Top 20 hikes near Austin, Texas

Known for its great food and diverse music scene, Austin is a great city for all kinds of adventures. Adventure isn't only found in the city though. There are many incredible outdoor spaces that offer everything from hiking and biking to swimming and canoeing. When you need a break to decompress outdoors, head out to these trails and witness the beautiful natural spaces this city has to offer.  

1. Hike Barton Greenbelt Trail Via Barton Creek Plaza

Photo by: Erin Newman-Mitchell

Distance: 6.6 miles
Elevation: 380 ft
Type: Out-and-Back

This popular hiking trail follows along a creek and passes a couple of waterfalls. During peak rain season when the creek is full, search for swimming holes for a chance to take a break, cool off, and enjoy the stunning views surrounding you. This trail is mostly shaded and fairly flat making it a great escape from the city for every age.

2. Hike the Riverplace Nature Trail

Photo by: Erin Newman-Mitchell

Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation: 820 ft
Type: Out-and-Back

Located near downtown Austin this is a great option for anyone who wants to get on the trail without driving too far away. As you wind up the stairs, take in the beauty of bright green ferns, small pools of water, and sunlight glinting through the tree canopy.

3. Hike Onion Creek And Homestead Trail Loop

Photo by: Erin Newman-Mitchell

Distance: 6.5 miles
Elevation: 387 ft
Type: Loop

Head into McKinney Falls State Park and enjoy the majestic beauty of nature, wildlife, and waterfalls this hike has to offer. Take a refreshing swim in the two waterfalls and enjoy the beauty of brightly colored wildflowers dotting the fields throughout your hike.

4. Hike along Lady Bird Hike & Bike Trail

Photo by: Erin Newman-Mitchell

Distance: 10 miles
Elevation: 216 ft
Type: Loop

Located in the heart of the city, this urban hike offers stunning sights of the city skyline and takes you around Lady Bird Lake. Take your time and relax on this easy hike for all ages. During your hike, stop on the boardwalk for a break to appreciate the beauty of the river or catch the sunrise or sunset from the James Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge.

5. Hike the Wolf Mountain Trail

Photo by: Erin Newman-Mitchell

Distance: 7.4 miles
Elevation: 416 ft
Type: Loop

Take a short drive out of the city to Pedernales Falls State Park for this stunning hike. Listen to the bubbling of the creek and take in the scenic views along your way.

6. Hike Turkey Creek Trail

Photo by: Erin Newman-Mitchell

Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation: 170 ft
Type: Out-and-Back

Be prepared for crowds, especially on the weekends, on this popular Austin hike. Surround yourself in vibrant colors with tall, wiry trees, lush fauna, and stunning wildflowers. Enjoy the gentle flowing stream and keep an eye out for wildlife along your way.

7. Bull Creek South to North

Photo by: Erin Newman-Mitchell

Distance: 3.67 miles
Elevation: 335 ft
Type: Out-and-Back

This hike follows along Bull Creek and winds through Austin Hill Country. This hike is popular for its swimming areas along the numerous waterfalls and allows you to take in the beauty of stunning cascades and rolling green hills.

8. St. Edwards Green and Red Loop

Photo by: Erin Newman-Mitchell

Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation: 328 ft
Type: Loop

This heavily trafficked hike is great for viewing a variety of wildlife, including multiple bird species. Enjoy watching the flow of Bull Creek and field dotted with wildflowers along your way. Enjoy taking a dive into the creek from the rope swing along your way.

9. Hike the Walnut Creek Trail

Photo by:  Sarah Connelly
Distance: 4.4 miles
Elevation: 190 ft
Type: Loop

Bring along your pups and let them hop in the creek while you take a break to sunbathe on this low-trafficked hike. Escape the city into desert terrain. Walk along a dusty dirt trail, and enjoy the scenery of cacti, a creek, and thick green bushes.

10. Hike Mary Moore Searight Park Trail

Photo by: Erin Newman-Mitchell

Distance: 2.1 miles
Elevation: 65 ft
Type: Loop

This fairly flat trail is well maintained and filled with crushed gravel making it a great option for a more relaxed, accessible, and easier hike. Enjoy looking out on vast fields dotted with wildflowers and keep an eye out for wildlife sightings.

11. Hike to Enchanted Rock

Photo by: Nick Tort

Distance: 5.13 miles
Elevation: 344 ft
Type: Loop

This dog-friendly and fairly easy trail is a great getaway for the whole family. Hit the trail for a stunning 360-degree view of the Texas Hill Country. On your way to the summit pass through boulder fields, sparse tree patches, lichen, and a plethora of desert vegetation.

12. Hike to Gorman Falls

Photo by: Korey Taylor

Distance: 3.23 miles
Elevation: 427 ft
Type: Out-and-Back

Head into Colorado Bend State Park to visit a stunning attraction. Cascading down at 65 feet Gorman Falls will leave you in awe. This cascade has the unique trait of growing larger over time due to high concentrations of carbon dioxide in the water making it a “living” waterfall. As you hike, you will find yourself surrounded by cacti in this arid, desert hike. At the falls the landscape changes into a gorgeous array of bright greens from the surrounding moss, ferns, and trees.

13. Hike to Spicewood Springs via Spicewood Canyon Trail

Photo by: Korey Taylor

Distance: 3.81 miles
Elevation: 367 ft
Type: Loop

Trek through a stunning canyon where you will see diverse vegetation including trees, cacti, and tall grasses. At the end of your hike take a well-deserved and refreshing dip in the 8-foot spring-fed swimming hole.

14. Hike up Mount Bonnell

Photo by: Grant

Distance: 0.46 miles
Elevation: 59 ft
Type: Loop

Made from a combination of manmade and natural stairs, this hike is just a short climb up to the top where you will be greeted with gorgeous sights of the city and surrounding forest. As one of the highest points in Austin, the views of the city don’t get much better than from the summit of Mount Bonnell. Pack a lunch or a snack and take a relaxing break under the pavilion at the top while appreciating the sights.

15. Hamilton Pool Loop

Photo by: Sarah Williams

Distance: 0.6 miles
Elevation: 400 ft
Type: Loop

Take a short and easy hike to this stunning natural pool surrounded by a wondrous cliff overhang. Whether you want to relax on the small beach beside the pool, take a refreshing dive in the emerald water, or marvel as water rains down into the pool from the overhanging, you are sure to enjoy this beautiful hike.

16. Hike Hamilton Greenbelt

Photo by: Erin Newman-Mitchell

Distance: 5.1 miles
Elevation: 374 ft
Type: Out-and-Back

Head into Lakeway for a calm and reflective hike along this well-maintained neighborhood trail. Take a seat on the bench near the garden and waterfall and enjoy a peaceful moment to yourself. Walk though stunning scenery, listen to the babble of numerous streams, and appreciate an abundance of wildlife throughout the hike.

17. Pedernales Falls

Photo by: Korey Taylor

Distance: 0.6 miles
Elevation: 104 ft
Type: Loop

Enter Pedernales Falls State Park and witness the beauty of the waterfall as it topples over layered steps of limestone in the Pedernales River. Relax in the warmth of the sun, find a calm place along the river to take a dip, and enjoy the beauty of the river and surrounding vegetation along the way.

18. Hike the Great Hills Park Trail

Photo by: Erin Newman-Mitchell

Distance: 2.31 miles
Elevation: 127 ft
Type: Point-to-Point

Take a break from the hustle and bustle in the city and head to this North Austin neighborhood trail. Walk under a shaded canopy of trees next to a small creek and keep an eye out for wildlife. Take this hike in the early morning or during sunset for a chance to see bats as they come and go from the bat houses stationed throughout the trail.

19. Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail

Photo by: Erin Newman-Mitchell

Distance: 3.23 miles
Elevation: 141 ft
Type: Out-and-Back

Take a trek on this popular hiking trail as it winds through the rolling hills following Barton Creek and features two waterfalls. Both waterfalls are popular swimming destinations so come prepared to take a refreshing dive.

20. Hill of Life via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail

Photo by: Erin Newman-Mitchell

Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation: 328 ft
Type: Out-and-Back

Following along the creek, this shaded hike allows hikers to enjoy lush vegetation and a wonderful opportunity to cool down after their trek in the Hill of Life Dam. This hike is also a great connecting trail to Barton Springs and Lady Bird Lake for anyone feeling ambitious.

Cover photo by: Erin Newman-Mitchell