You don’t always have to drive out into the middle of nowhere to get in a good hike — sometimes the most scenic trails are hiding right under our noses! River Place Nature Trail in Austin is once such place, with a boardwalk, waterfall, oak trees, and winding staircases that make you feel like you’ve entered a fairytale.

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Located in Austin's River Place Limited District neighborhood, this 5.5-mile out-and-back trail offers a much-needed escape from hectic city life. With a boardwalk, waterfall, sprawling oak trees, and winding staircases, it's truly like something out of a fairytale.
AllTrails/Louis Verde
Running parallel to Panther-Hollow Creek, the trail features waterfront views for much of its duration. A footbridge looks out over the quiet scene, showcasing a rhythmic, slow-moving current and an elegant fountain.
AllTrails/Kendra Kendzior
You'll ascend more than 2,000 steps before the hike is all said and done, so bring plenty of water! The spiral staircases definitely present a challenge, but their storybook whimsy more than makes up for it.
AllTrails/John Lutes

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Hauntingly beautiful oak trees line the pathway, their huge branches like arms stretching out every which way. On windy days, the leaves gently rustle to and fro — try closing your eyes and letting the tranquil noise overtake your senses.
AllTrails/Ruben Villanueva
Perhaps the most photographed scene on the trail is the Serenity Pool. True to its name, the hidden alcove evokes a deep sense of peace with lush greenery, pristine water, and the meditative sound of a gently cascading falls.
AllTrails/Robert Merrill
All that climbing pays off eventually, as the hike culminates in a scenic overlook sure to take your breath away. Panoramic vistas extend for miles in all directions, with the silhouettes of distant hills towering majestically on the horizon.
AllTrails/Tomas Martinez
No matter how many times you've visited, the Texas Hill Country never loses its magic. Equal parts wooded and rocky, the diverse landscape is constantly presenting us with new hidden gems to explore.
AllTrails/Brian Winans

Visit the AllTrails page to learn more. Have you ever hiked River Place Nature Trail? If so, what’s your favorite part of the hike? Let us know, and check out our previous article for another epic hike in the Hill Country: Take An Easy Out-And-Back Trail To Enter Another World At Enchanted Rock In Texas.

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River Place Nature Trail, 8820 Big View Dr, Austin, TX 78730, USA