Nature Connected Life's best places to hike in Austin for 2020. This list will give you an overview of each along with the critical details you need to choose the best place to hike in Austin.
- Turkey Creek Trail (Emma Long Metropolitan Park)
- Hill Of Life/Lost Creek
- The Flats (Spyglass)
- Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls
- Saint Edwards Park
- Canyon Creek Nature Trail
Turkey Creek Trail
at Emma Long Metropolitan Park
Best place to Hike in Austin: Turkey Creek Trail
- Type: Out and Back with Loop
- Length: 2.8mi
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Pets Allowed: Yes, Leash
- Water Crossings: Yes
- Traffic Level: High
- Elevation Gain: 170ft
- Address: 1401-1711 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730
- Full details about Turkey Creek Trail
Summary of Turkey Creek Trail
I have personally hiked Turkey Creek over 100 times, purely because I used to live so close to it. Turkey Creek deserves to be on the list of Austin's best places to hike because of the relative ease combined with the beauty of the trail. 10+ lower water crossings make this a fun and diverse hike. The views won't change your life, but everything else just might. I highly recommend this trail. Remember this trail can be very busy on weekends and holidays! Get the full details about Turkey Creek Trail
Hill of Life/Lost Creek
at the Barton Creek Greenbelt
Best place to Hike in Austin: Hill of Life/Lost Creek
- Type: Out and Back
- Length: 1.2-5.5mi
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pets Allowed: Yes, Leash
- Water Crossings: Optional
- Traffic Level: High
- Elevation Gain: 780ft
- Address: 1710 Camp Craft Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Summary of the Hill of Life/Lost Creek
Another beautiful trail sits on our list of best places to hike in Austin. Starting at the top of the summit, you'll drop 780ft down to Barton Creek where you'll have multiple options for trails. Take a break at one(or all) of the waterfalls along the way. If you bring your swimsuit, this is a perfect place to take a dip as long as the water level is good. The hike back up is difficult and you'll get your heart rate up. If it's warm out, be ready to work up a sweat!
The Flats (Spyglass)
at the Barton Creek Greenbelt
Best place to Hike in Austin: The Flats at Spyglass
- Type: Out and Back
- Length: 1-6mi
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pets Allowed: Yes, Leash
- Water Crossings: Optional
- Traffic Level: High
- Elevation Gain: 50-100ft
- Addres: 1599 Spyglass Dr, Austin, TX 78746
Summary of The Flats/Spyglass
Access to The Flats from Spyglass drive is a well-trafficked loop in the Barton Creek Greenbelt. On summer days and holidays expect to find hundreds of other hikers and nature-seekers hanging out down by the water in the main area. If you're looking to make friends, this is a great spot. If you're looking to get some solitude, either hike South instead of North or pick a different trail. With an optional water crossing, you'll find a beautiful cave that overlooks Southwest Austin. Other options in this area include multiple sets of rapids, waterfalls, cliffs (for viewing or jumping), and rope swings.
Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls
at the Barton Creek Greenbelt
Best place to Hike in Austin: Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls
- Type: Out and Back
- Length: 3.7mi
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pets Allowed: Yes, Leash
- Water Crossings: Optional
- Traffic Level: High
- Elevation Gain: 140ft
- Address: Sculpture Falls, Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, Austin, TX 78746
Summary of Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls
Just south of the 360/Mopac South intersection you'll find parking for the Twin Falls/Sculpture Falls trailhead. This trail is on our list of the best places to hike in Austin for its beautiful waterfalls, views over the greenbelt, and great swimming opportunities. Skip this trail on summer weekends and holidays as parking is all but impossible, but any other time this trail is an absolute must.
Saint Edwards Park
at the Bull Creek Greenbelt
Best place to Hike in Austin: Saint Edwards Park
- Type: Loop
- Length: 1-4mi
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Pets Allowed: Yes, Leash
- Water Crossings: Optional
- Traffic Level: Moderate/Light
- Elevation Gain: 20-100ft
- Address: 7301 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759
Summary of Saint Edwards Park
Another one of my personal favorites and most hiked trails is Saint Edwards Park. This trail is easily one of Austin's best places to hike due to the many route options throughout the park. Everything from an easy 1mi loop to a 4mi loop which includes 2 rivers crossings, beautiful cliffs, and waterfalls. Take your time here and enjoy the quiet area this trail sits in, great for families, solo hikes, and pets!
Canyon Creek Nature Trail
Best place to Hike in Austin: Canyon Creek Nature Trail
- Type: Loop
- Length: 5mi
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pets Allowed: Yes, Leash
- Water Crossings: Optional
- Traffic Level: Light/Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 377ft
- Address: 10984 Boulder Ln, Austin, TX 78726
Summary of Canyon Creek Nature Trail
A hidden gem in Northwest Austin, Canyon Creek Nature Trail offers less traveled paths through the beautiful Canyon below Concordia University. Part of the loop will either require a second car or a 1mi walk on the sidewalk along Boulder Dr. No list of Austin's best places to hike would be complete without mentioning this beautiful trail.
Best places to hike in Austin
Austin offers so many great trails to hike, these are just our favorites here at Nature Connected Life. The best places to hike in Austin is obviously a subjective list, and we know that some of you will feel different. We'd love to hear your opinions on why or why not these trails belong on the list, and what trails we may have missed. What's on your best places to hike in Austin list?