Leander, Texas

About a half mile west from the Hwy 183 bridge that crosses the South Fork of the San Gabriel River lies approximately 12 dinosaur footprints embedded in the river bed. Not many people know about the dinosaur tracks just northwest of Austin in Leander, Texas. This is not a marked trail, there ar...

Park in the big lot off E Little Elm Trail Road (see map) to access the trailhead. Trail is accessible year round and is dog-friendly. 

The Good Water Trail which is part of the larger Good Water Loop, is a 12.6 mile point-to-point hike. This trail is heavily trafficked by both hikers and mountain bikers alike. It's a great trail for scenic views, nature, and wildlife. Please be advised that the trail is severely rocky and uneven...

The Cactus Rocks Trail is located in Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge near Leander, Texas. The trail is a 1 mile loop perfect for kids, hikers, trail runners, and birding expeditions (watch for the golden-cheeked warbler, an endangered species). You will see a variety of naturally oc...

The Good Water Loop is a loop trail around the San Gabriel River through Russel Park and Sawyer Park. Just outside of Georgetown, Texas, this trail is perfect for a lengthy trail run or for an overnight backpacking trip. This trail is open year-round, and dogs are allowed to use this trail if kep...

The Good Water Trail Loop from Cedar Breaks is a 10.1 mile loop hike that begins within Cedar Breaks Park, just northeast of Georgetown, Texas. The trail is heavily trafficked and even more so on weekends. There are several inclines and declines, but nothing too significant. The trail has rough t...

The San Gabriel River trailhead is found within Cedar Breaks Park, just northeast of Georgetown, Texas. The trail is a 7.6 mile moderate out-and-back trail. The trail is heavily trafficked and even more so on weekends. There are several inclines and declines, but nothing too significant. The trai...

This is a 7.6 mile out-and-back trail snaking along the banks of Lake Georgetown. The trailhead is located in Cedar Breaks Park. There is no fee to hike the trail however there are fees for camping, boating, or picnicking so be sure to tell the attendants you are just there to hike. Once through ...

The Vista Knoll Loop is a .9 mile hike, accessible year round. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. The trail offers great views of Lake Travis, with good wildlife viewing opportunities. 

The Sunset deck at Balcones Canyonlands is an amazing family- and pet-friendly spot. Parking is only about 100 feet from the overlook and is easily accessible for any and everyone. The overlook is absolutely serene and great for a picnic. There is also a small beginner trail ("Ridgeline Trail") n...

The trail features a gorgeous river, and is enjoyable for all skill levels. Dogs are allowed to use this trail, but must be kept on leash.  Parking at Blue Hole Park is relatively easy. Once parked, head west down the river for about a quarter mile and you'll find some picnic tables and a pavili...

San Gabriel River from Blue Hole is a 10.4 mile out and back hike that follows along the North San Gabriel River in Georgetown, Texas. The trail is moderately trafficked. A large majority of the trail is paved, shaded, and well-maintained. It provides beautiful views of the river with an abundan...

Head to the location pin and you will find free parking. Get out and head north on S Rock Street and you will come across a wide sidewalk that runs parallel with the South Fork San Gabriel River. Look East and you will see the Blue Hole about 600ft away. The waterfall has 3 levels. The first leve...

St. Edwards Park offers 2 main trails taking you along a creek, up hill trails with gorgeous views from atop a bluff, through exposed meadows filled with prairie grasses and cacti, and to a small swimming hole with a rope swing. The Creek Trail is a much easier, family friendly hike compared to ...

St. Edwards Green and Red Loop is a 2.7 mile loop hike located in northwest, Austin, Texas. The trail is heavily trafficked, but has a great nature scene, including a multitude of bird species and wildflowers. Bull creek flows through the trail, creating a waterfall at one point which makes for a...

Parked in parking lot and walked yellow trail until it met up with the river then followed the river to the blue, purple, green trails back to parking lot. With many stops for photographs this little loop took less than an hour. North red is a little trail is longer. Where the yellow/orange/red ...