Austin is known for being a very eco friendly city with an abundance of outdoor activities. From hiking, to biking, to paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake, we love to do it all! These are some of my favorite hiking and biking trails in and around the Austin area. Keep checking back, I keep updating this list as I come across more amazing Austin finds!

Zilker Park is our go to because it is close to home and we can do all three there. We also have state park passes. As much as we hike it has been worth the $70 fee. You can get those at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-information/passes/park-passes/

Zilker Park

There are many ways to hike around Zilker to make it longer or shorter in length from 1 mile up to 10 miles if you are walking/biking around Lady Bird Lake. The boardwalk is beautiful. This is one of our favorite places to jog and bike. We love to park at Pease park, bike through downtown and make our way around Lady Bird Lake.

McKinney Falls State Park

Hard to believe this State Park is right here in Austin. With nine miles of hiking trails this is one of my favorite hikes. You can also mountain or road bike here.

Spicewood Valley Trail

This is a short and easy 2 mile out and back trail with some nice waterfalls.

River Place Nature Trail

Searching for fairies? I love this trail but it is definitely more challenging. 6 miles out and back with a lot of climbing. Wear good shoes, the terrain can get rocky.

Pedernales Falls

Another beautiful State Park. Over 5 miles of trails overlooking the river.

Chalk Ridge Falls

Easy 2.5 mile hike with some lovely waterfalls. Love the cable bridge. Watch for snakes!

Inks Lake State Park

Can’t says enough about this park. Love! We love to paddle board on the lake and then go hiking. With over 9 miles of hiking trails there is something for everyone. The park store has snacks and supplies if you forget anything.

Crocket Gardens

A little over 3 miles to the falls, runs along Lake Georgetown. It is a moderately easy hike along the cliffs overlooking the lake. Unfortunately, the falls collapsed during the winter storm of 22. It is still a beautiful hike, though.

Palmetto State Park

Just southeast of Luling you’ll think you’ve been transported to a tropical jungle. Named after the dwarf palmetto that grows throughout, this park has wonderful trails with a super cool boardwalk. The San Marcos River runs through it and there is a small lake where you can SUP or kayak. www.tpwd.texas.gov

Bastrop State Park

Just out my back door this is a wonderful park. It has over 7 miles of hiking trails and you can bike the park roads all the way to Buescher State Park. It is about 12 miles and very hilly, so definitely for the more advanced biker. www.tpwd.texas.gov

Brushy Creek Regional Trail

This 14 mile hike and bike trail in Cedar Park is a favorite of our for road biking. It has nice wide paths with a lot of paved areas that are great for bikes.

Government Canyon State Natural Area

This one is a little farther from Austin, in the San Antonio area. The map says it has over 40 miles of trail for hiking! We hikes a little over 10 miles through very rocky terrain to see the 110 million year old dinosaur tracks. If you’re lucky like I was you’ll see some seriously adorable wildlife. http://www.tpwd.texas.gov

Reimers Ranch Park

This lovely park runs along the Pedernales River. You can find people rock climbing and mountain biking. There are 18 miles of trails for hiking.

Mckinney Roughs Nature Park

18 miles of trails running along the Colorado River. You can hike or take horseback. They also have a zipline if you are a risk taker.

Mount Bonnell

While I don’t really call this a hiking trail because it is so short, it is a must see just for the views of Lake Austin and the 360 Bridge. Beware the steps leading up…

Pease Park

Pease Park runs along Shoal Creek and Lamar Blvd. It is a beautiful 84 acre park in the middle of downtown. Lots to do for the kids. They have a walking/biking trail, though not very long, we usually connect it to Lamar and head downtown to Zilker. What makes this park so cool is the epic treehouse hammock.

Bull Creek

This is a nice easy hike, a little under 4 miles. It’s really beautiful with lots of trees, rock walls, and some nice little water falls.

Purgatory Creek Greenspace

Located in San Marcos, this is a great area for hiking or mountain biking. Dante’s Trail to Paraiso is roughly seven miles long, but there are some smaller trails in the area that you can do to make your route shorter or longer. Once you get past the highway you’d never know you were in the city. Parking is limited. https://www.visitsanmarcos.com/things-to-do/outdoors-and-nature/purgatory-creek-natural-area/

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