10 Scenic Hiking Trails in Austin for Every Skill Level
Take a Walk Around Austin’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
Scenic hiking trails in Austin unfold across limestone bluffs, shaded creek beds, and golden‑hour viewpoints that feel like they were made for wandering. Whether you’re a casual stroller or the sort who tightens their boots with purpose, the city’s wild pockets offer a surprising blend of serenity and adventure, all within easy reach.
As you explore, expect hidden waterfalls, sweeping overlooks, and trails that make you forget you’re in the middle of a thriving capital city. This guide will walk you through the best places to roam, breathe, explore, and reconnect with the outdoors. Ready to find your next favorite hiking trail in Austin? Grab your boots and let’s go.
1. Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail
Austin’s classic creekside escape
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Threading between limestone cliffs, shaded creek beds, and open, sun‑washed stretches, Barton Creek Greenbelt spans 7.6 miles (12.2 km) and usually takes 5–5.5 hours to hike, offering a moderate challenge with plenty of variety underfoot. As you follow the route, the landscape shifts from rugged rock corridors to softer forested sections that feel surprisingly secluded for a trail so close to the city.
Along the way, look for spur paths that lead down to the Greenbelt’s beloved swimming holes, where the creek forms cool, inviting pools surrounded by pale limestone. Head down one to dip your feet in the water or to linger beside a quiet stretch of the creek.
Location: Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Open: Daily from 5 pm to 10 pm
Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail
2. Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
Lakeside views in the heart of Austin
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Circling the shoreline of Lady Bird Lake, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail spans 10.1 miles (16.3 km) and typically takes 3–3.5 hours to complete, offering an easy, mostly paved loop with gentle grades and wide, welcoming paths. Boardwalk sections glide above the water, opening up long, shimmering views of both lake and skyline that give the route its signature blend of nature and city life.
As you wander, watch for the spot beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge, where thousands of bats swirl into the sunset during summer evenings in one of Austin’s most iconic wildlife displays. Lakeside overlooks make excellent vantage points, so be sure to bring along your camera.
Location: Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, Austin, TX, USA
Open: Daily from 5 am to midnight
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
3. River Place Canyon Trail
A shady, stair-filled challenge
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Photo
Deep in a cool, wooded hollow, River Place Canyon Trail rises and falls through a maze of creek crossings and narrow, root‑laced paths. The steady climb comes from its long runs of wooden steps and the narrow, uneven stretches that make this route moderate to hard, offering a rewarding workout in a beautifully shaded setting.
Over 5.5 miles (8.9 km) with 833 ft (250 m) of elevation and about 2.5–3 hours on the trail, you’ll pass small cascades and quiet bends along Panther Hollow Creek. Pause by the water where the trail dips close, letting the creek’s cool air wash over you before tackling the next climb.
Location: 4998 River Pl Blvd, Austin, TX 78730, USA
Open: Daily from 6 am to 9 pm
River Place Canyon Trail
4. Turkey Creek Trail
A cool, dog-friendly forest loop
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Shaded by cedar, live oak, cedar elm, and sycamore, Turkey Creek Trail winds through a leafy corridor that follows the creek’s twists and turns. This easy‑to‑moderate route takes most hikers 1–1.5 hours, and spring and summer bring bursts of wildflowers along the forest floor and the forest canopy filters soft, dappled light.
Covering 2.7 miles (4.3 km) with 190 ft (57 m) of elevation gain, the trail offers creek crossings, small waterfalls, and cool, shaded stretches ideal for warm days. Fully dog‑friendly, it’s particularly loved by hikers with pups. Watch for the spots where stepping‑stone crossings meet broader pools. They’re great places for dogs to splash or for you to quickly rinse off trail dust before continuing.
Location: 1401-1711 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730, USA
Open: Daily from 7 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 512-346-1831
Turkey Creek Trail
5. Homestead Trail
A wander past waterfalls and the ruins of Texas’ Hill Country
Good for: Couples, Families, History
Woven through the heart of McKinney Falls State Park, the Homestead Trail blends gentle forest paths with glimpses of Texas history. Before the loop begins, you’ll cross Onion Creek, an exciting start that sets the tone for the 3.1–3.3 mile (5.0–5.3 km) route, which takes about 1–1.5 hours and features minimal elevation.
Along the way, you’ll pass the McKinney Homestead ruins, the old gristmill, shaded woodland, and seasonal wildflowers lining the gravel path. Be sure to pause at the Lower McKinney Falls overlook for sweeping views of the water spilling over limestone, and if you want more, continue onto the Williamson Creek Overlook Trail to admire the striking rock formations carved by centuries of flowing water.
Location: Homestead Trail, Austin, TX 78744, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 10 pm
Homestead Trail
6. Three Falls Hike
Three cascades hidden in a forested canyon
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Threading through the Barton Creek Greenbelt, the Three Falls Hike moves between rocky passages, tree‑covered stretches, and creekside bends that feel miles from the city. The route covers 7.4 miles (11.9 km), gains around 265 ft (80 m) of elevation, and typically takes 2.5–3 hours, offering a moderate challenge with shifting terrain and branching side paths. Shade is plentiful, making the trail inviting even on warmer days.
The three waterfalls, seasonal but striking when flowing, anchor the hike, spaced between pools, limestone shelves, and pockets of cool air where the canyon narrows. Don’t miss the chance to explore the short off‑shoots where the shimmering creek gathers in deeper, calmer basins that are ideal for a refreshing mid‑hike swim.
Location: Three Falls Hike, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Open: Daily from 5 am 10 pm
Three Falls Hike
7. Zilker Trailhead to 290 Trailhead
A stretch of urban wilderness
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Starting in Zilker Park, this just‑over‑5‑mile (8 km) section of the Violet Crown Trail winds through the Barton Creek watershed, offering a moderately challenging mix of rocky stretches, shaded forest, and occasional creek crossings. It sits within the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, adding ecological significance to its easy‑to‑love scenery.
Near the Spyglass trailhead, a short detour leads to Campbell’s Hole, a popular swimming spot, while the Gus Fruh access connects hikers to a well‑known climbing wall tucked into the limestone. As the path heads toward the 290 Trailhead, check out the patches of Ashe juniper, a habitat for the rare Golden‑cheeked Warbler.
Location: Violet Crown Trail, Austin, TX 78749, USA
Open: Dawn until dusk
Zilker Trailhead to 290 Trailhead
8. Mount Bonnell Trail
Iconic stairway to big‑sky views
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
Rising above Lake Austin, the Mount Bonnell Trail offers a short but memorable climb to one of the city’s most famous overlooks. The route is only 0.5 miles (0.8 km) with about 49 ft (15 m) of elevation gain and typically takes 30–60 minutes, but the staircase ascent gives it a quick burst of effort before reaching the summit. Once on top, sweeping views stretch across the river, Hill Country ridges, and downtown skyline.
Although the trail is exposed, the broad limestone steps and easy path make it accessible for most hikers. At the summit pavilion, enjoy snacks at the picnic tables or take a short wander along the ridge to find quieter viewpoints tucked between the rocks.
Location: 3800 Mt Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX 78731, USA
Open: Daily from 5 am to 10 pm
Mount Bonnell Trail
9. Mary Moore Searight Park Metro Trail
A relaxed woodland loop for all ages
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
In South Austin, the Mary Moore Searight Park Metro Trail offers an easy outing ideal for families. The 1.9‑mile (3 km) loop has just 55 ft (16 m) of elevation gain and usually takes 30–60 minutes, with oak and juniper trees providing welcome shade along the way. Kids enjoy the mix of open fields, gentle woodland sections, and the chance to spot seasonal wildflowers brightening the trail.
Wildlife sightings are common here too, with birds and small woodland animals appearing along the quieter stretches. Several short side paths lead toward the park’s creek or into calmer pockets of forest, which are excellent for little explorers without adding much distance.
Location: 907 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748, USA
Open: Daily from 5 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 512-974-6700
Mary Moore Searight Park Metro Trail
10. Emma Long Cliff Loop
Cedar‑shaded clifftops above Lake Austin
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Photo
The Cliff Loop along the eastern edge of Emma Long Metropolitan Park traces 2.8 miles (4.6 km), climbing roughly 226 ft (69 m) through rocky single-track and stretches of exposed limestone. Though short, the terrain feels adventurous, with uneven slopes and ledged sections that keep your footing engaged as the trail weaves between cedar‑shaded hillsides and sunlit openings above Lake Austin.
Because this part of the park sees fewer visitors, the loop feels quiet and scenic, especially along the lower cliff line where views open across the water. If you’re heading out on a weekend or holiday, remember that Emma Long Park requires advance entry passes, as it often reaches capacity.
Location: Emma Long Metropolitan Park, 1984 1/2 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730, USA
Open: Daily from 7 am to 10 pm
Emma Long Cliff Loop
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