I’ve been asked a few times about the best hiking spots around Austin. This list is not exhaustive but features some of my favorite places.

Outside of Austin 

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Located around 40 miles outside the city, Balcones Canyonlands offers three key hiking areas: the Warbler Vista Unit, Doeskin Ranch and the Shin Oak Observation Deck. At Warbler Vista, hikers can check out endangered Golden-cheeked Warblers and other birds as they hike through limestone terraces.

Hamilton Pool Preserve

Since 2017, visitors will need to make a reservation to get in. However, it is definitely worth the trip out to see this natural pool. Visitors can hike through a rocky path under the overhang and swim beneath the falls.

Cedar Breaks Park, Georgetown

A park located around Lake Georgetown, Cedar Breaks offers camping, hiking and a variety of water activities. The views over the lake are great for an afternoon hike.

State Parks

Colorado Bend State Park

One of my favorites, Colorado Bend has caving, hiking, swimming and, of course, Gorman Falls, which is characterized as a “living waterfall” that is still growing. Although you can’t climb on the falls due to the sensitive nature of its habitat, it’s definitely worth a day or overnight camping trip.

Inks Lake State Park

Inks Lake is one of the best state parks I’ve been to for kayaking, paddleboarding and cliff jumping. To make it out to the best spots, including Devil’s Waterhole, it helps to rent a boat or canoe.

Longhorn Caverns State Park

The tours of this cave are both geologically and historically interesting. The cave has held everything from indigenous explorers, treasure-hiding bandits and illegal speakeasies, and Willie Nelson may throw a concert in one of its larger underground chambers. Sign up for the Wild Cave tour to explore the labyrinths of the only privately-owned state park in Texas.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area 

Enchanted Rock is the largest pink granite monadnock in the country, rising 1,825 feet above sea level. It is the source of numerous myths and legends as people have been camping in the area for 12,000 years. More than 400 archaeological sites have been found in the park. Visitors may climb to the top or hike on trails around the rock as well as take advantage of the cave system that goes through the rock itself. The caving is not difficult but can be lengthy and claustrophobic so make sure to bring a light source and be ready to do a little bouldering to get back to the top once you exit the cave.

Pedernales Falls State Park

Pedernales Falls State Park offers camping, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, geocaching, bird watching and horseback riding. On the river, people can swim, wade, tube, kayak, canoe or fish. Local wildlife and plants are featured at a bird blind and butterfly garden.

McKinney Falls State Park

I have a soft spot for this small park inside the Austin city limits because I partnered with them during my run as a Texas State Park Ambassador. The park boasts Lower and Upper falls where visitors may swim and fish. The Lower Falls even has a small cave at the back that you can swim into. The park has bouldering, overhanging limestone caves and is home to the oldest and tallest Bald Cypress tree in Texas. Old Baldy is over 100 feet tall and 600 years old.

Bastrop/ Buescher State Park

I love camping at these adjoining parks just outside Austin. Due to recent flooding and fires, the parks always need volunteers to help plant seeds and clear trails. Although you can still see the devastation from recent natural disasters, the parks are still exciting to explore. Visitors may kayak or canoe although swimming is not allowed in the lakes. However, Bastrop has a swimming pool for hotter months.

Government Canyon State Natural Area

One of my favorite natural areas, Government Canyon just made headlines when they discovered dinosaur tracks in the park. The area has more than 40 miles of hiking and biking trails that range from remote rugged canyon lands to rolling grasslands. I especially liked visiting groves with hanging Spanish moss.

Mother Neff State Park

A cute, hidden gem, Mother Neff is on the way from Austin to Waco. It has a cave, trails and camping, along with historical CCC architecture including a lookout/ water tower.

Around town

Barton Creek Greenbelt

For most beginning hikers in Austin, the Greenbelt is essential. With access points throughout the city, these connecting urban parks are great for hiking, swimming or exploring.

Access points include Trail Head at 2201 Barton Springs Road; Spyglass at 1601 Spyglass Drive; Barton Hills at 2010 Homedale Drive, Gus Fruh at 2642 Barton Hills Drive, Loop 360 at 3755-B Capital of Texas Hwy (Loop 360); Gaines/ Twin Falls at 3918 S. Mopac Expy; and Trails End at 1710 Camp Craft Road.

Notable sights include the Hill of Life and Sculpture Falls.

St. Edward’s Park Creek Trail

St. Ed’s is a smaller, but fun trail along Bull Creek. It has great views and geocaching treasures. It even has a small waterfall and several water crossings.

Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail

Another vital trail for Austinites, this path winds around Town (Lady Bird) Lake in the middle of the city. It boasts areas like the Trail of Tejano Music Legends which passes by the Mexican American Cultural Center. People can rent paddleboards or kayaks, see the Mexican free-tailed bat flight at dusk, visit sites like Deep Eddy Pool or Zilker Park and explore 10 miles of urban pathways.

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

I visited Walnut Creek a lot when I lived in North Austin. It’s in a great location, has water access, a pool and playground. It also connects to the Walnut Creek Greenbelt and Balcones District Park is nearby.

Bull Creek District Park

One of my favorite places for swimming, Bull Creek usually has water access for families and visitors.

Covert Park at Mount Bonnell 

Another “I just moved to Austin” activity, the views from Mount Bonnell still impress even after living here for years. This is also near Mayfield Park where you can see peacocks and other wildlife.

Dick Nichols Park

One of my favorite South Austin parks, Dick Nichols is good for a casual walk or run. It’s a family-friendly park with plenty of activities for kids and adults alike.

Balcones District Park 

Near Walnut Creek Metro Park, this small, neighborhood park still has interesting topography, wooded trails and limestone formations.

Places to visit 

A list of places I haven’t been but are on my radar. My friend Susan highly recommends River Place Nature Trail and the Turkey Trail, and Reimer’s Ranch is great if you’re into rock climbing.

• Reimer’s Ranch (great for rock climbing)
• Pace Bend Park (good cliff-jumping/ camping)
• River Place Nature Trail (a more strenuous trail in the city) 
• Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve (sign up to go caving near Hamilton Pool)
• Old Tunnel State Park (near where you can see millions of Mexican free-tailed bats)
• Lockhart State Park
• Lake Somerville State Park
• Lyndon B. Johnson State Park (they have a living history farm and domesticated bison and longhorns) 
• Turkey Trail near Emma Long Metropolitan Park