Where to Hike: Austin, Texas
Cover image via Leon Bovenkerk/Travis County Parks
COVID-19 has drastically changed the way we play and travel. If you’re anything like me, you might have found yourself very thankful over the last few months that hiking is an inherently socially distant pastime.
While I’m sure we will be able to travel again one day, in the meantime perhaps one of the best things we can do to help our economy is to ‘think globally and act locally’. And that includes travelling within our own county, state or country.
I’m pleased to be sharing my latest blog series to help you plan “Where to Hike” in the US. I’ve reached out to local tourism destinations, outfitters, accommodations and more to put these together (as well as used my own experience in some cases), so please consider clicking on the links and checking them out when you plan your next backpacking trip!
Austin, Texas – it might just be one of the most surprising cities in the U.S. Swimming in a sea of Texas, Austin is an island of adventure, hiking, and outdoor recreation.
People flock to Austin to experience vibrant nightlife, insanely good food (for the foodies out there check out Barley Swine), and the well established music scene (ever heard of the lil' old SXSW Festival?). It's become an entrepreneurial hub, a la Silicon Valley.
Image via Google Image search/Getty Images
But the city has another, perhaps, less-known-but-equally-alluring, aspect: outdoor recreation.
Austin boasts miles and miles of hiking, biking and running trails in the city limits, and nearby there are dozens of lakes and State Parks with even more options. The mighty Colorado River (the Texas one) winds its way through the heart of Austin, and it's not uncommon to see people in kayaks or on stand up paddle boards exploring the city in that way. With outdoor rec like that, it's no wonder Austin is commonly ranked one of the fittest cities in the U.S.
So let's get into some local favorites, shall we?
Where to Hike
If you're only in the city for a short visit, or don't have a way to explore far and wide – never fear. Austin has pretty much any type of outdoor activity you can think of, many of which fall within the city limits.
There are a number of walking, running and hiking trails within the city to choose from, and choosing may be the hardest part!
McKinney Roughs Nature Park
McKinney Roughs Nature Park is located within the Lost Pines Region, so-named because the pines are separated from their relatives (pine trees which are a true genetic match) in East Texas by about 150 miles. Theories of how the pines came to exist in this particular region of Central Texas vary, and it's a great place to head out for a hike.
Like many things in Austin, McKinney Roughs Nature Park is easily accessible. It's close to the airport, so if you're flying in and looking for a place to stretch your legs once you land, you're in luck!
Riverside Trail
Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks
Riverside Trail is the perfect hike for those seeking views of the Colorado River. This 3-mile loop trail starts off as an easy hike on a gravel path before descending into a steep, pebbly slope until you reach the river’s edge. It remains flat along the river’s edge before turning away toward the hilly slope.
After the initial uphill trek the trail splits again. One direction leads you into a heavily shaded, wooded meadow while the other climbs higher up the hill with small and steep switchbacks. You will want to take the left route up the hill.
Shortly after the hilly climb, there is a cedar wood trailhead labeled “Bluff Trail”. This portion of the Bluff Trail Loop is a steady uphill climb that offers excellent views of the Colorado River valley. The hilly climb levels off at the Ridge Trail split. The Ridge Trail winds through a Post Oak savannah ecosystem and gives ample opportunity to see birds and other wildlife.
Pine Canyon Loop
This short trail (about half a mile) is a little-known gem in the park. It starts as an easy hike before descending into an old quarry pit filled with tall pine trees and an ethereal pond. Keep in mind that the steep descent into the quarry can be challenging. Take your time getting down into, and out of, the pine-filled oasis. Enjoy an easy trek around the pond before ascending up the steep slope once again.
How to Get There:
Park at the visitors center’s parking lot, check in to pay day use fees and grab a map to start your hike at the Riverside trailhead located behind the learning center.
Address: 1884 State Hwy 71 West, Cedar Creek, Texas 78612.
McKinney Falls State Park
Photo via Google Image Search/Visit Austin
The only state park that falls within Austin's borders is McKinney Falls State Park. Austinites will be familiar with the park's popular swimming hole, and if you're looking for a hike, this is a good bet.
There's three trails to choose from (Homestead Trail, Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail, and Rock Shelter Trail), totaling about 9 miles of trail. You'll need to pick up a park pass upon entering (around $6) and reservations may be required due to COVID-19.
How to Get There:
McKinney Falls State Park is only 13 miles south of Austin.
Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX 78744
The Hike and Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake
Photo via Google Image Search/Austin Monthly Magazine
This 10-mile loop trail is a favorite among Austinites and tourists alike, as there's a number of access points sprinkled around the city allowing you to take a detour to see the sites if you like. The trail winds through downtown and around the lake, offering views of the Austin waterfront and skyline.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Photo: Leon Bovenkerk/Travis County Parks
If you want to get away from the City of Austin, take a little road trip to Hamilton Pool Preserve. It's about a 45 minute drive from the city centre, so you'll need wheels to get there.
Located 3/4 mile upstream from its confluence with the Pedernales River, Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50-foot waterfall as it plunges into the head of a steep box canyon and makes for a hell of a swimming hole!
The hiking trail to the pool is a quarter of a mile long. It is steep, narrow, and rugged with uneven steps. Sturdy shoes are recommended. It takes approximately 30 minutes to hike from the parking lot to the pool and back.
How to Get There:
Hamilton Pool Preserve is about 30-miles from Austin proper.
Address: 24300 Hamilton Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Due to COVID-19, reservations are required to access the pool, and it costs around $12/car to get in.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Photo via Google Image Search/Community Impact Newspaper
In south Austin, you'll find the Barton Creek Greenbelt, home to several options for outdoor recreation. The Greenbelt boasts a multitude of hiking and biking trails (including some singletrack!), swimming holes, rock climbing and more.
How to Get There:
For the easiest access to the Greenbelt from downtown Austin, head to Zilker Park (accessible from the aforementioned Lady Bird Lake trail). From here, you'll be able to access the Violet Crown Trail.
Due to COVID-19, passes are required when recreating on the Greenbelt.
Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls
Also along the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls are not to be missed while hiking in Austin. This area is also popular with rock climbers and mountain bikers.
How to Get There:
You can either park at the trailhead for Barton Creek Greenbelt, or continue your hike from Zilker Park to reach these falls.
Rock Climbing
Image via Google Search/Jacob Bodkin
I kid you not, there is rock climbing within the city limits. The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a favorite among climbers and bouldering enthusiasts. You'll find all levels of climbing here. While some routes require gear, most are sport routes ranging from 20 to 70 feet.
If you want more traditional sport climbing, head to nearby Reimer's Ranch which boasts over 300 climbs ranging in difficulty from 5.4 to 5.14.
Camping
Yes, you read that right. You can camp within the city limits in Austin.
And no, we're not talking about pitching your tent at the corner of East 6th and Red River Street. Rather, Emma Long Metropolitan Park is located on the shores of Lake Austin, and while you're technically in the city, you certainly won't feel like that's the case.
Because of COVID-19, there's currently more limits on the number of people that can camp, so it's best to check with the city and book ahead of when you plan to be there.
How to Get There:
Address: 1600 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730
Mountain Biking
Violet Crown Trail & Barton Creek Greenbelt
Yep, there's even mountain biking accessible within Austin proper. The Violet Crown Trail (VCT) is a network of trails that traverses urban and rural settings, (the ultimate goal is for the VCT to connect over 30-miles of trail).
The trails are a mix of singletrack and walking paths, and it's a great way to stretch your legs and explore the city.
How to Get There:
The VCT follows the Barton Creek Greenbelt, and you can access the trails from Zilker Park.
Know Before You Go
COVID Considerations
Face coverings are required in Austin when indoors, or when maintaining a safe distance of 6-feet isn't possible. It may be wise to bring your mask while hiking in the city limits, as many of these trails are popular.
Note that many of the City-managed recreation areas are currently limiting numbers or may require a reservation to visit due to COVID-19. Check the website for the area you wish to visit to avoid disappointment.
Learn more about what the City is doing to help curb COVID-19 here.
Hazards
Many of the trails listed above are in an urban setting, so you'll encounter people walking, running or biking on many of these trails. Be courteous to other trail users and be sure to keep a safe distance!
There are venomous snakes in Texas. Make sure you do your research before you go, and take note of any signage that might be posted at trailheads.