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The Best Hiking in Austin

Looking for the best hiking in Austin? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Austin. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top hiking spots in and near Austin

  • Austin, Texas

    Walk Through Austin State Capitol

    4.0
    3.4 mi / 101 ft gain
    The loop is primarily used for hiking and walking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This walking tour provides the visitor with many views of Texas History: the beautiful state capitol building, the capitol grounds filled with historic m...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike along Lady Bird Hike & Bike Trail

    10 mi
    The Hike and Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake provides great views of the city skyline from several different perspectives. It's perfect for exercising or just taking a stroll on. It's about a 10 mile looping trail however there are several points in which you can cross the river and make the loo...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Catch a Sunrise at the Look Out Point

    0.1 mi
    This look out point is less than a quarter mile hike and is located within the Rollingwood neighborhood, just west of Loop 1 (Mopac Expressway). It faces east and is a great location for catching sunrise. The trail to the overlook is crushed gravel, but is very flat. This overlook is kid- and dog...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike the Shoal Creek Trail

    5.47 mi / 173 ft gain
    The Shoal Creek trail is located along the Shoal Creek Greenbelt which stretches the length of central/downtown Austin. It is a 5.4 mile out-and-back trail following along Shoal Creek. Much of the trail runs through residential area. And though it runs parallel to a creek, itis a city trail and n...
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  • Barton Creek Greenbelt: Trail 11, Texas

    Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail via Spyglass Trailhead

    5.0
    3.03 mi / 128 ft gain
    Outside of the fantastic job market, one of the most magical things about Austin is how quickly you can go from city life to being immersed in nature. Nearly every day, I take a quick jaunt down to the Barton Creek Greenbelt with my trusty companion, Sage the Chocolate Lab. We live within walking...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Mueller Park Trail

    4.0
    2.6 mi / 78 ft gain
    The Mueller Park Trails total a distance of 5 miles with a 2.6 mile loop hike that takes you by some waterfalls located in Austin, TX. You can wander around Mueller Lake or the pond in Southwest Greenway, where man-made waterfalls can be viewed, or both! In addition to the waterfalls, the Southwe...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Swim at Gus Fruh

    4.0
    0.26 mi / 79 ft gain
    The trailheads are located in neighborhoods and parking isn't really too much of an issue. The shortest entrance is located off Barton Hills Dr. A quick google search and you will find it and the labeled trail. You walk down into the Barton Creek Green Belt and your spirits are uplifted. That cra...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Rock Climb at Gus Fruh

    0.5 mi / 50 ft gain
    NOTICE:For this activity it is necessary to have someone with lead climbing and belaying expertise. There is a wide range of difficulties on the routes. A guide that has climbed at this wall before is recommended. GETTING THERE:You can enter Gus Fruh from a couple of different points starting in ...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Laguna Gloria Trail

    0.4 mi / 9 ft gain
    The Laguna Gloria Trail is a 0.4 mile out-and-back hike beginning in Mayfield Park, a popular park located in west Austin. The trail is very short and relatively easy. The trail is made of dirt and is completely shaded. It's a very calming walk and beautiful walk, full of lush greens and dependin...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Main Trail to Meadow Loop to Taylor Creek Loop

    0.6 mi / 55 ft gain
    The Main Trail to Meadow Loop to Taylor Creek Loop is a 0.6 loop hike found within Mayfield Park just west of downtown Austin. The trail is completely shaded and is a relatively easy hike. The trail does descend down stairs in some spots, but nothing too significant. This is a great family trail ...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike the Mayfield Park Lake Trail

    3.0
    1 mi / 0 ft gain
    Mayfield Nature Preserve is a 21-acre park located just west of downtown Austin, Texas. This nature preserve is unique from all other parks in Austin in that it that features free-roaming peacocks. It's a beautiful park full of beautiful nature and the trail leads down near the lake. The trail is...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Barton Greenbelt Trail Via Barton Creek Plaza

    6.6 mi / 380 ft gain
    The Barton Greenbelt Trail via Barton Creek Plaza is a 6.6 mile out-and-back hike located within the Barton Creek Greenbelt. This trail follows along the creek and features a couple prominent waterfalls that also serve as popular swimming holes in the summer months. Depending on the rainfall for ...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike the Violet Crown Trail: 360 to 290 Trailhead

    1.8 mi / 239 ft gain
    The Violet Crown Trail: 360 Trailhead to 290 trail is a 1.8 mile point-to-point hike that stretches from Loop 360 to Highway 290. Only a portion of the trail follows alongside Barton Creek before heading south towards HWY 290 while the creek veers off to the west. Dogs are more than welcome as lo...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Mount Bonnell Loop

    3.6
    0.46 mi / 59 ft gain
    The trail up is a combination of manmade and natural stairs that take you up to the top. At the summit, you will find beautiful views of the area, and a pavilion where you can have a picnic lunch. To head back down by a different route, continue on the northern trail, which will take you past mo...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail

    3.0
    3.23 mi / 141 ft gain
    This hike is about 3.2 miles in total and is an out-and-back trail found within the Barton Creek Greenbelt stretch. The trail follows along the Barton Creek and is popularly known for the two major waterfalls it entails: Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, which are very popular swimming destinations...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Three Falls Hike

    7.35 mi / 600 ft gain
    The Three Falls Hike is a 7.35 mile out and back hike located in the Barton Creek Greenbelt in Austin, Texas. The hike is heavily trafficked. The trail takes you past three waterfalls, which during the summer time serve as extremely popular swimming holes. Please note that the flow of the waterf...
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