4.6
(8562)
10,427
hikers
01:00
3.90km
10m
Hiking
Hike the easy 2.4-mile Bull Creek Greenbelt Trail in Austin, featuring waterfalls, swimming holes, and limestone bluffs, taking about 59 min
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
176 m
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
1.81 km
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
3.90 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.50 km
226 m
170 m
Surfaces
1.97 km
1.65 km
170 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Tuesday 14 July
27°C
22°C
41 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
There are several access points with parking along the Bull Creek Greenbelt. A popular starting point is near the intersection of Loop 360 and Old Bull Creek Road. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekends, is recommended to secure a spot as it's a popular area.
Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's important to keep your dog on a leash and be mindful of other hikers and wildlife. Always clean up after your pet.
The Bull Creek Greenbelt Trail is enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures for hiking. During these seasons, the lush greenery is vibrant, and the creek flow is often good. Summer can be very hot, so early mornings or late afternoons are best, and always bring plenty of water.
No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to access the Bull Creek Greenbelt Trail. However, it's worth noting that certain areas, particularly during the Golden-cheeked Warbler breeding season (March to July), might have specific regulations or require permits for off-trail access to protect this endangered species.
The main path of the Bull Creek Greenbelt Trail is generally considered easy to intermediate. While many sections are mild and pleasant, some side trails can be more challenging with rugged, rocky terrain and subtle hills. Proper footwear is recommended due to potentially slick areas and creek crossings.
The trail features varied terrain, from mostly flat sections following the creek to more challenging, rocky side paths. You'll encounter limestone ledges, dense vegetation, and multiple creek crossings that may require rock-hopping or walking through shallow water, especially after rain. The path offers abundant shade from cedar trees.
Along the route, you can experience the natural beauty of the Inga Van Nynatten Memorial Trail, enjoy the scenic Bull Creek Falls, and discover natural springs, swimming holes, and towering limestone bluffs. Keep an eye out for historical wagon tracks etched into the limestone from the 1800s.
The Bull Creek Greenbelt is home to diverse wildlife. You might spot white-tailed deer, herons, snakes, turtles, and various fish. It's also an important habitat for the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler, particularly during its breeding season.
Yes, the route follows the official trail named Bull Creek South To North for its entire length. While it doesn't extensively intersect other well-known paths for this specific route, the Bull Creek Greenbelt system itself has various side trails and connections within the park.
The specific route highlighted, the Bull Creek Greenbelt Trail, is an out-and-back hike. However, the broader Bull Creek Greenbelt system offers many interconnected trails, allowing hikers to create various loop configurations or extend their journey.
This particular route, covering approximately 3.9 kilometers (2.4 miles), typically takes around 1 hour to complete. This duration can vary depending on your pace, how often you stop to enjoy the scenery, and the specific conditions of the trail.
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