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Austin, Texas

Looking for the best running in Austin? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Austin. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Running Spots in and near Austin

  • Austin, Texas

    Hike along Lady Bird Hike & Bike Trail

    10 mi
    The Hike and Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake provides great views of the city skyline from several different perspectives. It's perfect for exercising or just taking a stroll on. It's about a 10 mile looping trail however there are several points in which you can cross the river and make the loo...
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  • Austin, Texas

    University of Texas Walk

    2.99 mi / 197 ft gain
    The University of Texas Walk is about a 3-mile loop trail around the University of Texas at Austin. Beginning at the LBJ Presidential Library, the trail loops around all of UT's most prominent landmarks, including the LBJ fountain, the Blanton Museum of Art and of course the renowned school tower...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike the Shoal Creek Trail

    5.0
    5.47 mi / 173 ft gain
    The Shoal Creek trail is located along the Shoal Creek Greenbelt which stretches the length of central/downtown Austin. It is a 5.4 mile out-and-back trail following along Shoal Creek. Much of the trail runs through residential area. And though it runs parallel to a creek, itis a city trail and n...
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  • Barton Creek Greenbelt: Trail 11, Texas

    Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail via Spyglass Trailhead

    5.0
    3.03 mi / 128 ft gain
    Outside of the fantastic job market, one of the most magical things about Austin is how quickly you can go from city life to being immersed in nature. Nearly every day, I take a quick jaunt down to the Barton Creek Greenbelt with my trusty companion, Sage the Chocolate Lab. We live within walking...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Mueller Park Trail

    4.0
    2.6 mi / 78 ft gain
    The Mueller Park Trails total a distance of 5 miles with a 2.6 mile loop hike that takes you by some waterfalls located in Austin, TX. You can wander around Mueller Lake or the pond in Southwest Greenway, where man-made waterfalls can be viewed, or both! In addition to the waterfalls, the Southwe...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Barton Greenbelt Trail Via Barton Creek Plaza

    6.6 mi / 380 ft gain
    The Barton Greenbelt Trail via Barton Creek Plaza is a 6.6 mile out-and-back hike located within the Barton Creek Greenbelt. This trail follows along the creek and features a couple prominent waterfalls that also serve as popular swimming holes in the summer months. Depending on the rainfall for ...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike the Violet Crown Trail: 360 to 290 Trailhead

    1.8 mi / 239 ft gain
    The Violet Crown Trail: 360 Trailhead to 290 trail is a 1.8 mile point-to-point hike that stretches from Loop 360 to Highway 290. Only a portion of the trail follows alongside Barton Creek before heading south towards HWY 290 while the creek veers off to the west. Dogs are more than welcome as lo...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Three Falls Hike

    7.35 mi / 600 ft gain
    The Three Falls Hike is a 7.35 mile out and back hike located in the Barton Creek Greenbelt in Austin, Texas. The hike is heavily trafficked. The trail takes you past three waterfalls, which during the summer time serve as extremely popular swimming holes. Please note that the flow of the waterf...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Hill of Life Hiking Trail

    4.5
    3.1 mi / 328 ft gain
    The Hill of Life hiking trail is an out-and-back hiking trail around 3 miles long total. Parking is parallel parking on the street and can be found in the neighborhood where the trailhead is located. The trail begins with a half mile descent down a very rocky and gravel-ridden trail. The descent ...
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  • Travis County, Texas

    Hike Violet Crown Trail: Zilker to 360 Trailhead

    3.0
    3.7 mi / 282 ft gain
    The Violet Crown Trail: Zilker to 360 is 3.7 mile out-and-back stretch through the Barton Creek Greenbelt. The trail begins in Zilker Park and follows Barton Creek all the way south to Loop 360. Parking can be found at Zilker Park. Though on weekends and during the summer time, the park is usuall...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Stephenson Preserve Loop

    2.17 mi / 243 ft gain
    The Stevenson Preserve Trail is a 1.5 mile loop hike located in South Austin. The outer trail makes a large loop around the entire park, however there are several interconnecting trails within the loop. This trail system is part of the Stephenson Preserve, which is also connected to the Longview ...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike the Lower Bull Creek Greenbelt Trail

    5.0
    2.86 mi / 78 ft gain
    Park in the lot off of Lakewood Drive (see map) to access the trail. This trail is good for all skill levels and is dog-friendly. 
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Valburn South Loop

    1.0
    2.3 mi / 334 ft gain
    The Valburn South Loop is a 2.3 mile loop trail within the Bull Creek Greenbelt in Northwest Austin, Texas. The trail is known for its grand views of the surrounding Hill Country. The trail is shaded for the most part and is pretty rocky, good shoes are highly recommended. The trail is made up of...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike the Western Oaks Trail

    1.74 mi / 49 ft gain
    The Western Oaks Trail is a 1.7 mile trail located in the Legend Oaks neighborhood in Southwest Austin, Texas. The trail is looping however there are several interconnecting trails which can shorten or lengthen the duration of the hike. The trail is mostly flat and made of crushed gravel. It is p...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Take a Stroll on the Dick Nichols Park Trail

    1.09 mi / 16 ft gain
    The Dick Nichols Park Trail is a 1 mile loop neighborhood park trail located in Southwest Austin. The trail is completely flat and is entirely paved. It circles the park and is equally shaded and exposed. It's very kid-friendly and perfect for walking the dog, biking, trail running, hiking, and e...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Lost Trail

    1.5 mi / 52 ft gain
    Lost Trail is a 1.3 mile loop hike through the Upper Bull Creek Greenbelt in northwest Austin, Texas. The trail features a beautiful waterfall, an abundance of wildlife and wildflowers, several benches, and many beautiful scenes. During the wet season, the creek fills up and flows very nicely. T...
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