The best cycling routes around Austin

Austin's touring cycling routes offer diverse terrain. You'll find everything from paved paths and crushed granite trails along urban waterways like the Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, to rugged, hilly sections in areas like the Barton Creek Greenbelt. The Texas Hill Country, accessible from Austin, features varied terrain with significant climbs and descents, ideal for more expansive touring experiences.

Yes, Austin offers many easy routes perfect for beginners. The Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is a prime example, offering a mostly flat, 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake with stunning city views. The Southern Walnut Creek Trail is another long, paved path mostly free from vehicular traffic, making it ideal for a relaxed ride. Overall, over 140 easy routes are available in the Austin area.

Austin's routes are rich with natural beauty and landmarks. Along Lady Bird Lake, you can spot the Congress Avenue Bridge (famous for its bat colony), Auditorium Shores, and Zilker Park. The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers lush greenery, limestone cliffs, and swimming holes like Sculpture Falls. For panoramic views, consider routes that pass Mount Bonnell, the highest point in Austin overlooking the Colorado River.

Yes, you can incorporate waterfalls into your touring cycling adventures. The Downtown Austin to McKinney Upper Falls loop connects the city center with Upper Falls, McKinney Falls State Park and McKinney Lower Falls, where you can even wade. The Barton Creek Greenbelt also features natural swimming holes like Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, which are often accompanied by small cascades.

Yes, Austin has numerous circular touring cycling routes. The iconic Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is a popular 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake. Other notable loops include the Downtown Austin to McKinney Upper Falls loop and the Highland Hills loop with Mt. Bonnell, offering varied distances and difficulties.

For longer touring experiences, Austin serves as a gateway to the Texas Hill Country. While not a single route in our guide, the region offers expansive rides with spring wildflowers and historic sites. A well-known example is the 'Texas Hill Country Loop,' a 311.3-mile paved route starting and ending in Austin, featuring varied terrain and charming towns. Within Austin, routes like the Highland Hills loop with Mt. Bonnell offer a substantial 24-mile ride with significant elevation.

Yes, parking is generally available near many of Austin's touring cycling routes. Popular trailheads and parks like Zilker Metropolitan Park, Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, and McKinney Falls State Park offer parking facilities. For routes closer to downtown, public parking garages or street parking might be an option, though availability can vary.

Austin is a bike-friendly city, and many routes are accessible via public transport. Capital Metro buses are equipped with bike racks, allowing you to combine cycling with bus travel to reach various trailheads or connect different parts of the city's extensive bike network. This makes it convenient to explore routes like the Tour of Downtown Austin & Texas State Capital loop without needing a car.

Austin's mild winters make it an appealing year-round cycling destination. However, the best time for touring cycling is typically during the spring and fall months when temperatures are most comfortable. Spring also brings the added beauty of wildflowers, especially in the surrounding Texas Hill Country. Summers can be very hot, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended during those months.

Absolutely. Austin is well-suited for family cycling. The Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake is ideal for all ages and fitness levels due to its minimal elevation and mostly crushed granite surface. The Southern Walnut Creek Trail is another excellent choice, being a long, paved path largely free from vehicular traffic, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for families.

The touring cycling routes in Austin are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 160 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse network of trails, the stunning urban views combined with natural landscapes, and the city's overall bike-friendly atmosphere. The accessibility of routes for various skill levels and the opportunity to explore both city landmarks and natural havens like the Barton Creek Greenbelt are frequently highlighted.

For those seeking a challenge, Austin offers routes with significant elevation changes, particularly in the western parts of the city and into the Texas Hill Country. The Highland Hills loop with Mt. Bonnell, for instance, features over 340 meters of elevation gain over its 24-mile distance. The Barton Creek Greenbelt also provides rugged terrain and hilly conditions suitable for experienced riders. Overall, there are over 25 difficult routes in the Austin area for those looking for a strenuous ride.