There’s no need to travel hundreds of miles to experience the joy of nature. When you’re in Austin, breathtaking views sit all around you. You’ll walk underneath impressive rock formations and stroll around shimmering creeks. That’s right! Eight of the greatest hiking trails on Earth are right here in Austin, Texas.
- Rock Shelter Interpretive Trail
mlhradio/Flickr McKinney Falls State Park is full of miraculous wonders. Here, you can see everything from rippling waterfalls to a historic old cabin. Even with so much wonder around you, nothing beats this effortlessly easy .7 mile hike. The Rock Shelter Interpretive Trail loops under magnificent rock domes and leads you over serene babbling creeks. You can reach these majestic views from 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy.
- Stephenson Nature Preserve
micklpickl/Flickr Stephenson Nature Preserve, tucked away in South Austin, is an authentic Austin gem. This 1.5 mile trail loops through patches of picturesque cedar trees and fragrant flowers. To find it, head over to 7501 Longview Rd.
- Inga Van Nynatten Memorial Trail
atmtx/Flickr The Inga Van Nynatten Memorial Trail weaves along the Bull Creek Greenbelt and will take you to some wondrous nature spots. As you explore this 3.72 mile trail, you’ll come across dozens of like-minded hikers eager to soak up the sights. The south trailhead can be accessed from 6701 Lakewood Dr.
- The Sculpture Falls Trail
Alex Thomson/Flickr While tourists spend their days at Barton Springs Pool, locals head to Sculpture Falls deep in the heart of the Barton Creek Greenbelt. There are several ways to reach this little oasis, but the easiest way is to venture to the entrance point at 1710 Camp Craft Road. After a 1.5 mile hike through Austin’s untouched nature, you’ll reach a rushing waterfall and quaint swimming hole. If swimming isn’t your cup of tea, you can continue to explore the calming greenbelt. There are 8 miles of hiking trails for you to enjoy!
- Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
David Ingram/Flickr The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, otherwise known as the Lady Bird Lake Trail, is the focal point of the city. Here, you can pedal, jog, or stroll along 10 miles of shimmering shoreline, verdant trees, and local gems. Leisurely walk around the boardwalk and take in the sights. The trail looks especially magical as the sun sets.
- Shoal Creek Greenbelt Trail
Lars Plougmann/Flickr Pease Park is known for its expansive playground, unique art installations, and the annual birthday party for Eeyore. In addition to these vibrant attractions, Pease Park is home to the Shoal Creek Greenbelt. As you make you way down this 10 mile trail, the crowds of people will begin to thin out. If you make it all the way to the creeks and rock sculptures, you’ll feel like you’re the only one living in Austin! You’re going to fall in love with The Shoal Creek Greenbelt Trail.
- Zilker Nature Preserve
ivers/Flickr Everyone knows about Zilker Park’s massive fields, but this nature preserve remains a bit of a hidden gem. This quick trail sits inside the Austin Nature and Science Center at 2389 Stratford Dr. Once you reach the gate, you’ll find yourself in a woodland oasis. Hike along the dry creek bed and look for wildlife among the trees. This brisk hike is perfect for kids and adults.
- Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
ivers/Flickr Nestled against the bustling 360 loop, The Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve offers a well-deserved respite from the city’s construction and noise. When you reach the entrance at 805 N Capital of Texas Hwy, you’ll be greeted with the sweet smells and sounds of nature. This 2.5 mile trail is the perfect length for a much-needed break.
Of course, there are so many more hidden gems to discover. This little known nature trail has the most breathtaking views.
mlhradio/Flickr
McKinney Falls State Park is full of miraculous wonders. Here, you can see everything from rippling waterfalls to a historic old cabin. Even with so much wonder around you, nothing beats this effortlessly easy .7 mile hike. The Rock Shelter Interpretive Trail loops under magnificent rock domes and leads you over serene babbling creeks. You can reach these majestic views from 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy.
micklpickl/Flickr
Stephenson Nature Preserve, tucked away in South Austin, is an authentic Austin gem. This 1.5 mile trail loops through patches of picturesque cedar trees and fragrant flowers. To find it, head over to 7501 Longview Rd.
atmtx/Flickr
The Inga Van Nynatten Memorial Trail weaves along the Bull Creek Greenbelt and will take you to some wondrous nature spots. As you explore this 3.72 mile trail, you’ll come across dozens of like-minded hikers eager to soak up the sights. The south trailhead can be accessed from 6701 Lakewood Dr.
Alex Thomson/Flickr
While tourists spend their days at Barton Springs Pool, locals head to Sculpture Falls deep in the heart of the Barton Creek Greenbelt. There are several ways to reach this little oasis, but the easiest way is to venture to the entrance point at 1710 Camp Craft Road. After a 1.5 mile hike through Austin’s untouched nature, you’ll reach a rushing waterfall and quaint swimming hole. If swimming isn’t your cup of tea, you can continue to explore the calming greenbelt. There are 8 miles of hiking trails for you to enjoy!
David Ingram/Flickr
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, otherwise known as the Lady Bird Lake Trail, is the focal point of the city. Here, you can pedal, jog, or stroll along 10 miles of shimmering shoreline, verdant trees, and local gems. Leisurely walk around the boardwalk and take in the sights. The trail looks especially magical as the sun sets.
Lars Plougmann/Flickr
Pease Park is known for its expansive playground, unique art installations, and the annual birthday party for Eeyore. In addition to these vibrant attractions, Pease Park is home to the Shoal Creek Greenbelt. As you make you way down this 10 mile trail, the crowds of people will begin to thin out. If you make it all the way to the creeks and rock sculptures, you’ll feel like you’re the only one living in Austin! You’re going to fall in love with The Shoal Creek Greenbelt Trail.
ivers/Flickr
Everyone knows about Zilker Park’s massive fields, but this nature preserve remains a bit of a hidden gem. This quick trail sits inside the Austin Nature and Science Center at 2389 Stratford Dr. Once you reach the gate, you’ll find yourself in a woodland oasis. Hike along the dry creek bed and look for wildlife among the trees. This brisk hike is perfect for kids and adults.
Nestled against the bustling 360 loop, The Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve offers a well-deserved respite from the city’s construction and noise. When you reach the entrance at 805 N Capital of Texas Hwy, you’ll be greeted with the sweet smells and sounds of nature. This 2.5 mile trail is the perfect length for a much-needed break.
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