You don’t have to leave the Austin area to spend a little time on the trail. From wooded paths in North Austin to creekside walks and Hill Country views, there are plenty of ways to get outside.
National Take a Hike Day falls on November 17, making it a good reason to lace up your shoes and explore somewhere new. Whether you have time for a quick loop or a longer outing, these eight spots offer a place to start.
1. McKinney Falls State Park
For a creekside hike in Southeast Austin, head to McKinney Falls State Park. The easy, 2.8-mile Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail takes you through the woods at a comfortable pace. Add a stop at Lower Falls to enjoy the park’s limestone scenery before heading home.
Reserve a day pass ahead of time to secure your visit.
📍 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy., Austin
Visit McKinney Falls State Park
2. Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park offers a wooded escape in North Austin. Start from the North Lamar entrance and choose a dirt loop through the trees, or take the paved Northern Walnut Creek Trail for a smoother walk.
It’s a convenient choice when you want some time outdoors without planning a full day away.
📍 12138 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin
Explore Austin’s parks
3. Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park
Near Cuernavaca, Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park pairs open prairie views with access to the Lake Austin shoreline. Walk around the restored native prairie, then continue toward the water for a change of scenery.
Bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching. The grasses and waterfront give you plenty of reasons to pause along the way.
📍 614 N. Commons Ford Rd., Austin
Visit Commons Ford Ranch
4. Bee Cave Central Park
Looking for a quick walk with room for a few extra laps? Bee Cave Central Park has a paved perimeter trail that stretches just over a mile.
Keep your visit short or turn it into a family outing with time at the playground. The park also has a dog park if your plans include your four-legged companion.
📍 13676 Bee Cave Pkwy., Bee Cave
Visit Bee Cave Parks & Recreation
5. Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metropolitan Park
For an East Austin outing near the Colorado River, start at Roy G. Guerrero Park’s Grove Boulevard entrance and explore the trails from there.
The park offers a way to work a nature break into your day close to the east side of town. If your route takes you toward the pedestrian bridge, follow the posted trail reroute.
📍 400 Grove Blvd., Austin
Visit Austin Parks & Recreation
6. Stephenson Nature Preserve
Stephenson Nature Preserve is a South Austin option for a quiet walk through woods and open meadows. Start near Longview Park and explore the mostly flat trails at your own pace.
Keep an eye out for seasonal ponds as you go. This is a spot to take your time and enjoy the smaller details along the trail.
📍 7501 Longview Rd., Austin
Explore local trail guides
7. Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park
Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park gives South Austin walkers room to stretch their legs. Enter from Slaughter Lane and follow the shared-use trail for a short out-and-back, or explore more of the park’s nearly four-mile route.
You can keep your walk brief or spend more time exploring as your schedule allows.
📍 907 W. Slaughter Ln., Austin
Visit Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park
8. Pedernales Falls State Park
Make a day trip of it with a visit to Pedernales Falls State Park near Johnson City. Follow the falls trail for views of the river spreading across broad limestone ledges.
The rocky landscape gives this outing a different feel from Austin’s wooded urban trails. Reserve a day pass ahead of time so you can plan your visit.
📍 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City
Visit Pedernales Falls State Park
Find Your Next Austin Favorite
A short walk after work or a day exploring the Hill Country can introduce you to a side of the Austin area you haven’t seen before. Pick a trail, invite a friend, and make time to get outside this National Take a Hike Day.
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