12 Best Hikes in Austin 2026

The List

1. Barton Creek Greenbelt — Sculpture Falls

3.2 miles out-and-back. Easy-moderate. The classic Austin hike. Follow Barton Creek through limestone canyon to Sculpture Falls — a series of cascading pools perfect for swimming. Go early on weekends. Parking at Barton Hills Dr trailhead.

2. Mount Bonnell

0.3 miles (102 stone steps). Easy but steep. The highest point in Austin city limits. 785 feet. Panoramic views of Lake Austin, the Hill Country, and the city skyline. Sunset is mandatory. Bring someone you like.

3. Turkey Creek Trail

2.8 miles loop. Easy. Emma Long Metropolitan Park. Shaded creek-side trail, limestone formations, wading pools. Less crowded than the Greenbelt. The hidden gem.

4. Walnut Creek Trail

7+ miles of trails. Easy-moderate. North Austin's trail system. Mountain bikers and runners share the path. Well-maintained, good signage, connected loops let you choose your distance.

5. Bull Creek Greenbelt

2 miles out-and-back. Easy. Swimming holes, small waterfalls, and a dog-friendly creek. The Upper Falls area is the destination. One of the best spots to cool off after a hike.

6. River Place Nature Trail

4.5 miles out-and-back. Moderate-hard. The hardest hike in Austin. 800+ feet of elevation gain. Rocky, steep, and technical. The waterfall at the end is the reward. Not for beginners.

7. Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

2.5 miles loop. Easy-moderate. 227 acres of Hill Country. Guided nature walks, waterfall overlook, bee caves. $3 entry. Educational and beautiful.

8. McKinney Falls State Park

3+ miles of trails. Easy. Upper and lower falls, onion creek, rock shelters. State park inside city limits. $6 entry. The pools below the falls are swimmable.

9. St. Edwards Park

2 miles. Easy-moderate. Hidden North Austin gem along Bull Creek. Old limestone swimming holes, steep descent to the creek. Less crowded than almost anywhere.

10. Commons Ford Ranch

2.5 miles loop. Easy. Lake Austin waterfront trail. Old ranch land turned metropolitan park. Open meadows, lake views, wildlife. Peaceful and uncrowded.

11. Barton Creek Greenbelt — Twin Falls

1.5 miles out-and-back. Moderate. Two cascading waterfalls when flowing. The pool beneath is deep enough to swim. Rocky trail, water shoes recommended.

12. Pace Bend Park

Various trails. Easy-moderate. Lake Travis peninsula. Cliff jumping (at your own risk), swimming, camping. The dramatic limestone cliffs over turquoise water are unlike anything else in Austin. $10 entry.