For a big city, Austin is surprisingly walkable. Almost every street in town has a sidewalk, and you’ll see pedestrians and bicyclists enjoying the outdoors at all hours of the day. One of the best ways to explore Austin is on the Lady Bird Lake Trail, also known as the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. A 10-mile loop, the trail leads through the heart of downtown and around one of the most famous waterways in the Capital City.

Austin's Lady Bird Lake is an outdoor recreationist's dream, and this paved loop trail takes you all the way around it for an incredible adventure.
AllTrails/Corby Mcwilliams
The trail is 10 miles long, but relatively flat from start to finish, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll. You won't even notice how far you've walked because of how easy it is!
AllTrails/Jan Gacioch
As you can see, the path is very wide - around eight feet, to be exact. Combined with the gentle grade, this is a hike that people of all abilities can embark on.
AllTrails/Marisa Ridley
While some portions of the trail showcase the Austin skyline...
AllTrails/German Trejo
...others are surrounded by dense forestland, making you forget you're in a big city at all.
AllTrails/Julie Archila

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You'll cross footbridges...
AllTrails/German Trejo
...and hike through tree tunnels, with the waterfront just steps away at any given time.
AllTrails/German Trejo
Should you need to stop and take a break, there are plenty of benches scattered along the trail. These rest stops typically overlook the lake, so you can soak up the views while regaining your energy.
AllTrails/German Trejo
The lake is a very popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding, so you'll almost always see people enjoying the day on the water. If you'd like to join them, tons of rental shops are located within walking distance!
AllTrails/Emil Marx
Clean restrooms and water fountains are the icing on the cake, allowing you to stay out on the trail for as long as you'd like while remaining comfortable.
AllTrails/Barrett Powley

Have you ever hiked or biked on the Lady Bird Lake Trail? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience. Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn more about Zilker Park, an urban oasis that is accessible via the trail.

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Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, Austin, TX, USA