Barton Creek Greenbelt: This 7.9-mile trail is located in the heart of the city and features scenic views, swimming holes, and limestone cliffs. It's a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
Zilker Park: Zilker Park is a 351-acre park in the center of Austin, with a variety of activities to enjoy. Visitors can hike or bike the trails, play frisbee golf, rent a canoe or kayak, or take a dip in the natural swimming pool.
Mount Bonnell: This short but steep hike offers some of the best views of the city. It's a popular spot for watching the sunset or having a picnic.
McKinney Falls State Park: This state park is just a few miles from downtown Austin and features over 9 miles of trails, as well as swimming holes, waterfalls, and fishing spots.
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve: This nature preserve offers 227 acres of hiking trails through scenic forests and meadows. It's a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park: This park on the banks of Lake Austin features 12 miles of trails, as well as a beach, boat ramp, and camping facilities.
Lady Bird Lake: This popular destination offers a 10-mile hiking and biking trail that circles the lake, as well as opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park: This park on the north side of Austin offers over 15 miles of trails through scenic forests and meadows, as well as picnic areas, a playground, and a pool.
St. Edwards Park: This park is a popular spot for mountain biking and hiking, with 4.5 miles of trails through rugged terrain and a creek.
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge: This wildlife refuge is just a short drive from Austin and offers over 13 miles of hiking trails through scenic canyons and grasslands. It's a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.