Hike and bike trails are some of the many great attractions in Austin! With Austin having such a wide range of landscapes, you can either hike and bike downtown or in the hill country. Even though summers can get hot in Austin, you can still get outside on one of the many hike and bike trails of Austin that run along creeks and other bodies of water. If you want to take things a little slow, there are also numerous hike and bike trails in Austin that are flat and slow-paced. Check out our list of hike and bike trails in Austin, and figure out where your next hike and bike adventure will be!
List of Hike and Bike Trails in Austin:
Central Hike and Bike Trails
Barton Creek Greenbelt
3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B, Austin, TX 78704
Trail Length: 7.2 miles
Barton Creek Greenbelt is a popular location for adventure-loving locals! Hikers and bikers can be found year-round, although, during the wet season, mountain biking can be a little more challenging. With heavy rainfall during the spring, the water level of the creek rises high enough to allow swimming, cliff diving, kayaking, and tubing!
Blunn Creek Nature Preserve
Image Credit: onlyinyourstate.com
1200 St Edwards Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Trail Length: 1 mile
The Blunn Creek Nature Preserve seems like it could be fairly easy to hike, and that is the case here! The trail surface is a mixture of paved concrete and crushed granite. The trail is a favorite path for neighborhood residents to walk or bike for a bit of exercise. This trail does not attract crowds like the more popular Town Lake trail nearby.
Commons Ford Ranch Park
614 N Commons Ford Rd, Austin, TX 78733
Trail Length: 0.8 miles
Commons Ford Ranch is a lakefront park on Lake Austin that is great for taking the family out for the afternoon with the dog or enjoying a scenic picnic. The park offers a volleyball court, barbeque pit, picnic tables, and many trails to explore!
Deep Eddy (Eiler’s) Park
401 Deep Eddy Ave, Austin, TX 78703
Trail Length: 0.25 miles
The main attraction at Eiler’s Park is, of course, Deep Eddy Pool. But the park offers more than just the popular pool. There is also a toddler play area, a hike and bike trail, and a dock that goes to Town Lake that’s perfect for fishing and bird watching!
Eastwoods Neighborhood Park
Image Credit: neighborhoods.dmagazine.com
3001 Harris Park Ave, Austin, TX 78705
Trail Length: 0.5 miles
Eastwoods Park is a shady 9-acre neighborhood park that sits along Waller Creek, just north of the University of Texas. It is most popular for its large green area with tennis courts, picnic tables, a playground and open wooded space.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
1600 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730
Trail Length: 9.13 miles
Arguably the only swimming hole in Austin with a true “beach” shorefront, Emma Long Park, sits along Lake Austin providing cool water to swim in year-round, which is the perfect way to cool down after a long hike or bike. Though it can get crowded during the summer, it’s fairly easy to find your own spot to enjoy the water along the long strip of land!
Johnson Creek Greenbelt
2001 Enfield Rd, Austin, TX 78703
Trail Length: 1.38 miles
The Johnson Creek greenbelt is a long public park that has soccer fields, a paved trail, and ample picnicking facilities. The entirety of the path is paved and generally easy to navigate. Because the trail runs parallel to MoPac, traffic will always be right by your side. The trail goes through a couple of tunnels along its path that might cause a little concern for some, so always make sure you are running with a friend or partner.
Mayfield Nature Preserve
Image Credit: austinparks.org
3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
Trail Length: 0.98 miles
Mayfield Park was an estate presented to the city of Austin in 1971 and hosts a historic cottage along with 2 acres of gardens with peacocks. The estate and park are located near Mount Bonnell and Westwood Country Club. Although there are nice wooded trails and gardens, word on the street is to go for the peacocks!
Nicholas Dawson Park
Image Credit: bouldincreek.org
604 W Gibson St, Austin, TX 78704
Trail Length: 0.13 miles
Nick Dawson is a quiet neighborhood park with some colorful community-built artwork. It has a fantastic creek fed from a few springs which attract birds during the spring months, and you can find families swimming and fishing. There isn’t any parking, but you should be close enough to walk or bike anyway. Bring your dog! There are lots of trails, and things to discover!
Red Bud Isle
3401 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX 78746
Trail Length: 0.52 miles
One of the more popular leash-free dog parks in town, Red Bud Isle, is also a great place to swim in Lake Austin if you’re a dog. Unfortunately, swimming is still illegal, but it’s a great place to go hiking. Located just before the Lake Austin Dam, Red Bud offers easy parking and access to the less traversed area of Lady Bird Lake just outside of downtown.
Town Lake Trail
1109 S Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin, TX 78741
Trail Length: 10.1 miles
Formally known as the Town Lake/Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike trail, over 1.5 million people visit this 10+ mile trail every year. Dogs are welcome to accompany their owners on this trail, but all must be on a short leash.
West Bouldin Creek Greenbelt
Image Credit: austinparks.org
1200 S 6th St, Austin, TX 78704
Trail Length: 0.94 miles
West Bouldin Creek Trail is a 0.94 mile heavily trafficked loop trail that features a river. The trail is suitable for all skill levels and primarily used for hiking and walking. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The park also features a BMX track!
Zilker Metropolitan Park
2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Trail Length: 0.27 miles
Zilker Park is a popular recreational area, hosting events like Austin City Limits and the Trail of Lights. When an event isn’t going on at Zilker Park, there are over 350 acres of grassy terrain for a dog to play and run its little furry tail off.
East Hike and Bike Trails
Boggy Creek Greenbelt
Image Credit: austinparks.org
5609 Stuart Cir, Austin, TX 78721
Trail Length: 1.16 miles
Boggy Creek Greenbelt Trail is a 1.16-mile trail that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Buttermilk Branch Greenbelt
7500 Meador Dr, Austin, TX, 78752
Trail Length: 0.51 miles
Buttermilk Branch Greenbelt is a small greenbelt that runs behind the Virginia Brown Rec. Center and library. It’s a pretty little loop trail, with a couple of bridges, which is perfect for walking. The greenbelt can also be entered from Carver or Providence St. Additional amenities include basketball courts, a multipurpose field, and a volleyball court.
Civitan Neighborhood Park
Image Credit: austinparks.org
513 Vargas Rd, Austin, TX 78741
Trail Length: 0.25 miles
Civitan Neighborhood Park is located in East Austin and has access to a free community pool located near Allison Elementary School. Civitan Park is also home to the Montopolis Friendship Center, a low-cost daycare and community center. The park also offers tennis courts, a ball field, picnic tables, and more all in East Austin.
Dove Springs District Park
Image Credit: austinparks.org
5801 Ainez Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Trail Length: 1.32 miles
Dove Springs District Park’s trails can be divided into two completely separate experiences. The first trail is a hike and bike path of crushed granite that loops around the ball fields in the park. If you keep going along the path, you’ll find a creek that has a cold, crystal clear stream of water.
Dottie Jordan Neighborhood Park
Image Credit: universityhillsna.org
2803 Loyola Ln, Austin, TX 78723
Trail Length: .2 miles
The best time of the day to go to the park is in the mornings; you’re likely to have it to yourself. The amenities also include multiple picnic tables, covered seating, and built-in barbecue grills. There’s multiple playscapes, basketball courts, a creek that snakes around the perimeter of the park, and just on the inner edge of the creek there is a little jogging trail!
Kendra Page Park
Image Credit: austinparks.org
Blue Meadow Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Trail Length: 0.29 miles
Kendra Page Neighborhood Park is a very clean great spot to enjoy the outdoors and nature that Austin has to offer. There are plenty of trails to explore!
Roy G. Guerrero Metro Park
400 Grove Blvd, Austin, TX 78741
Trail Length: 1.45 miles
Roy Guerrero Trail is a 1.45 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Austin, Texas, that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash!
Springdale Park
Image Credit: austinparks.org
1175 Nickols Ave, Austin, TX 78721
Trail Length: 0.27 miles
Springdale Neighborhood Park is an urban park that has a walking trail, places to play, and picnic areas. There are several playgrounds and pavilions to gather and spend time together. There is also a small trail that can be suitable for a short hike.
North Hike and Bike Trails
Balcones District Park
Image Credit: alltrails.org
12017 Amherst Dr, Austin, TX 78759
Trail Length: .95 miles
Balcones District Park is located in the neighborhood of Balcones Woods and has a privately owned neighborhood pool for its residents. The park has a popular basketball court, volleyball court, kids play area, and lots of vast open space. Down the trail behind the pool is access to a hiking trail, as well as a beautiful natural waterfall when the creek is flowing after rains!
Brushy Creek Trail
3400 Brushy Creek Rd Cedar Park, TX
Trail Length: 6.7 miles
Brushy Creek Trail is a 6.75-mile trail with extensive landscaping and scenic views to enjoy. The trail has six parks that lie along with it, which provide many different amenities accessible to walkers, runners, and bikers. The park has splash pads, swimming areas, climbing rocks, fishing docks, canoeing and kayaking, disc golf, restrooms, and multiple picnic and pavilion areas!
Good Water Trail
2101 Co Rd 262, Georgetown, TX 78633
Trail Length: 26 miles
The Good Water Trails is a 26.9-mile trail near Georgetown, Texas. This trail is great for intermediate and advanced hikers. The trail is usable year round and features a lake. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be kept on a leash. The trail is used for hiking, walking, trail running, backpacking, and camping! At good entrance point for this trail is at the Russell Park trail head.
North Star Greenbelt
Image Credit: austinparks.org
11701 Tallow Field Way, Austin, TX 78758
Trail Length: 1.49 miles
North Star Greenbelt has a little community trail with a pretty decent length to it. There are even a few smaller trails that feed into it that are shaded, have little bridges and seating areas to feed the birds!
Mountain View Park
Image Credit: 8804tweed
9000 Middlebie Dr, Austin, TX 78750
Trail Length: 0.32 miles
Mountain View Park is a part of the upper Bull Creek area in north Austin. Additional amenities include basketball courts, a multipurpose field, tennis courts, and a decent hiking trail.
Oakview Park
Image Credit: google.com
10902 Oak View Dr, Austin, TX 78759
Trail Length: 0.52 miles
Oakview Park has a playscape that has recently been re-done, and the trails (a half a mile total) are well looked after by the city of Austin. The park is pretty well-used and well-loved by families, dog walkers, joggers, etc. The park never feels too busy or crowded. The park is a great place to relax and unwind in north Austin, especially if you have kids.
Schroeter Park
Image Credit: commons.wikimedia.org
11701 Big Trail, Austin, TX 78759
Trail Length: 0.78 miles
Schroeter Park features a large wildflower area in the spring and about 0.78 miles of trail to hike Amenities include basketball courts, a playscape area with a surrounding surface made from recycled plastic! Neighbors have installed solar trail lights on the short wooded trail to make it easier to walk on the trails early morning or late evenings.
Shoal Creek Greenbelt & Pease Park
2600 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78705
Trail Length: 4.62 miles
Only about 10 minutes from downtown Austin and near the University of Texas campus, Shoal Creek Greenbelt is 76 acres of scenic trails. The trail requires a leash on dogs, except from 24th Street to 29th Street.
Quail Creek Park
Image Credit: austinparks.org
1101 Mearns Meadow Blvd, Austin, TX 78758
Trail Length: 0.67 miles
Adjacent to Quail Creek Park, residents of The Park at Quail Creek can easily access its playgrounds, picnic tables, and walking trails. Just across Rutland Drive, the North Austin YMCA features swimming pools, fitness facilities, and programs for youth and adults.
Walnut Creek Greenbelt
2611 Park Bend Dr, Austin, TX 78701
Trail Length: 1.51 miles
Kid-friendly and dog friendly, Walnut Creek offers a mountain bike trail, picnic areas with barbecue pits and shade, basketball courts, volleyball courts, softball fields, playgrounds, and swimming pools!
Northwest Hike and Bike Trails
Beverly S. Sheffield Park
Image Credit: austinparks.org
7000 Ardath St, Austin, TX 78757
Trail Length: 0.5 miles
Great for a family day out! Beverly S. Sheffield Park has a playground big and small, a swimming pool, basketball court, tennis court, beautiful walking bridge, and sidewalks perfect for bike riding/skateboarding, etc. Make sure to bring a picnic; there are lots of shaded tables!
Bull Creek Greenbelt
6958 Old Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759
Trail Length: 3.43 miles
Bull Creek weaves in and out of gorgeous Highway 360 for 12 miles, beginning in north-central Travis County and ending in Lake Austin, where it merges with the Colorado River. That being said, there are a lot of incredible water spots along Bull Creek. If you’re looking to explore some fantastic trails and swimming holes in Austin that don’t get as much attention, Bull Creek might just be your new favorite spot!
Great Hills Park
Image Credit: yelp.com
10801 Sierra Oaks, Austin, TX 78759
Trail Length: 1.04 miles
Great Hills Park is 90 acres, and it’s got miles of trails. The trails are taken care of and marked very well. Great Hills Parks is an awesome little gem in Austin with a great hiking trail that is almost completely shaded! Both trails essentially follow a stream that has clean flowing water for your dog to play in.
North Oaks Neighborhood Park
Image Credit: northoaks.com
820 Plaza Dr, Austin, TX 78753
Trail Length: 0.18 miles
North Oaks Neighborhood Park is a beautiful little park with lots of trees and spots where wildflowers grow. There are several picnic tables, two normal swings, two swings for toddlers, and a gravel loop trail.
Perry Park
Image Credit: austinparks.org
5011 Balcones Dr #4929, Austin, TX 78731
Trail Length: 0.41 miles
The trail through the wooded area of the Perry Park has been cleared of overgrowth and has removed invasive plants. Now, the trail has been updated with crushed granite. Because of all these updates, the trail has a very groomed look and comes complete with native plant markers! Keeping this nature trail clear has been a yearly neighborhood task!
St. Edwards Park
Image Credit: austinparks.org
7301 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759
Trail Length: 2.71 miles
St. Edward’s Park is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Austin. During the spring, the wildflowers are entirely in bloom and stretch for miles. Take a walk down to the water where there are some views with the light shimmering off the rock walls in the early morning that will make you gasp. It really is beautiful, not crowded, and tons of places for kids (and adults) to splash around!
Stillhouse Hollow Preserve
Image Credit: austinparks.org
7810 Sterling Dr, Austin, TX 78759
Trail Length: 0.3 miles
Stillhouse Hollow Nature Preserve has a nice little trail tucked away in a neighborhood. It’s paved and has a nice overlook at the bottom of the trail. Though when the trees are full, you don’t get a good look into the little ravine, but it’s still nice to have shade when you go out on the trails during the summer!
South Hike and Bike Trails
Dittmar Neighborhood Park
Image Credit: austinparks.org
1009 W Dittmar Rd., Austin, TX 78748
Trail Length: 0.33 miles
Dittmar Neighborhood Park has a shaded pool and a nice playground where kids can play (there are lots of things to climb). Two slides, one covered and one uncovered, which is better for kids older than toddlers. The park also has a walking track and trails along the creek!
Garrison District Park
Image Credit: communityimpact.org
6001 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745
Trail Length: 0.7 miles
Garrison District Park is one of the only shaded parks in South Austin! You can spend a few hours here because there are picnic tables, trees, a play structure, and a pool! The bathrooms are also clean. HOWEVER, if you come in summer, expect there to be LOTS of kids. Summer Camps go and spend most of the day at the park, and it tends to get crowded. Please be sure to respect the rules that this is a leashed dog park.
Joslin Park
Image Credit: tripadvisor.com
2106 Cimarron Trail, Austin, TX 78745
Trail Length: 0.23 miles
Joslin Park is a nice little city park with a crushed granite track, playground, tennis court, ball field, and fitness area! On-leash dogs love to visit, and there are picnic tables that are placed under the gigantic oak trees. You’ll share the track with the elementary school during the day, but their playground is off-limits until three during the school year!
Longview Neighborhood Park
Image Credit: tripadvisor.com
7609 Longview Rd, Austin, TX 78745
Trail Length: 0.39 miles
Longview Neighborhood Park has a really nice, long, relaxing trail. Not that many people go on the trails, and the trail can get deep into the natural system. The trails are also a great place to ride your mountain bike! The park also has a well-maintained playground. Just a heads up, the entire park is an off-leash dog park!
Onion Creek Greenbelt
7002 Onion Creek Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Trail Length: 2.46 miles
Located in Southeast Austin and covering 179 acres, Onion Creek District Park is a little-known park that is the perfect place for your pet. Most of the park is off-leash and offers areas for animals to swim and venture through the shady hiking trails.
Stephenson Preserve
Image Credit: onlyinyourstate.com
7501 Longview Rd, Austin, TX 78745
Trail Length: 1.02 miles
Be prepared for lots of different trails to explore on Stephenson Preserve! It’s a wonderful park with easy walking trails with a few rocky challenges here and there. Depending on where you end up, you might see a few art pieces on display, so it could definitely be an adventure for couples or families to spy a possible robot or artsy flowers!
Tanglewood Forest Park
Image Credit: tanglewoodforestlimiteddistrict.org
9801 Curlew Dr, Austin, TX 78748
Trail Length: 0.84 miles
At Tanglewood Forest Park, there are two playsets with swings, multiple picnic tables, and bounce rides. The park also a walking trail and a cute little bridge. Tanglewood Forest Park is great for a pit stop before taking your busy, active child home!
Southwest Hike and Bike Trails
Dick Nichols Park
Image Credit: fitt.co
8011 Beckett Rd, Austin, TX 78749
Trail Length: 1.25 miles
Dick Nichols pool is located in a park that offers many nice bike and walking trails, a pretty large playground, is free and offers many options for all kinds of swimmers! There is a larger and smaller pool. The smaller pool is for toddlers and is separated by a fence from the other pools. The larger pool is perfect for the younger crowd just learning to swim, and the adults just wanting to hang out in the water!
Circle C Metro Ranch Metro Park
6301 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78739
Trail Length: 2.19 miles
Circle C Metropolitan Park is a fantastic park off Slaughter lane. The park houses several basketball courts, a large playground for young kids, a bunch of soccer/mixed-use fields, and a world-class disc golf course. A granite trail runs through the park as well as a few more primitive trails for mountain bikes. When the rains come, the creek swells up and can house a bunch of water.
Gaines Creek Park
Image Credit: tripadvisor.com
4801 Republic of Texas Blvd, Austin, TX 78735
Trail Length: 0.73 miles
Gaines Creek Park has nice trails, is a good-sized park, and has a beautiful nature area to explore. Keep in mind that the parking at this park is limited since it’s in a residential neighborhood!
Latta Branch Greenbelt
Image Credit: communityimpact.org
7910 Beckett Rd, Austin, TX 78749
Trail Length: 1.46 miles
Located across the street from Dick Nichols Park is Latta Branch Greenbelt. This trail has a rugged walking, running, and biking trails. There are exercise stations throughout the trail, a few picnic areas, and a creek that can be seen through the tree lines.
Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park
Image Credit: austinparks.org
907 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748
Trail Length: 3.73 miles
There is a lot to do at Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park! One great thing about the park is that it’s not very crowded. The trails are separated from the playground/recreational play area, and there are several different trails. They go pretty far back and may get a little turned around, but it’s beautiful! There are trash bins located all along the trails for dog poop bags! There is also an exercise route if you want to get a little workout between jogs!
The Veloway
4900 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
Trail Length: 3.17 miles
The Veloway is a wonderful place surrounded by nature with no sound besides birds chirping. It’s great for a peaceful bike ride at around 3 miles long. There are tons of fun side trails for people looking to explore, and it’s guaranteed you’ll have an all-around great experience!
West Hike and Bike Trails
Mount Bonnell
3800 Mount Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX 78731
Trail Length: 0.31 miles
Mount Bonnell is a popular tourist destination and is often described as the highest point in Austin, with the elevation at its peak about 775 feet above mean sea level! With new skyscrapers appearing, there are new highest spots in Austin that are higher than Mount Bonnell. But few publicly accessible spots offer such a sweeping view of the downtown area!
Primitive Trail at Falconhead West
Image Credit: alltrails.com
Rockies Run Summit, Austin, TX 78738
Trail Length: 2.2 miles
Primitive Trail at Falconhead West was designed to facilitate walking, running, hiking, and mountain biking! The unimproved park is left in its natural state for the purpose of preserving open space and enjoying the outdoors!
