Yahoo Finance You *Have* to Do One of These Gorgeous Hikes on Your Next Trip to Austin, Texas
- 1/11
You *Have* to Do One of These Gorgeous Hikes on Your Next Trip to Austin, Texas
Austin may be best known for its live music scene and buzzy festivals, but it’s also a great spot for low-key nature lovers. The Texas capital—plus the surrounding Texas Hill Country right outside town—is filled with gorgeous and accessible trails, city parks, greenbelts, and swimming holes that make it an easy spot to get your daily green fix without going full-on Reese Witherspoon in Wild.
With that in mind, we rounded up some of the best day hikes for all fitness levels, from those who want to get a serious workout on the trails (respect) to those who are mostly in it for the post-hike wine (also respect). (Btw, if you want to explore even more of Austin, may we suggest booking an ATX trip with CosmoTrips, our new travel-booking biz where we do all of the booking for you, and you do absolutely zero work?)
A few words of advice before you hit the trails: Be sure to hike early in the morning during the summer months when temps soar, and always pack a swimsuit, as many trails ~magically~ end up around lakes, rushing rivers, or natural spring-fed swimming pools (aka perfect spots for a refreshing dip). Also, while Austin does sit in the hills, its trails tend to be mostly flat, without much elevation gain—so if you’re a pretty serious hiker, you may want to choose some of the longer routes on this list. Finally, no matter which level you pick, be sure to hit up one of the area’s incredible wineries or restaurants once you’re finished—because did you even hike if you didn’t après hike?Butler Park Pitch and Putt - 2/11
Homestead Trail Loop
Located ten miles south of downtown Austin in McKinney Falls State Park, this gorgeous trail loop is surrounded by leafy oak trees and juniper groves. Parts of it circle Onion Creek, where you can stop to fish, swim, or meditate to the sounds of gurgling water. It’s also a favorite among campers, who love its 81 campsites and rentable cabins.
Miles: 3.4
Level: Intermediate
More deets: Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed, and they’re forbidden to go in the water. Entrance fee is $6 daily for adults; free for children under 12.
Courtesy of McKinney Falls State Park - 3/11
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
This is without a doubt Austin’s most beloved urban trail. But even though it draws more than two and a half million people each year, it never feels overcrowded. Created as a ten-mile circular loop along downtown’s Lady Bird Lake—aka “the living room of ATX”—it edges the water, providing access to kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Many locals hike or run a portion of the trail daily, too.
If you’re not one who hikes ten miles on the reg (hi, raises hand), it’s all good—you can simply cross over one of the various bridges and walk back to your starting point along the lake’s other side. Bonus: You’ll see tons of wildlife along the way, from turtles sunbathing on logs to wild parakeets in trees to bats (yes, BATS) chilling beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge. In fact, the bats are actually residents of the world’s largest urban bat colony…the more you know, right?
Miles: 10
Level: All abilities
More deets: Expect a social scene. Join from multiple downtown entry points, many near popular hotels. Entrance is free.
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail - 4/11
Hamilton Pool Loop
On a hot day, nothing’s as refreshing as a quick dip in the historic swimming hole Hamilton Pool Preserve, located about 30 miles northwest of Austin. Fed by a 50-foot waterfall, the emerald-colored pool lies at the end of a half-mile hike—meaning you don’t have to do all that much to reap the rewards. Be sure to pack snacks to munch while you dry off.
Miles: .5
Level: All levels
More deets: Reservations are required and can be paid online. $12 per vehicle.
Getty Images - 5/11
Walnut Creek Trails
Although they’re wedged between multiple busy streets, the Walnut Creek Trails still feel totally remote, thanks to lots of deep ravines, creek beds, lush vegetation, and tons of birds. But a word of caution: Even though the trails tend to be filled with trail runners, Walnut Creek still isn’t as well marked as some would like, so be prepared to meander—or even get lost. (Don’t forget your phone!)
Miles: Nearly 20
Level: Moderate
More deets: Dogs are welcome on this trail system, which has both north and south portions. The pathways run along Walnut and Boggy Creeks. No fees to enter.
Walnut Creek Trails - 6/11
Mount Bonnell Trail
Nestled in a bougie residential neighborhood a few minutes from downtown, this trek is an iconic Austin tradition that’s all about the views. It’s a pretty short ascent to the top—the stair-like trail takes just about 11 minutes—and once you get up there, you’ll see gorgeous Lake Austin and the city skyline down below. Other possible spottings: marriage proposals (it’s def one of those spots), and epic rainbow-sherbet sunsets.
Miles: .5
Level: All levels
More deets: Plan to climb 100 stairs to 775 feet. Admission is free.
Mont Bonnell - 7/11
St. Edwards Green and Red Loop
A trekking treasure trove near SoCo and South First (some of Austin’s coolest neighborhoods), St. Edward’s is packed with trails, waterfalls, and ponds, all tucked into 80 leafy acres. Grab some breakfast tacos for fuel, then tackle the loop, which winds through trees and flower-filled woodland. And just fyi, you probably won’t see tons of others on your trek, as the area isn’t super well-known, even by locals.
Miles: 2.7
Level: Easy to moderate
More deets: The park includes both sides of Bull Creek along Spicewood Springs Road, west of Capital of Texas Highway. Free to enter.
St. Edwards Green and Red Loop - 8/11
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Winding through buzzy South Austin, this trail offers a lush, nature-y alternative to the lively street scene that borders it. You’ll find swimming spots, vertical faces for rock climbing, bouldering options, shady areas, vertical bluffs, waterfalls, and tons of paths. Don’t miss Trail’s End and Hill of Life, both of which mark the final area of the Greenbelt (Hill of Life is the steepest segment of the Greenbelt, with a 300-foot ascent).
Miles: 12
Level: intermediate to advanced
More deets: The trails in the Greenbelt can be tough, rough, not manicured, and sometimes dangerous. Highly rewarding, these trails are best hiked with a buddy. Park at the Main Access Point on Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360) to access various trails. No fee to enter.
Barton Creek Greenbelt - 9/11
Pedernales Falls State Park
For a fun Hill Country outing, head to this gorgeous and very green park about 40 miles from Austin. Both of its two main trails, Twin Falls and Wolf Mountain, bring you to different bodies of water, so it’s truly perfect for a summer day. Twin Falls, which is just half a mile, ends at a beautiful waterfall, while Wolf Mountain, at five and a half miles, leads you to a refreshing swimming hole—the ultimate location for a rewarding dip.
Miles: .5 for Twin Falls; 5.5 for Wolf Mountain
Level: The Twin Falls trail is considered easy, while the Wolf Mountain Trail, with its uneven terrain and longer length, may challenge inexperienced hikers.
More deets: Leashed dogs allowed. $6 entrance fee for adults; free for children under 12.
Pedernales Falls State Park - 10/11
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Everybody’s favorite day trip from Austin, Enchanted Rock—a natural area named because its main rock purportedly sings to you as you climb—appeals to hikers of all ages. Scientists say the singing sounds come from deep within the rock, and are spurred by temperature changes, but…a woman can still wonder. The park has 11 miles of trails, though most of them are shorter than one mile. Just be sure to pace yourself on the popular Summit Trail, which leads to the top in about 45 minutes (an elevation equal to climbing forty stories).
Miles: 11 miles of trails, most of them shorter than a mile
Level: Moderate
More deets: $8 entrance fee for adults; children under 12 are free. Make reservations for parking or camping: 512-389-8900. All trails close after sunset, except the Loop Trail.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - 11/11
Turkey Creek Trail
Just north of Austin’s downtown area, Emma Long Metropolitan Park is a mix of pastoral countryside and luxe park facilities, providing a variety of all-day activity options from hiking to boating. Locals tend to come early and stay all day, even camping over the weekend or on holidays. Pro tip: Head for the Turkey Creek lollipop loop, which will give you all of the deep nature vibes and make you forget that bars are a thing in the world. Just be careful of tripping—the trail is littered with rocks, gravel, and exposed roots!
Miles: 2.8
Level: Intermediate
More deets: Reservations are required and must be made online. Buy a pass for your vehicle (up to eight people): $5 per day/vehicle, Monday through Thursday; $10 per day/vehicle Friday through Sunday, plus holidays; $1 per day for a walk-in or bike-in (pay by coin or credit at the station Monday through Wednesday, and pay online Thursday through Sunday).
Emma Long Park
