In addition to Austin’s booming live music scene, the capital city is home to some peacefully beautiful hiking trails. With so much bountiful nature surrounding the city, it can be difficult to decide where to start. So we put together the following list of what we consider to be the very best hikes in Austin, Texas. If there are only five hikes you ever do in Austin, make them these!

1. The Homestead Trail at McKinney Falls
McKinney Falls Parkway, McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX, USA
mlhradio/Flickr
McKinney Falls State Park glistens with natural beauty, and there's no better way to experience it than by hiking the Homestead Trail. This 3.1-mile loop will take you past the historic home of Thomas F. McKinney, as well as a rushing waterfall. This dog-friendly trail is perfect for moderate hikers. To learn more about The McKinney Homestead Trail, be sure to read our feature article.
2. River Place Nature Trail
River Place Nature Trail, 8820 Big View Dr, Austin, TX 78730, USA
Rain Fit/Facebook
This rigorous hike is worth the sweat. At River Place Nature Trail, you'll walk amongst rippling creeks, shady trees, and lush vegetation. To learn more about The River Place Nature Trail, including its many hidden features, check out this article.

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3. Turkey Creek Trail
Turkey Creek Trail, 1401-1711 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730, USA
welltravelledok/TripAdvisor
Head over to Emma Long Park at 1600 City Park Road and embark on one of the best hikes in the city. Turkey Creek Trail is a quick-and-easy 2.5-mile hike that's sure to reinvigorate your spirit. You can learn more about Turkey Creek Trail in this feature article.
4. The Barton Creek Greenbelt
Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Lars Plougmann/Flickr
The Barton Creek Greenbelt has more than 13 miles of trails, so you can hike for as little or as long as you want! The Greenbelt is a perennial Austin favorite thanks to its blissful surroundings and walkable trails. There are several entrances, but you will find the trailhead for this hike located at 2201 Barton Springs Road. Definitely plan to visit the Barton Creek Greenbelt sometime soon!
5. The Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, 805 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Vicki Lackey/Flickr
Amongst the roaring traffic from N Capital of Texas Highway sits a peaceful and pristine natural oasis that'll melt away your worries. The Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve's one-mile hike is the perfect pick-me-up. Head over to 805 N Capital of Texas Highway and see for yourself. To learn more about The Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, be sure to check out this article.

What’s your favorite hike in our little corner of the Lone Star State? What would be your picks for the best hikes in Austin? Sound off in the comments below!

Looking for some short-and-sweet waterfall hikes in Austin? Here are some of our top waterfall-chaser-approved adventures!

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Best hikes in Austin

Sarah M. | March 20, 2022

Are there any waterfall hikes in Austin?

Austin is a wonderful place for hiking, and the diversity of our trails is something truly marvelous. We're quite partial to the waterfall trails, however, as our region is home to some truly spectacular and wondrous falls! Some of our favorite waterfall hikes are at McKinney Falls State Park, a place that's home to gorgeous trails, wondrous waterfalls, and fascinating history. Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is another stunning spot for waterfall chasing in Austin -- this park truly is a real-life oasis hiding right in plain sight! At this preserve, the Laurel, Yaupon, Possom, and Arroyo Vista Loop is our top trek; this short-and-sweet trail is only about 1.8 miles and it's packed with unimaginable beauty!

What are some scenic places to explore in Austin?

How does an escape to an honest-to-goodness Neverland sound? Because this is what you'll find at Hamilton Pool. One of the most beautiful places in Texas (and the country), Hamilton Pool features a cerulean blue pool located beneath an expansive limestone grotto. A 50-foot waterfall flows into the pool, making for a completely enchanting experience. This place of pure fantasy formed thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to erosion. Today, it's a popular place for waterfall chasers -- and those simply looking for a beautiful beach experience right here in Austin, Texas!

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