Texas

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

Top Running Spots in and near Texas

  • Mexia, Texas

    Springfield Nature Trail

    5.0
    2.62 mi / 236 ft gain
    Springfield Nature Trail is a loop trail that runs along the southeast side of Springfield Lake in Fort Parker State Park located near Mexia, TX. This trail is used by both hikers and runners and is family friendly. Dogs are permitted on this trail. 
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • Austin, Texas

    Hike the Little Fern Trail

    0.5 mi / 140 ft gain
    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...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • Gonzales, Texas

    Hike the Ottine Swamp Trail

    4.0
    1.2 mi / 13 ft gain
    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.
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • Houston, Texas

    Hike Cullen Park Hike And Bike Trail

    7.9 mi / 49 ft gain
    The path is nicely paved along a mostly green, wooded area, making it a great spot for walkers, runners, and bikers. You’ll be provided with decent shade from the overhanging trees that offer relief from the hot Houston sun. You will also have the opportunity to admire small creeks, wildflowers, ...
    Read more
  • San Antonio, Texas

    Government Canyon Loop

    12.73 mi / 1240 ft gain
    The Government Loop is a ~12.75 mile trail that is great for intermediate-advanced hikers who want a longer loop. The trail winds through a beautiful forest and is shared with mountain bikers and trail runners. The trail is open year-round and allows dogs. 
    Read more
  • Austin, Texas

    University of Texas Walk

    3.0
    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...
    Read more
  • Fort Worth, Texas

    Hike the Dam Drop Loop

    4.0
    2.5 mi / 223 ft gain
    Starting at the parking lot at the top of the hill there are great views of the lake. As you descend on the criss-crossing trails, be careful of crumbling rocks. At the bottom of the park which borders the river just below the dam, you will find waterfalls and a pool.Trails are not well marked, s...
    Read more
  • El Paso, Texas

    Hike Franklin Mountains Ridgeline Hike

    5.0
    10.3 mi / 3946 ft gain
    Note that this trail is only recommended for very experienced or expert hikers. There are some short sections that require rock climbing and there are steep cliffs. Significant upper body strength is needed. If you decide to do the full trail, bring lots of water and food for hydration and energy...
    Read more
  • San Marcos, Texas

    Hike Limbo, Dante, Old West, Beatrice, And Ovid East Loop

    5.0
    3 mi / 131 ft gain
    The Limbo, Dante, Old West, Beatrice, and Ovid East Loop is a 2.98 mile loop trail that begins in Prospect Park and makes a  loop around through the Purgatory Greenspace in San Marcos, Texas. The trail is mostly shaded and a little rocky at certain sections. However, this is a great hiking trail ...
    Read more
  • San Marcos, Texas

    Hike the Spring Lake Preserve Loop

    4.31 mi / 380 ft gain
    The Spring Lake Preserve Trail is a 4.3 mile loop trail located within the The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment in San Marcos, Texas. The hike offers beautiful and scenic lake views. It's perfect for families and those of all ages. There are a wide variety of nature and wildlife spott...
    Read more
  • San Marcos, Texas

    Hike the Ringtail Ridge Trail

    4.0
    1.93 mi / 91 ft gain
    This trail is shared by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and dog walkers. The trail is open for use year round, featuring beautiful wildflowers in the spring.  The trail can be slightly hard to spot - a good place to park is next to a church off Old Hwy 80, and a spur trail will take you t...
    Read more
  • Johnson City, Texas

    Hike Wolf Mountain And Juniper Ridge Trail Loop

    5.0
    11.2 mi / 472 ft gain
    Wolf Mountain and Juniper Ridge Trail Loop is a 11.2 mile loop hike within Pedernales Falls State Park, right outside of Johnson City, Texas. The trail is pretty wide and great for all sorts of exercising and social distancing. The trail is relatively moderate and well maintained. There is littl...
    Read more
  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Walnut Creek Metro Loop

    4.0
    8.8 mi / 534 ft gain
    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...
    Read more