Everywhere you turn, there’s a covert nature trail or lush, shaded pathway to discover. If you’ve already completed the best short hikes in Austin, never fear! There are more gorgeous trails to add to your Austin outdoor bucket list. These trails are short, sweet, and full of stunning views. You’ll want to cross these easy hikes in Austin off your list as soon as possible.

1. St. Edward's Park Trail
St. Edward's Park, Parking lot, 7301 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759, USA
Scott Thoms/Flickr
At only 3.59 miles, the hiking trail at St. Edward's Park is the perfect length for a quick and easy walk through nature. Three scenic overlooks sit amongst this park, and there's a rippling spring running through the grounds.
2. Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve Trail
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, 805 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Khristina Mari Ancheta/Google Local
At the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, you'll spot rare birds, lush greenery, and expansive skies. Sweet deal!
3. Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell, Mt Bonnell, Austin, TX 78731, USA
mitsy mcgoo/Flickr
Nestled in the lush greenery of Covert Park on the west side of Austin, Mount Bonnell is the highest point in the Capital City. It towers at a whopping 785 feet! The trail at Mount Bonnell is more of a staircase than a hike, but the ending result is absolutely stunning. You could pack a picnic and stare at this landscape all day.

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4. Twin Falls Trail
Twin Falls, 3918 S MoPac Expy, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Glenn Bresnahan/Google Local
Once you arrive to the S. Mopac Greenbelt entrance, Twin Falls are only a half mile away. If you want to prolong your hike, continue another mile to Sculpture Falls. Both stops have refreshing water and shady trees. Read more about this waterfall trail in Texas before you go.
5. Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park
Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park, 907 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748, USA
Mary PK Burns/Flickr
One of our favorite Austin parks, this South Austin Metropolitan Park has about four miles of scenic hiking trails. For an all-day excursion, stick around the park and play volleyball, basketball, or disc golf.
6. Mayfield Park Trail
Mayfield Park, Austin, TX 78703, USA
Trey Perry/Flickr
Past the beautiful peacocks at Mayfield Park sits a woodsy trail full of wildlife. It's a real-life natural oasis, right here in Austin! This shaded, short hike is perfect for young children and adults.

What are your favorite easy hikes in Austin? What do you consider to be the best hikes in Austin? Did we miss any of your favorite trails? Tell us in the comments! For more scenic treks in Austin, Texas, check out these lovely spring hikes near Austin as soon as you get a moment.

If you’d like to amp up your hiking game to 11, you might want to consider a subscription to AllTrails+. You’ll wonder how you ever hiked without it!

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Easy Hikes in Austin

Sarah M. | April 18, 2022

What are the best hikes in Austin?

Some of the best hikes in Austin include:

  • Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
  • Mount Bonnell
  • Mayfield Nature Preserve
  • Barton Creek Greenbelt

 

Austin is a veritable Renaissance Man. 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 this list of what we consider to be the very best hikes in Austin, Texas. Of those on the list, our very favorite might just be this hike in McKinney Falls State Park. This Texas State Park positively 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, too!

Another amazing place to hike in Austin is the Barton Creek Greenbelt. This little slice of paradise 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!

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