Things to Do around Austin
Austin is a region in Texas known for its diverse outdoor landscape, situated at the edge of the Texas Hill Country. The area features a mix of urban green spaces, extensive trail networks, and rugged natural terrain, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor pursuits. Limestone cliffs, rolling hills, and waterways like Lady Bird Lake define much of the natural environment. This geography supports several sports like hiking, road cycling, jogging, gravel biking, and more.
Things to Do in…
81
Routes
4.4
(92)
Average rating
3402
People visited
4.2
(10)
414
hikers
7.63km
03:19
460m
460m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(7)
266
hikers
6.31km
01:41
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
223
hikers
13.7km
06:01
880m
880m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.2
(10)
202
hikers
13.5km
03:51
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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5.0
(7)
353
riders
95.3km
04:33
1,080m
1,080m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.3
(4)
207
riders
53.2km
02:22
570m
570m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.6
(7)
107
riders
32.6km
01:27
320m
320m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(1)
113
riders
46.2km
02:02
460m
460m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
148
runners
24.1km
03:58
1,080m
1,080m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
86
runners
7.30km
01:23
460m
460m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
85
runners
17.6km
03:24
1,440m
1,440m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
30
runners
6.14km
01:10
380m
380m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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47
riders
13.8km
01:15
230m
230m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
9
riders
9.04km
00:50
120m
120m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
8
riders
23.3km
01:41
310m
310m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
2
riders
38.1km
02:35
500m
500m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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5.0
(3)
41
riders
61.4km
04:56
840m
840m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(4)
19
riders
55.1km
04:42
960m
960m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
10
riders
62.0km
05:13
790m
790m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
56.3km
03:50
640m
640m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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30
riders
51.9km
03:17
600m
600m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
13
riders
23.1km
01:55
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
19.6km
01:32
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.0
(1)
8
riders
24.8km
01:48
170m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Most popular attractions in Austin
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Austin?
Austin offers diverse outdoor activities including Hiking, Road cycling, Jogging, Gravel biking, Touring cycling, and Mountain biking. The region features a mix of urban green spaces and rugged natural terrain. More than 30 routes are available, with an average rating of 4.47 stars from over 15,000 visitors.
Where are the best places to hike in Austin?
The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers over 12 miles (19 km) of scenic trails with lush surroundings and limestone cliffs. McKinney Falls State Park provides miles of trails, waterfalls, and fishing holes. Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is another popular spot with 15 miles (24 km) of trails. For more details, see the Hiking around Austin guide.
Are there easy hiking trails in Austin?
Yes, Austin offers easy hiking options suitable for various skill levels. The Barton Creek Greenbelt has sections that are less strenuous, and the Lady Bird Lake trail is generally flat and accessible. For specific recommendations, consult the Easy hikes around Austin guide.
What are the best cycling routes in Austin?
Austin provides extensive opportunities for both road and gravel cycling. The Lady Bird Lake trail is popular for urban cycling, while the surrounding Texas Hill Country offers varied terrain for longer rides. Areas like Lockhart and the Pedernales River are known for gravel biking. Guides such as Road Cycling Routes around Austin and Gravel biking around Austin provide detailed information.
Where can I find mountain biking trails in Austin?
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is a favorite for mountain bikers, featuring 15 miles (24 km) of trails and access to limestone bluffs. The Barton Creek Greenbelt also offers trails suitable for mountain biking. More information can be found in the MTB Trails around Austin guide.
Are there good places for jogging in Austin?
The hike and bike trail around Lady Bird Lake is a central hub for joggers, offering views of the city skyline. Zilker Park, a 350-acre park, also provides ample opportunities for jogging. For more options, refer to the Running Trails around Austin guide.
What natural landmarks or viewpoints are in Austin?
Mount Bonnell offers panoramic vistas of the Austin skyline, the Colorado River, and the surrounding Hill Country. The Barton Creek Greenbelt features towering limestone cliffs and serene swimming holes. McKinney Falls State Park is known for its waterfalls.
Are there family-friendly outdoor options in Austin?
Many of Austin's parks and trails are suitable for families. Zilker Park offers open spaces and access to Barton Springs. McKinney Falls State Park provides easy trails and opportunities for exploring. The Lady Bird Lake trail is also generally flat and accessible for families.
What is the Barton Creek Greenbelt?
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is an urban natural area in Austin with over 12 miles (19 km) of scenic trails. It features lush surroundings, swimming holes, and limestone cliffs. The main trail extends over 7 miles (11 km) from Barton Springs Pool to Westlake.
How popular is Austin for outdoor activities on komoot?
Austin is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 15,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The region's routes have an average rating of 4.47 out of 5 stars. There are over 30 routes available across various sports.
Where can I find information about all types of cycling in Austin?
Komoot offers a comprehensive guide for cycling in the region. The Cycling around Austin guide covers various cycling sports, including road cycling, gravel biking, and touring cycling, providing routes and tips for exploring the area.
What is the official website for Austin city services?
The official city website for Austin general services is AustinTexas.gov. For non-emergency city services, the phone number is 3-1-1 or (512) 974-2000.
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