The best places to hike in Austin

Hikes are great to take you away from it all for a while, and disappear up into the mountains. But sometimes, hikes can be right in the thick of it all, and that’s just as great. The Ann and Roy Butler hike and bike trail does exactly that, situated at Lady Bird Lake (the trail can also be called the Lady Bird Lake Trail, for this reason), you’ll pass some of the best spots in Austin during your hike, from the Auditorium Shores to Zilker Park. When you need a rest, simply take a seat somewhere and watch runners and paddle-boarders zoom by you.

Sure, taking the steep climb up Mount Bonnell to take a few selfies is one of the most touristy things you can do in Austin, but there is something to be said about vacationing in your own town. One of Austin's tried and true dating ideas (going back to the 1850s) is to pack a picnic (ahem, Tacodeli) in your backpack and slowly make your way up the 102 steps until you reach the full 775 feet. Once you’ve made it, give your sweetie a kiss under the limestone pavilion. They’ve earned it.

Don’t be surprised if you feel a little underdressed when you arrive at the mouth of the trailhead: The historic cottage and wandering peacocks make Mayfield a popular wedding destination. But walk past the frequent parties, and there are 24 acres to explore, including a path that takes you down to a dock overlooking Lake Austin and several small lily ponds filled with turtles. Be warned that this hike isn’t going to build up your quads. But if you are looking to unwind after a stressful week, it can’t be beaten.

Like Adele or Drake, the Barton Creek Greenbelt is famous enough that locals only refer to it by one name, the Greenbelt. The long stretch with seven access points has a little bit of everything. Challenging half-mile elevations like the Hill of Life? You'll find it here. Limestone climbing walls like Urban Assault? Greenbelt has that, too. Plus, there are swimming holes like Sculpture Falls and Campbell’s Hole, access for mountain bikers, and a friendly culture where everybody stops to say “hello” as they pass.

This one-mile (give or take) loop has the occasional view of downtown or St. Edward’s University, but it’s still easy to forget that you're in the middle of the city. Rugged trails lead you through canopied thickets of trees, rocky terrain, and a few creek crossings. Attracting fewer visitors than some of the other city routes, Blunn Creek is perfect for quiet introspection. If you go during the summer, take a dip in the nearby Big Stacy Pool after you’ve worked up a good sweat.

Those with young ’uns in their crew will appreciate the easy accessibility of most of the 2.5 trail miles near the Capitol of Texas Highway. Start your day at the welcome center, where the St. Edward’s University staff has put together educational attractions like a microscope station and a bird-watching station. From there, grab a map and make your way past a waterfall at Bee Creek to a scenic overlook, looking out for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler along the way.

Want to switch up your exercise routine? Skip leg day and head to River Place—one of the most challenging hikes in Austin. Each of the three trails making up the system has something to offer. Commune with nature on the Fern Trail, which runs by a series of waterfalls. A challenging set of steps makes up the Canyon Trail, leading you past several interesting rock formations and a few scattered benches where you can huff and puff. Panther Hollow is the longest stretch, with demanding elevations in the upper part and a less strenuous journey through the lower—providing a much better workout cool down than any gym.

Sometimes the best part of hiking is getting lost. It’s easy to miss the trail markers at Mary Moore Searight Park, but that just leads to new discoveries. All the usual park accommodations (basketball courts, a disc golf course, and a playground) are there, but you’ll want to explore the juniper and oak woodlands, which are just far enough away from the weekend crowds. We like to make our way to the creek, where hanging Spanish moss makes us feel like we are in a Southern gothic novel.

Every local knows it for its swimming hole, but the only state park in Austin’s borders is also a hiker's dream. The three-trail system lets you choose your own adventure. History buffs will enjoy the Homestead Trail, which takes you to the ruins of namesake Thomas McKinney’s stone house and gristmill. Families with very young children should opt for the stroller-friendly Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail, while introverts can travel along the less-popular Rock Shelter Trail, shaded by limestone cliffs.

The only off-leash area in Emma Long Metropolitan Park, the 2.5-mile Turkey Creek Trail zig-zags across the creek bed, providing plenty of opportunities for your fluffy best friend to frolic—and for you to get your feet wet. Once you reach the top of the bluff, the trees thin out, and a few wildflowers bloom. Just think how many likes you’ll get when you post a picture of Rover lying in bluebonnets.