The 10 Best Hiking Spots in Austin

Perched at the doorstep of the Texas Hill Country and laced by lovely reservoir lakes of the Colorado River, Austin is location for those looking to get outside. Hiking enthusiasts will find a plethora of options, from paved greenway paths and surprisingly rugged urban treks to scenery-drenched adventures amid the city’s broader Balcones Canyonlands and Edward Plateau backyard.

A city so full of nature and hiking opportunities covers a full range of difficulty levels and time investments. With so many options in one place, it can be a challenge to choose the right outdoor locations your trip. Below, we’ve laid out information on the 10 best hiking spots in Austin to help you plan accordingly.

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Not far from the Smith Visitor Center in McKinney Falls State Park, you can hop on the short, easy Rock Shelter Trail. Walking Onion Creek, you’ll pass by the 100-foot-tall bald-cypress tree, “Old Baldy,” reckoned at some 500 years old and justifiably voted Austin’s Tree of the Year back in 2012. The path leads to the limestone ledge in question, which sheltered Indigenous peoples centuries ago.

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On the Barton Creek Greenbelt you can hike your way through South Austin, taking advantage of multiple access points and enjoying everything from swimming holes to the plunges of Twin and Sculpture falls. The 300-foot climb called the “Hill of Life” is a test, no question…

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Among the centerpiece trails in Pedernales Falls State Park, about 30 miles from Austin, the Wolf Mountain Trail is a lollipop loop, which ultimately circles around the namesake limestone hill. You’ll cross multiple streams, including Bee Creek and Mescal Creek and pass the alluring Jones Spring and its nearby stone ruins (where D.G. and Nannie Jones, for whom the spring is named, once lived). The highlight of the area is the scenery. Here, you’ll witness sweeping looks out over the valley of the Pedernales River as you round Wolf Mountain.

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It’s often thought that Mount Bonnell offers one of the best views in all of Austin and those that have made the hike often agree. This 781-foot hilltop, among the highest points in the city, delivers a stirring vista over Lake Austin and out to the Downtown Austin and Hill Country skylines. It’s a short and beginner-friendly trail, though some visitors may find themselves struggling a bit while climbing the 100-plus stone stairs leading to the summit. The Mount Bonnell trail is a dog-friendly hike and one that can easily be done with other people.

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If you want to combine some Mother Nature therapy with a serious workout during your visit to the Live Music Capital of the World, few footpaths fit that better than the River Place Nature Trail. It’s made up of three segments that all come together at Panther Junction, being the shorter Panther Hollow and Little Fern trails, then the main Canyon Trail. The hike involves a lot of up-and-down as it traces a stream canyon and skirts ravines. More than 2,700 built-in stairs help ease trek, with waterfalls, cascades and plunge pools creating a scenic atmosphere.

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Some of the best hiking in Austin can be had within the McKinney Roughs Nature Park, which offers activities like ziplining, angling, picnicking alongside its hiking opportunities. The trail network totals 17.6 miles and offering everything from quick and easy hikes to rugged, demanding treks. Routes such as the Pine Ridge, Coyote, Riverside, Bobcat Ridge and Yaupon trails show off the scenic diversity of the McKinney Roughs: from shady stream bottoms to oak-juniper scrub, pinewoods and serene glades.

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One of Austin’s best places to hike is right in the heart of the city: the Anna & Roy Butler Hike-&-Bike Trail, which loops some 10 miles around the Colorado River’s Lady Bird Lake. The wide, paved path welcomes hikers, joggers and cyclists and comes with multiple access points, making it a great way to explore Downtown and the surrounding area. Enjoy stunning skyline views and take a refreshing dip at Deep Eddy Pool, the oldest swimming pool in Texas. Along the way, visit the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue to honor the legendary local guitarist, and from spring through fall you can witness Austin’s famous Mexican free-tailed bats at sunset.

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The paved, multiuse Southern Walnut Creek Trail is regarded as one of East Austin's best places to hike. Running between Govalle Park and the Walnut Creek Sports Park in the Daffan neighborhood, the path spends wraps around parkland, including the Walnut Creek Greenway and the Big Walnut Creek Preserve. Trails connect the Southern Walnut Creek Trail with the Northern Walnut Creek Trail to create an expanded regional circuit are under development.

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Rising nearly 430 feet above the Llano Uplift, Enchanted Rock is a massive granite exfoliation dome and one of the most iconic landmarks in the Texas Hill Country. The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area harbors some 11 miles of hiking trails, but none are more iconic than the Summit Trail to the top of the dome: a chance to bask in a far-reaching vista and admire rare, precious vernal pools that shelter fairy shrimp.

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Nestled within Emma Long Metropolitan Park, Turkey Creek Trail offers one of Austin’s most scenic and serene hiking experiences. The trail winds through lush forests and alongside a peaceful creek, making it a favorite spot for both hikers and dog owners alike. With its shaded paths and tranquil atmosphere, it's an ideal escape from the city's hustle.

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