Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas in Austin, Texas, United States
1. Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail
A popular 10-mile loop trail along the Colorado River offering scenic views and diverse wildlife.
- Scenic Beauty: Beautiful landscapes, including city skyline and vibrant sunsets.
- Accessibility: Multiple access points around the lake for easy entry and exit.
- Activities: Includes jogging, cycling, rollerblading, and dog walking.
2. Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
10-mile trail running along Lady Bird Lake with various points of interest like Auditorium Shores and the Barton Springs Pool.
- Points of Interest: Numerous attractions dot the trail, providing diverse experiences.
- Recreational Opportunities: Offers picnic areas, volleyball courts, and fishing piers.
- Connectivity: Connected to downtown Austin via the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail Bridge.
3. Shoal Creek Trail
A shaded 2.5-mile trail meandering through downtown Austin with unique access to local eateries and businesses.
- Urban Setting: Offers a unique urban experience within the heart of Austin.
- Dining Opportunities: Provides easy access to popular restaurants and cafes.
- Educational Landmarks: Passes by The University of Texas at Austin campus, Texas State Capitol, and Texas Governor's Mansion.
4. Violet Crown Trail
A developing 30-mile trail system connecting Lady Bird Lake to the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave.
- Length: One of the longest urban trails in Texas when complete.
- Natural Scenery: Features natural landscapes, including rolling hills and beautiful wildflowers.
- Connectivity: Linking various neighborhoods, parks, and attractions along its route.
5. Barton Creek Greenbelt
A 7.8-mile system of hiking trails in the hills surrounding Barton Creek, providing various entry points for exploration.
- Natural Setting: Features rugged terrain and secluded swimming holes.
- Accessibility: Offers multiple trailheads for easy access from different neighborhoods.
- Wildlife Encounters: Provides opportunities to observe local wildlife, including armadillos and wild turkeys.
6. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
A botanical garden dedicated to the conservation of native Texas plants and promoting sustainable landscaping.
- Education: Offers workshops, tours, and exhibits on native plants and sustainability.
- Wildlife Preservation: Supports pollinators and other wildlife through its native plant conservation efforts.
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful gardens showcasing Texas' diverse flora.
7. Zilker Park
A large urban park in the heart of Austin with various recreational activities and attractions.
- Diversity: Hosts events like Austin City Limits Music Festival, Kite Festival, and Trail of Lights.
- Recreational Opportunities: Includes Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, and a dog park.
- Natural Scenery: Features beautiful hill country views and lush vegetation.
8. Mueller Lake Park
A 31-acre park featuring a 9-acre lake, playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities for families.
- Natural Scenery: Features a serene lake and mature trees providing shade.
- Connectivity: Connected to the wider Mueller development, offering shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
9. Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
A large park featuring a variety of recreational activities, including hiking trails, disc golf courses, and sports fields.
- Recreational Opportunities: Includes hiking trails, disc golf courses, and sports facilities.
- Natural Scenery: Offers beautiful hill country views and natural landscapes.
- Connectivity: Connected to the wider Walnut Creek district, offering shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
10. Hike-and-Bike Trail at Brushy Creek
A 9.25-mile trail following Brushy Creek with various entry points and amenities along the way.
- Length: One of the longest hike-and-bike trails in northeast Austin.
- Natural Scenery: Features beautiful views of Brushy Creek and surrounding hill country.
- Connectivity: Connected to various neighborhoods, parks, and attractions along its route.
11. Veloway at Circuit of the Americas
A 3.4-mile paved track designed specifically for cyclists of all ages and skill levels.
- Safety: Provides a safe, traffic-free environment for cycling.
- Diversity: Accommodates cyclists of all ages and skill levels.
- Connectivity: Located near the Circuit of the Americas, providing additional entertainment options.
12. Windy Hill Natural Area
A hiking trail featuring beautiful hill country vistas and wildflower fields.
- Natural Scenery: Offers stunning views of the Texas Hill Country.
- Wildlife Encounters: Provides opportunities to observe local wildlife, including armadillos and coyotes.
- Connectivity: Connected to other trails in the hill country via the Violet Crown Trail.
13. Pedernales Falls State Park
A state park featuring hiking trails, swimming holes, and scenic overlooks along the Pedernales River.
- Natural Scenery: Offers beautiful views of the Texas Hill Country and Pedernales River.
- Recreational Opportunities: Includes hiking trails, swimming holes, and picnic areas.
- Connectivity: Located near other Hill Country attractions like Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Longhorn Cavern State Park.
14. Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center
A wildlife sanctuary featuring native Texas plants and animals within a beautiful garden setting.
- Education: Offers educational programs, tours, and exhibits on native plants and wildlife.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation of native Texas wildlife through habitat restoration projects.
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful gardens showcasing Texas' diverse flora and fauna.
15. Dry Creek Trail
A 3-mile trail running from Slaughter Creek Park to the Zilker Botanical Garden.
- Urban Setting: Offers a unique urban experience within Austin.
- Connectivity: Connected to Zilker Botanical Garden and Slaughter Creek Park.
- Diversity: Passes through various neighborhoods, parks, and attractions along its route.