along with numerous examples of flora native to the Austin area. This nature sanctuary provides an educational centre where visitors can learn about the mindful balance of protecting the habitat for endangered species and economic development.
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Address: 805 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746
Website: Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
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4. Turkey Creek Trail
Drive to City Park Road towards the Emma Long Park entrance sign where you will find a parking lot on the right-hand side. As you venture along the dirt path covering 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometres), there will be numerous creek crossings where water shoes would come in handy to traverse the stepping stones and the creek bed. While journeying through the forest of oaks and sycamores, be prepared to hike among fern grottos and lush vegetation and encounter small waterfalls. Before returning to the trailhead, expect to be protected by a thick canopy of hardwoods lining the canyon walls where an opening will reveal expansive blue skies.
Turkey Creek Trail
Address: 2000 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730
Price: Free
5. Barton Creek Greenbelt
There are many access points on the well-travelled trail of Barton Creek in Austin, including Gus Furth Acess which is located at 2642 Barton Hils Drive. You can enjoy swimming and floating in the deepwater of the watering hole. After taking a refreshing dip, travel south for 1.4 miles (2.3 kilometres) to rappel the steep limestone climbing walls, including Urban Assault before arriving at Loop 3060 Acess Point. Here, visitors can hike, climb the seismic climbing wall, and enjoy mountain biking along the varied earthen terrain.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Address: 3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B, Austin, TX 78704
Website: Barton Creek Greenbelt
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
6. Great Hills Neighbourhood Park
Hikers, walkers, and runners will enjoy the serene riverside beauty of this 2.3-mile (3.7-kilometre) trail that is suitable for all skill levels. Enjoy spending quality time with your furry friend while traversing through the forested areas and letting him splash about in the cool waters along the river. For those who wish to indulge in a summer picnic, there are wide open spaces throughout the trail so you can take advantage of the summer weather.
Great Hills Neighbourhood Park
Address: 10801 Sierra Oaks, Austin, TX 78759
Website: Great Hills Neighbourhood Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
7. McKinney Falls State Park
Whether camping overnight or spending a day hiking through the rugged beauty and appreciating nature’s amazing landscape, McKinney Falls State Park is rich in experiences for outdoorsmen to indulge in. While hiking or biking the 2.8-mile (4.5-kilometre) Onion Creek Trail, visitors may encounter raccoons, armadillos, white-tailed deer, and other inhabitants. Enjoy camping in cabins or rough it out in a primitive campsite while exploring the cypress forest. Onion Creek provides opportunities to enjoy a refreshing swim on a hot, dry Texas day and to behold stunning waterfalls flowing over limestone ledges.
McKinney Falls State Park
Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744
Website: McKinney Falls State Park
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 6 USD
8. Bull Creek District Park
Austin offers visitors many parks to enjoy the natural surroundings of the area. Outdoorsmen can enjoy hiking, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and much more. There are numerous access points, including the Lower Bull Creek entrance located along Texas Highway and on Old Spicewood Springs Road for the Upper Bull Creek Greenpoint area. The paths for biking and hiking is 0.9 miles (1.4 kilometres) long and stretched along dirt paths that open up to large pools of water, providing the perfect solution for hot summer days. Visitors can enjoy waterfalls, splashing around with their pets, paddleboarding, or floating lazily on the slow-moving waters.
Bull Creek District Park
Address: 6701 Lakewood Drive, Austin, TX 78731
Website: Bull Creek District Park
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
9. Balcones District Park
Balcones District Park offers visitors a modern pool area where families can enjoy relaxing and swimming during the spring and summer months. Creekside and North Walnut Creek trails are both paved trails that offer visitors of all physical abilities the chance to enjoy the surrounding beauty without any challenges. Enjoy walking through the forests accented by wildflowers and steep rock walls en route to discovering majestic waterfalls.
Balcones District Park
Address: 12017 Amherst Drive, Austin, TX 78759
Website: Balcones District Park
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
10. Slaughter Creek Trail
On summer days, the expansive blue Texan skies can be enjoyed along this 4.9-mile (7.9-kilometre) dirt trail by hikers and mountain bikers. Before traversing this lengthy trail, choose some good walking shoes as there are rocks of various sizes scattered around the terrain. Hikers can take a break and wander through the open grass meadows filled with wildflowers. The trail is perfect for horseback riding as well since it is quite lengthy and will provide a good workout for both horse and rider.
Slaughter Creek Trail
Address: 9901 Farm to Market Road 1826, Austin, TX 78737
Website: Slaughter Creek Trail
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Experiencing Austin's natural wonderland
After indulging in food truck favourites like barbecue, pulled pork sandwiches, and cornbread, venture to one of Austin’s expansive parks to experience stunning waterfalls, limestone rock walls, and native flora and fauna. This destination provides visitors with a natural mecca to get the most out of nature via its hiking trails. Enjoy paddling across Lady Bird Lake and floating on slow-moving waterways and pools. All in all, besides being one of few states that has mastered authentic Mexican cuisine, the Lonestar State capital of Austin is a destination to hang up your cowboy hat and experience nature at its best.
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