5 BEST Hiking Trails in Austin Texas

Taking a mid-day break to hike a nature trail in Austin TX is my cheap therapy. I think only of the  exact moment I am in, walking the trail, exploring nature. Austin hiking trails are busiest during spring and fall when the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities. But you can enjoy most of the hiking spots in Austin year round.

In this post I share with you five of the best places for hiking in Austin. All of these parks are free to visit and make for the perfect escape on your own or as a family outing with the kids. Or your favorite furball family!

Consider taking time for yourself each day or at least a few times per week to enjoy the nature trails in Austin. You get to enjoy some fresh air and get some exercise. Walking or hiking helps to clear the mind and do a psychological reset.

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5 BEST Austin Hiking Trails

Barton Springs Greenbelt

Not only are there miles of hiking trails but you can also go swimming, climbing, and biking at Barton Springs Greenbelt in Austin.

The famous Barton Springs Pool is in the greenbelt, it’s a popular swimming hole in Austin, but not the largest natural spring swimming pool.

Here are 6 places to access the Greenbelt in Austin:

• 2201 Barton Springs Road – main trailhead
• 1601 Spyglass Drive – Campbell’s Hole west entrance
• 2010 Homedale Drive – Campbell’s Hole east entrance
• 2642 Barton Hills Drive – Gus Fruh
• 3918 South Mopac Expressway (Mopac or Loop 1) – Gains Creek and Twin Falls
• 1710 Camp Craft Road – Hill of Life and Sculpture Falls

READ MORE: 21 Best Rooftop Bars in Austin Texas

 

 

Bull Creek Park

6701 Lakewood Drive

Bull Creek Park is a large park created in 1971 and it’s super popular with dog owners According to the signage at the park dogs must be on leash at all times. That doesn’t happen.

Almost every dog owner lets their mutt run amok. I don’t mind, but just letting you know in case you do mind.

There are two parking areas at Bull Creek, the official paved parking lot and another one close to Spicewood Spring Drive.

 

 

 

Visit Bull Creek Park during the weekdays to avoid the crowds. Hiking at Bull Creek Park in northwest Austin recently I lost all track of time.

I had planned to spend a half hour or so enjoying a quick hike along Bull Creek before grabbing some lunch and heading off to my afternoon appointment.

 

 

 

St Edwards Park

7301 Spicewood Springs Rd

St Edwards Park is an 80-acre park in northwest Austin with a swimming hole and lots of bluebonnets in the spring.

Starting as early as late February and lasting through April you can see swaths of bluebonnets around Austin. You can bring your dog to St Edwards Park.

 

 

I see an amazing assortment of gorgeous colorful wildflowers along the hiking trails throughout the year. Springtime is my favorite time of year because the days are starting to get longer and the weather is generally perfect for hiking.

And the bluebonnets are blooming in Austin during spring.

 

 

 

 

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

3505 W 35th Street

Located in northwest Austin but much more central than Bull Creek or St Edwards, Mayfield is also known as the peacock park in Austin.

Because of the peafowl live at the park and roam freely you are not allowed to bring dogs to Mayfield.

Enjoy the hiking trails at Mayfield that lead to Lake Austin and wander the grounds to see the gardens. Remember to look up in the live oak trees for peacocks, they enjoy resting on the branches.

READ now: Oldest Oak Tree in Texas – The Big Tree – Goose Island State Park

 

 

Walking along the trails at Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve one hears the rustling of the leaves as lizards dash from place to place.

When I see a lizard I find that if I stand still they will often remain motionless as well – allowing me to observe them more carefully.

 

 

I’ve seen some interesting insects while hiking the nature trails and been bitten by quite a few – the tiny creatures have the ability to sneak up on us humans so easily!

I prefer the more docile ones – rolly polly is just a cute little insect that never hurts anyone.

 

 

Enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of nature while getting a little exercise is my favorite outdoor activity in Austin.

Hiking is meditative. Getting lost in the moment on a hiking trail is the perfect cheap therapy.

 

Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail

Downtown Austin – 4.5 mile loop around Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake is not a lake but you’ll get over that soon enough. It’s a beautiful and popular hiking and biking trail in the heart of downtown Austin.

Dogs are allowed at Lady Bird Lake but must be kept on leash.

Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail is the place to go enjoy the outdoors in the middle of the city. Fragrant wisteria vines show off their colorful mauve blooms during springtime in Austin.

 

 

 

Something that cannot be properly conveyed in words or pictures is the glorious fragrance of certain flowers, the fresh scent of the woods, the sound of the birds singing, and the relaxing tone of the water.

Pure Zen.

You can download a map of Austin parks here and find your own favorite hiking spots in Austin.

What is your favorite hiking trail in Austin?