Pinnacle Spots: Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake
In the heart of Austin, where water meets skyline and neighborhoods blend into nature, the Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail has long been a favorite for locals and visitors alike. With more than 2.6 million visits every year, this 10-mile path around Lady Bird Lake is Austin’s most recognized outdoor space.
And now, in February 2026, the trail reached a historic milestone.
For the first time ever, the loop is fully complete.
A Vision Years in the Making
The original dream for the Butler Trail was simple: create a continuous, scenic path where people could walk, run, bike, and experience Austin from the water’s edge — without interruption.
Over the years, improvements like the Boardwalk (completed in 2014) helped close major gaps along the south shore. But one final detour remained on the northeast side near Longhorn Dam, forcing trail users away from the lake and onto city streets.
That gap is now gone.
The Wishbone Bridge & Unity Underpass
The completion came through two key additions:
The Wishbone Bridge — a striking pedestrian bridge that reconnects the trail directly over the water
The Unity Underpass — a safe passage that keeps walkers and cyclists separated from traffic
Together, these additions create what the trail was always meant to be: a seamless 10-mile loop hugging Lady Bird Lake from start to finish.
This project was led by the City of Austin in partnership with The Trail Conservancy, fulfilling the original vision for connectivity, safety, and accessibility.
More Than a Trail — It’s Where Austin Thrives
What makes this trail special isn’t just the mileage. It’s what you experience along the way:
Skyline views beside calm water
Neighborhood parks, ball fields, and cultural spots
Runners at sunrise, cyclists at sunset, families out for evening walks
Public art like Ken Little’s “Belting It Out” — 36 bronze belts engraved with Texas song lyrics along the Boardwalk railings
This is where Austin’s energy, creativity, and outdoor lifestyle all meet.
A Community Celebration
On February 7, 2026, the city celebrates this milestone with a ribbon cutting featuring live music, food trucks, and activities on the plaza near the new connection points.
Because this wasn’t just a construction project.
It was a community accomplishment.
Why This Matters for Austin Living
Moments like this are a reminder of why people love living here.
You can step outside your door and, within minutes, be on a world-class urban trail that feels both vibrant and peaceful. A place where commuting, exercising, socializing, and sightseeing all happen on the same path.
That’s not just convenience.
That’s lifestyle.
Thinking about exploring neighborhoods near Lady Bird Lake or along the trail?
We’d love to help you find a home that keeps Austin’s best experiences right outside your door.
Follow us for more local spots, community updates, and everything that makes Austin feel like home.
