Best Parks & Hiking Trails in Austin
One guide, not two — Austin's best trails run through its best parks, so splitting them would just mean listing the Greenbelt twice.
1. Zilker Metropolitan Park
351-acre, urban park with botanical gardens, a spring-fed pool, a theater & sports facilities.
4.8 stars, 6,203 reviews. 351 acres — botanical gardens, a spring-fed pool (Barton Springs), a theater, sports facilities. The center of Austin outdoor life.
2. Barton Creek Greenbelt
This popular urban natural area offers opportunities for biking, hiking, swimming & rock climbing.
4.7 stars, 4,512 reviews.
3. Pease District Park
Urban park features trails, picnic space, sports courts & an annual public party in honor of Eeyore.
4.8 stars, 3,072 reviews.
4. Mueller Lake Park
A large lake anchors this park featuring an amphitheater, loop trail & picnic area.
4.7 stars, 6,220 reviews.
5. Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
This large public park known for its system of hiking & biking trails also has a playground & pool.
4.7 stars, 4,203 reviews.
6. Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Quiet 21-acre grounds with walking trails & a wildlife habitat with free-roaming peacocks.
4.7 stars, 3,944 reviews.
7. Butler Metro Park
Winding park with city vistas, a night-lit fountain, a pond, walking paths & other features.
4.7 stars, 3,126 reviews.
8. Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Waterfront walking/cycling path featuring scenic views of the downtown skyline.
4.8 stars, 468 reviews.
9. River Place Nature Trail
Picturesque, riverfront park offering a popular forested hiking trail, waterfalls & wildlife views.
4.6 stars, 1,705 reviews.
10. Austin Nature & Science Center
80-acre nature center features educational exhibits including replicas of fossils & dinosaur tracks.
4.7 stars, 387 reviews.
Featured venues
Zilker Metropolitan Park
351-acre, urban park with botanical gardens, a spring-fed pool, a theater & sports facilities.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
This popular urban natural area offers opportunities for biking, hiking, swimming & rock climbing.
Pease District Park
Urban park features trails, picnic space, sports courts & an annual public party in honor of Eeyore.
MuellerLakePark
A large lake anchors this park featuring an amphitheater, loop trail & picnic area.
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
This large public park known for its system of hiking & biking trails also has a playground & pool.
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Quiet 21-acre grounds with walking trails & a wildlife habitat with free-roaming peacocks.
Butler Metro Park
Winding park with city vistas, a night-lit fountain, a pond, walking paths & other features.
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Waterfront walking/cycling path featuring scenic views of the downtown skyline.