Bike & Running Trails in Austin

Austin abounds with biking and jogging trails, which helped its success in winning a ranking as America’s 10^th fittest city by the Huffington Post last year and 7^th best city for runners by Forbes.com. Trails include nature-enclosed areas and urban paths that cut through the city’s downtown attractions. Below is a list of some of best hike and bike trails in the city:

Barton Creek Greenbelt

Located at 3753 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., the Barton Creek Greenbelt is Austin’s largest green space. Beginning at Zilker Park, the trail leads southwest through 7.25 miles of dense foliage.

Brushy Creek Trail

The Brushy Creek Trail is a gravel-paved trail located in the Avery Ranch area. Running parallel to Brushy Creek and offering 2.5 miles one-way, Brushy Creek Trail has biking, running, and walking paths where pets are welcome.

Bull Creek Park and Greenbelt

This trail is located at 6701 Lakewood Dr., and features a 3.5 mile hike and bike trail.

Emma Long Metropolitan Park

This trail is located at 1600 City Park Rd., and has an oak lined trail dotted by creeks. Dogs are allowed to be off leash on the trail, and it provides a close-to-home option for Austinites living near the luxury waterfront homes of Lake Travis.

Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail

This trail offers a multitude of starting points and distance options for runners of all abilities. A 3.2-mile loop from the South First Bridge down to the MoPac Bridge provides an easy run or ride, alongside seven and 10 miles loops for more challenging training days.

The Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park

This trail is located at 907 Slaughter Ln., and also provides access to horseback riders, disc golfers, and playground equipment.

Rosewood Park

The Rosewood Park trail is located at 2300 Rosewood Ave., and features an historical landmark recognized by the Texas Historical Commission: the Henry G. Madison cabin, which was built around 1863.

Shoal Creek Hike and Bike Trail

The Shoal Creek Hike and Bike Trail offers a 3-mile straight trail in central Austin. Runners or cyclists can park at the trailhead at 2600 N. Lamar Blvd. or pick up the trail from Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail between Caesar Chavez and Lamar Blvd., linking it directly to neighborhoods around Lake Austin.

St. Edwards Park

This trail is located at 7301 Spicewood Springs Rd. The terrain is hillier and more challenging than most trails in Austin, paralleling Bull Creek and offering great views to joggers and hikers able to climb the steeper ascents.

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

(Picture above) This park is located at 12138 N. Lamar Blvd. at Lamar and Parmer Lane. The trail offers a multitude of hilly, meandering paths that are very popular with mountain bikers.

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