Top 16 Lakes around Austin
Best lakes around Austin are integral to the city's identity, offering diverse recreational opportunities within a unique natural landscape. Austin, Texas, is characterized by its position along the Colorado River, which forms several prominent lakes. These bodies of water provide a blend of urban accessibility and natural beauty, set against a backdrop of limestone cliffs and lush greenery. The region's geography supports a variety of aquatic and land-based activities.
Best lakes around Austin
- The most popular lakes is McKinney Lower Falls, a waterfall where Onion Creek cascades over limestone edges. This spot is a popular swimming area, with water that is warm during the summer months.
- Another must-see spot is Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, a well-maintained trail that circumnavigates Lady Bird Lake. Visitors can expect a low-grade path suitable for cyclists, runners, and families, offering amenities like water fountains, restrooms, and shady spots.
- Visitors also love Barton Creek joins Colorado River, where Barton Creek feeds the Colorado River as it makes its way through the city. The scenery around Barton Creek is notable for its limestone cliffs and dense foliage.
- Austin is known for urban lakes, constant-level reservoirs, and large, deep lakes. This variety offers different experiences, from non-motorized activities on Lady Bird Lake to motorized sports on Lake Austin and Lake Travis.
- The lakes around Austin are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 35 upvotes and 19 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Barton Creek joins Colorado River
Highlight β’ River
Tip by
McKinney Lower Falls
Highlight β’ Waterfall
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail
Highlight (Segment) β’ Trail
Tip by
Blunn Creek Delta
Highlight β’ River
Tip by
Barton Springs Pool
Highlight β’ Lake
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Austin.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Get out of the city without leaving the city! A perfect walk for a short break during the day!
0
0
The azure blue water of the springs offers a gorgeous view across to the Austin skyline and makes for a great place to cool off in the summer. There are well maintained and paved paths that circumnavigate the water's edge, and there are some flat rocks that you can use to climb down by the edge of the pool.
0
0
Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail is a lovely bike pedestrian and bike trail that circumnavigates Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas. This well-maintained, low-grade trail is perfect for cyclists, runners, and families. The total trail is 10 miles long, but there's cut through trails and lots of access points, so you can make it as long or short as you want. Along the route, you can enjoy amenities like water fountains, restrooms, shady spots, boat launches, and places to cool off like the Barton Springs or Deep Eddy Pool, . Highlights include the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue at Auditorium Shores, the Bat Observation Center at the Austin American-Statesman, and Zilker Park, home to the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
0
0
It's hard to compare the upper and lower falls in the park to each other. While it is a little bit small, McKinney Lower Falls is no less impressive than its larger counterpart. You have the opportunity to get wet here if you want.
0
0
A lovely outdoor pool that's fed from nearby natural springs, Barton Springs is a popular spot all year round. It occupies a channel of the Barton Creek and is on the southern end of Zilker Park.
0
0
Named after William Barton, who settled nearby in 1837, it became a popular swimming spot. The once natural swimming hole was turned into a pool in the 1930s. Upper Barton Creek offers water recreation, and the Lower Barton Creek Greenbelt hosts kayaking, tubing, and swimming year-round.
0
0
Blunn Creek Delta gives runners a nice view of the downtown skyline along the Colorado River. It's part of the Blunn Creek Nature Preserve and known for restoration, management, and education in this area. This part of the Colorado River is also referred to as Lady Bird Lake.
0
0
Deep in the heart of old South Austin, this little green gem of a creek joins the Colorado river just after passing under the boardwalk. Further upstream is an enjoyable trail and Blunn Creek Preserve.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of activities can I do on the lakes around Austin?
Austin's lakes offer a wide range of activities. Lady Bird Lake is ideal for non-motorized activities like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Lake Austin and Lake Travis permit motorized boats, making them popular for waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and jet skiing. All lakes offer opportunities for fishing, and many have surrounding trails for hiking and biking.
Are there good places for hiking and biking around Austin's lakes?
Yes, the lakes are surrounded by excellent trails. The Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail is an 11-mile loop perfect for cyclists, runners, and families. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes like the Lower Falls and Homestead Loop Trail or the Violet Crown Trail, which are part of the hiking guide around Austin.
Where can I go kayaking or paddleboarding in Austin?
Lady Bird Lake is the premier spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, as motorized boats are not permitted, ensuring a calm experience. Lake Austin also offers good conditions for these activities, with rentals readily available.
Are there opportunities for motorized watersports near Austin?
Absolutely. Lake Austin and Lake Travis are excellent choices for motorized watersports. You can enjoy waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and jet skiing. Boat rentals are widely available at both lakes.
Can I go swimming in the lakes around Austin?
Yes, there are several popular swimming spots. McKinney Lower Falls on Onion Creek is a popular swimming area with warm water in summer. Barton Springs Pool, fed by natural springs, is another beloved spot. Emma Long Metropolitan Park on Lake Austin also offers public access for swimming.
What unique natural features can I explore around Austin's lakes?
You can find stunning limestone cliffs and dense foliage around Barton Creek joins Colorado River. Lake Travis is known for its clear, emerald waters and dramatic limestone cliffs. Mount Bonnell offers magnificent views overlooking Lake Austin, and Lady Bird Lake provides excellent city skyline views.
When is the best time to visit Austin's lakes?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round. For water activities, the warmer months from late spring to early fall are ideal. If you're interested in hiking or biking, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures. From March to November, you can also witness the nightly emergence of Mexican free-tailed bats from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at Lady Bird Lake.
Are Austin's lakes family-friendly?
Many areas around Austin's lakes are very family-friendly. Lady Bird Lake's non-motorized activities and the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail are great for all ages. McKinney Lower Falls and Barton Springs Pool are popular family swimming spots. Emma Long Metropolitan Park on Lake Austin also provides public access for picnicking and swimming.
Are there dog-friendly areas around Austin's lakes?
Yes, many trails and parks around the lakes are dog-friendly, though leash laws typically apply. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake is a popular spot for dog walkers. Always check specific park regulations before visiting.
What makes Lady Bird Lake a popular spot?
Lady Bird Lake is an urban oasis in downtown Austin, known for its serene atmosphere and non-motorized water activities. It offers stunning city skyline views, the popular Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, and the unique experience of watching Mexican free-tailed bats emerge nightly from under the Congress Avenue Bridge.
What activities are available at Lake Austin?
Lake Austin is a constant-level lake, making it reliable for watersports like waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. It's also an excellent spot for fishing, particularly for largemouth bass. You can also enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, and waterside dining at places like Mozart's Coffee Roasters.
What can I expect at Lake Travis?
Lake Travis, the largest of the Highland Lakes, is known for its clear, emerald waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and extensive shoreline. It's a hub for diverse water sports, including boating, jet skiing, and even SCUBA diving. You can also find numerous parks for camping and hiking, and it's famous for breathtaking sunsets and the longest zipline in Texas.
Are there guided routes or tours available for cycling or hiking near the lakes?
Yes, komoot offers various guided routes. For cycling, you can find options like the Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail or the Highland Hills loop with Mt. Bonnell in the cycling guide around Austin. For hiking, explore routes like the Lower Falls and Homestead Loop Trail or the Violet Crown Trail in the hiking guide around Austin.
Most popular routes around Austin
Most popular attractions around Austin
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Austin? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
