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Best Hiking Trails & Spots for Hiking in Austin

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Hiking in Austin

Jump to: Central Austin | South & East Austin | North Austin | West Austin

Spending time outdoors in Central Texas offers clear physical and mental health benefits, and few cities embrace green space quite like Austin. From limestone bluffs and shaded creeks to hilltop overlooks, the capital city boasts an incredible network of urban trails and natural preserves.

Whether you are looking for a quick paved walk or a rugged afternoon trek, there is a path tailored to every fitness level.

Editor’s Note: We work hard to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information. However, all details are subject to change. Please verify information before heading out.

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Also, check out our articles on the Things to Do in Austin this Summer, Best Waterfalls to Visit in Texas, and Best Swimming Holes near Austin!

Central Hiking Spots: Core Spots for Hiking in Austin

Blunn Creek Nature Preserve

Blunn Creek, a 40-acre preserve tucked between St. Edward’s University and Little Stacy Park in South Austin, sitting on top of an ancient extinct volcano that most of the city drives past without ever knowing exists. At the top, you’ll be stepping onto compressed volcanic ash from eruptions 75 million years ago.

The one-mile loop crosses the creek twice before climbing to volcanic overlooks with views of St. Edward’s and downtown. On weekends, it’s quite and in spring, you’ll spot bluebonnets and birdsong along the trail edges. 

While the trail is rated easy, please wear proper hiking shoes as the terrain is rocky. Dogs and bikes are also not allowed, as this is a protected city nature preserve. Parking is street-side only along St. Edwards Drive.

Barton Creek Greenbelt

Locals just call it The Greenbelt. Here, you’ll find more than 12 miles of trail that cut through limestone bluffs, creek canyon, and dense canopy right inside the city. 

Hike it, bike it, rock climb it, or just find a boulder at Sculpture Falls and stay there all afternoon when the water is running. 

For a real test, enter at the Trail’s End access on Camp Craft Road and take on the Hill of Life, a 300-foot climb in half a mile that runners keep coming back to finish faster. 

Dogs are welcome but must stay leashed at six feet or under. Weekends get busy, so arrive before 9 AM or go on a weekday for a very different experience.

South & East Austin: Scenic Trails and State Parks

Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park

Hiking in Austin - Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park

Image credit: Austin Parks and Recreation Department

While everyone else is fighting for parking at the Greenbelt, 344 acres of trail in South Austin are sitting at the Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park, largely unbothered.

The park has six miles of paths through oak and juniper woodland and along Slaughter Creek, shared by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, disc golfers, and horseback riders without ever feeling crowded. 

The terrain stays easy throughout; the southwest corner is the shadiest and most secluded stretch, and the whole park has the feel of a neighborhood discovery rather than a destination. 

September through March is the most comfortable time to visit, but an early morning works any time of year.

McKinney Falls State Park

Hiking in Austin - McKinney Falls State Park

Image credit: McKinney Falls State Park – Texas Parks and Wildlife

Thirteen miles from the Texas State Capitol, you’ll find McKinney Falls State Park. It is the only state park within Austin city limits, and it features 641 acres of Onion Creek canyon, limestone waterfall swimming holes, and trails packed with wildlife and Texas history. 

Seek out Old Baldy on the Rock Shelter Trail: a 103-foot-tall bald cypress standing for over 500 years, one of the oldest on public land in the state. Then, cross the creek to reach the 3.1-mile Homestead Trail and walk past the limestone ruins of Thomas McKinney’s 1850s estate. 

Don’t forget to book a day pass online before you arrive. This park fills regularly and turns people away at the gate, especially on weekends. 

If you’re taking your furry friends with you, they’re allowed on leash up to six feet but cannot enter swimming areas.

North Austin: Dog-Friendly & Multi-Use Hiking Trails

Bull Creek District Park

Bring water shoes. That’s the first and most important thing to know when visiting Bull Creek District Park. This hiking spot is built around its creek, and the crossings are part of the experience, not an obstacle to work around. 

The 48-acre park in northwest Austin runs easy throughout, with large limestone boulders, small waterfalls, and shallow water that makes the whole trail feel more like an adventure than a standard walk. It connects to the broader Bull Creek Greenbelt for those who want to extend to a four-mile loop or longer. 

Weekends fill fast. Get there before 9 AM for easy parking and a crowd-free trail. Leave nothing in your car. Break-ins are a known issue at this and other Austin trailheads.

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

Hiking in Austin - Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

Image credit: Austin Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Club

293 acres, 15 miles of trail, free parking, and a fraction of the crowd that Barton Creek pulls on any given weekend is what greets you at Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park. 

The trail system moves through wooded hills and creek crossings with enough variety to satisfy mountain bikers and casual hikers in the same afternoon. Stick around until late afternoon, and you may even spot deer along the creek edges. They tend to appear around 6 PM when things quiet down.

Dogs are welcome on-leash on all trails. The park also has one of the city’s largest designated off-leash areas on-site as well. Arrive early on weekends for the best parking.

West Austin: Scenic Views & Hill Country Trails

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

Hiking in Austin - Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

Image credit: Wild Basin Creative Research Center

Ten miles from downtown and it doesn’t feel like Austin at all. 

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve protects 227 acres of Texas Hill Country woodland off Loop 360, and it takes that responsibility seriously. This is a no-dogs, no-bikes, no-picnics preserve where the trails exist to move quietly through habitat that shelters endangered species like the golden-cheeked warbler. 

Nearly three miles of trail range from easy to moderately challenging, with rocky sections that demand proper footwear and high points that open into canyon overlooks worth the climb.

Weekdays are free with no reservation needed. On weekends and federal holidays, booking is required through St. Edward’s University’s website.

Parking is limited, and the gate closes when the lot fills, so plan.

  • When: Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 5:30 pm | Saturday – Sunday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
  • Where: 805 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746
  • How much: Free on weekdays | On weekends, $5 for adults | $3 for kids 6 to 17 | Free for kids under 5

Covert Park at Mount Bonnell

106 stairs. That’s the entire commitment, and what’s waiting at the top is one of the most rewarding views in Austin. 

At 775 feet above sea level, the summit looks out over Lake Austin, the Hill Country, and the city skyline in a single sweeping panorama that people have been climbing up to see since the 1850s. 

The walk is short at 0.3 miles, and the stairs are manageable for most, though not ADA-accessible or stroller-friendly. The best time to come is at sunrise or just before sunset, so you can watch the light glimmer over the water and transform the scene into something straight out of a postcard.

Free parking sits at the base of Mount Bonnell Road, but the lot is small, so get there early. Also, note that there are no restrooms anywhere in the park.

Turkey Creek Trail at Emma Long Park

Turkey Creek Trail has one of the most loyal followings of any hike in West Austin, and dogs are a big part of why. This is one of the few officially designated off-leash trails in the area.

In this 2.5-mile route through Emma Long Metropolitan Park, you and your four-legged best friends can enjoy creek crossings, limestone bluffs, dense canopy overhead, and wildflowers along the banks in season. 

It rates moderate, with rocky terrain and enough elevation toward the bluff top to feel genuinely satisfying. But water shoes with grip are still essential. The creek stones are slippery, and your feet will get wet no matter the season.

The parking lot holds 20 to 30 cars and fills fast on weekends, so either arrive early or go on a weekday when the trail runs noticeably quieter. Do not park on the road. Towing is enforced.

Know Before You Go: Local Austin Trail Context

While many of these popular spots for hiking in Austin are nestled within central neighborhoods, the broader trail network stretches across the entire metro region.

Residents living in surrounding suburbs like Cedar Park, Round Rock, West Lake Hills, or Buda can reach major trailheads within a 15 to 30-minute drive.

During peak summer months, plan to hit the trails early in the morning, carry plenty of water, and double-check trail rules regarding pets and parking fees before heading out.

Common Questions about Hiking in Austin

Are hiking trails in Austin dog-friendly?

Many public trails in Austin welcome dogs on leashes, including Barton Creek Greenbelt and Mary Moore Searight Park. For off-leash experiences, Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park and Turkey Creek Trail are prime destinations. However, dogs are strictly prohibited at nature preserves like Wild Basin to protect native wildlife habitats.

What is the best time of year for hiking in Austin?

Autumn, winter, and early spring offer the most comfortable temperatures for long outdoor hikes. If hiking during the summer, aim for shaded trails near water like Turkey Creek or start early in the morning to beat the afternoon heat.

Do I need to pay fees or make reservations to hike in Austin?

Most municipal city parks and greenbelts in Austin are completely free to enter. State parks such as McKinney Falls charge a small per-person entrance fee ($6 for adults). Always check municipal park guidelines for updated seasonal rules.

Looking for more? See the upcoming Weekend Events in Austin.

Jessica Pino
Latest posts by Jessica Pino (see all)

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Comments

    • @djpooleatx:disqus, I agree! I was thinking the same thing – that it would be really cool to have a graphic or a map that showed all 4 events. Be patient with us and our volunteer team! We have tons of great ideas, and are tackling them one at a time. <3

  2. Thanks for the great post! A tip for the Scottish Woods trail entrance: be sure to park in the areas WITHOUT the tow signs. They will tow and/or ticket!

  4. Did you know that wild basin is owned by St. Edward’s University in south Austin? The work they do to preserve and maintian the natural landscape is wonderful, but they’re also using the area for lots of important research!

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