Niederwald, Texas

The Little Fern Trail is a 1.9 mile out-and-back hike that is a part of the River Place Nature Trail. It is perfect for hiking, walking, running, and biking. The trail is open for use year-round and is easy to follow, with lots of small, side waterfalls and lush greenery scattered along. The tree...

Walnut Creek Park has a TON of little side trails that make this a must do if you are in or near the area. This particular trail (1 of 2 major ones) is a 15 mile loop but can be done as a shorter out and back. Once you park in the parking lot head southwest to find the trailhead and you're good t...

Walnut Creek Metro Loop is an 8.8 mile loop hike located within Walnut Creek Metro Park in north Austin, Texas. The trail is moderately hiked and relatively easy. It's great for walking/running/cycling. There are many smaller trails that connect portions of the main loop and it's easy to get conf...

In the fall of 2011, the most destructive fire in Texas history burned through Bastrop, just 45 minutes east of Austin, TX. This makes for an interesting, and eerie, bike ride. As you ride through the park, you can see the extent of damage the fire caused. It's also amazing to see the vegetation ...

The Great Hills Park trail is a 2.3 mile point-to-point nature trail found within the Great Hills neighborhood of Northwest Austin. The trail is perfect for cycling, hiking, or just for taking a regular walk. The hike features a multitude of wildlife and is primarily shaded. There are several bat...

Part park, part preserve, St. Edwards Park is not too well known, even among long time Austin residents. It's hidden away on old Spicewood Springs Road, beyond the Loop 360 boundary beyond which most people do not venture. The park consists of two parts, one park and one preserve. The portion of ...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

The Hamilton Greenbelt is a 5.1 mile out-and-back neighborhood hike located in Lakeway, just 15 miles outside of downtown Austin. The trail is located in a neighborhood and is extremely well-maintained. At the entrance of the trail you will find a little garden area with a small waterfall and a s...

Set your directions for Overlook Park. A short trail will guide you down the rocky slopes to get to the main beach. A slight trail to the left will take you along the shoreline to a more secluded spot. It's a bit rocky, so either bring a chair or a cushion to sit on. Floaties are a nice addition,...

The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.Wide gravel partly shaded trail that is well maintained. $3 / person over 12 (or free with a Texas State Park Pass) to enter the park.

This trail is perfect for the whole family (including dogs)! The trail is shared by walkers and runners. The Panther Canyon Nature Trail is open for use year round, and is a great location for birding. The trail is a bit rocky in spots - so shoes with ankle support are recommended. 

Milton Reimer's Ranch is a limestone sport-climbing crag in Dripping Springs, Texas near Austin, Texas with hundreds of routes. The park is divided into two main sections--Reimer's and North Shore, each with their own parking lot. Approaches are quite easy and well marked. The original Reimer's a...

Hamilton Pool Preserve, about a 45 minute drive from Austin, TX, is one of the most beautiful places to spend a hot, Texas afternoon. A short hike from the parking lot through a wooded forest opens up onto a scenic, natural pool. The small beach to one side is usually dotted with sunbathers and p...

Located about 25 miles from downtown Austin, Westcave Preserve is a beautiful and family-friendly day adventure. The trail is out-and-back about .7 miles long. It leads down into a very lush green canyon filled with a variety of plant species and ferns. At the end of the trail is the main feature...