From quick and easy loops around town to drives that take you to watering holes and hilltop views, our city has so many options to hit the trail.

Lace up your hiking boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking guide with 15 routes and trails around the Austin area to help you plan your next adventure and experience breathtaking views.

Note: While parks and trails may be listed as open, we recommend checking park websites before visiting for further info, current trail conditions, and safest practices for the area.

Key: Easy = 🥾 | Moderate = 🥾🥾 | Hard = 🥾🥾🥾

Central Austin

Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, multiple access points

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 10-mile loop
Wheelchair accessible: Portions
Pet-friendly: Yes

Although more likely to be used by runners and dog walkers than intense hikers, this trail around Lady Bird Lake is a favorite recreational spot for Austinites. Several bridges crossing the lake connect the trail in multiple points, meaning the 10-mile loop can be reduced into shorter loops as needed.

Waterloo Park Amphitheater Garden Loop, multiple access points

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 0.9-mile loop
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes

Take a quick walk on this short trail that beautifully juxtaposes nature and cityscape. Along the way, walkers will be able to spot views of the Texas Capitol, waterfalls, and native plants.

West Austin

Laurel, Yaupon, Possum and Arroyo Vista Loop, 805 N. Capital of Texas Hwy.

Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Length: 1.8-mile loop
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pet-friendly: No

Explore the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, a pristine 227-acre plot of Texas Hill Country. This trail meanders up and down hills and contains streams, a waterfall, and views.

River Place Canyon Trail, 8820 Big View Dr.

Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Length: 5.4-mile out-and-back
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pet-friendly: Yes

Expect to get your heart pumping, because this trail has many elevation changes. The bright side? That means stunning views, too.

Turkey Creek Trail, 1600 City Park Rd.

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 2.7-mile out-and-back
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pet-friendly: Yes

Emma Long Metropolitan Park runs along the north bank of the Colorado River, but this trail largely explores the forested inner areas of the park. If you want to extend your hike, take some of the smaller paths that branch out from the main trail.

Bull Creek South to North, 6701 Lakewood Dr.

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 3.8-mile out-and-back
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pet-friendly: Yes

You'll feel like a true explorer on this path, which can be muddy and overgrown in the summer months. However, the waterfalls and serene forested areas are worth dirtying up your shoes.

East Austin

Mueller Lake and Southeast Greenway, 4550 Mueller Blvd.

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 3-mile loop
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes

Looping around Mueller Lake Park, this trail borders waterfront seating, a playground, a food truck park, an outdoor stage, and several grassy recreation areas. Although parts of this trail are packed gravel, most of it is paved and gently sloped.

Southern Walnut Creek Trail, 5200 Bolm Rd.

Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Length: 19.7-mile out-and-back
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes

Whether you embark on foot or bike, there's plenty to see on this trek along Walnut Creek. The 8-ft wide, paved path makes an ideal route for strollers, skaters, or any other wheels.

Hornsby Bend River Trail, Platt Lane

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 4.3-mile out-and-back
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pet-friendly: No

Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, armadillos, grasshoppers, and fields of cacti on this quiet hike. Be sure to mosey off onto a spur trail to take in riverfront views.

South Austin

Greenbelt Twin Falls Trail, 3918 S. MoPac Expy.

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 3.2-mile out-and-back
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pet-friendly: Yes

There are several hiking trails along the Barton Creek Greenbelt, but the trek out to Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls is one of the most popular. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit, because the falls are great spots for a quick mid-hike dip.

Blunn Creek Greenbelt Trail, 1200 St. Edwards Dr.

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 1-mile loop
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pet-friendly: No

Expect to see some flora and fauna on your walk — this secluded trail near St. Edward’s University runs through a nature preserve. The short path also loops around a creek that runs through the property.

Onion Creek and Homestead Trail Loop, 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy.

Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Length: 6.8-mile loop
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pet-friendly: Yes

Wander through wooded areas, over waterfalls, and among wildflowers at McKinney Falls State Park, the only state park in Travis County. In addition to rock formations and 1800s-era shelters, you might spot some exciting bird species.

Mary Moore Searight Park Metro Trail, 907 W. Slaughter Lane

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 1.8-mile loop
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pet-friendly: Yes

This trail is open year-round for runners, bikers, hikers, and walkers. If you’re bringing kiddos, plan to check out the playground at this park’s trailhead.

North Austin

Walnut Creek Loop, 12138 N. Lamar Blvd.

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 1.3-mile loop
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pet-friendly: Yes

Sit by the water — and let your pups take a splash — on this trail that runs along the Tar Branch of Walnut Creek. A portion of this north Austin park is off-leash for dogs.

Crockett Garden Falls, 1065 Eagle Point Dr., Georgetown

Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Length: 3.7-mile out-and-back
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pet-friendly: Yes

Hike along Lake Georgetown for waterfront views and make your way to a dome-shaped waterfall covered in greenery. Plus, plenty of other trails are nearby in Cedar Breaks Park if you want to keep exploring.

Get the right gear

Get the most out of your trip with comfortable, handy, and helpful hiking gear:

For the best footwear, check out Nordstrom Rack’s sneaker edit for hiking.
If your trail demands a proper hiking boot, we like Columbia’s collection on Amazon.
Travel light (but still have room for snacks) with lululemon’s Everywhere Belt Bag.
Get a good bulk deal on Perfect Bars, Clif Bars, or Kind Bars at a warehouse store like Sam’s Club.
Don’t forget to bring a compact, portable phone charger (you’ll thank us later).
We like this Teton hiking backpack and this lightweight water bottle.
Psst — to be ultra-prepared, here are the 10 items you should never enter a national park without, according to the National Park Service.