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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

  • 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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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Walnut Creek Metro Loop

    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...
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  • San Marcos, Texas

    Hike Dante's Trail And Backend Loop

    2.5 mi / 213 ft gain
    The Dante's Trail and Backend Loop is a 2.5 mile loop hike located within the Purgatory Creek Greenspace area just south of San Marcos, Texas. This particular section of the Greenspace is made of flattened crushed gravel and is mostly shaded. The trail is very well maintained and several benches ...
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  • Lakeway, Texas

    Hike Hamilton Greenbelt

    5.1 mi / 374 ft gain
    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...
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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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  • San Marcos, Texas

    Hike Purgatory Creek Overlook Via Dante's Trail

    2.8 mi / 209 ft gain
    The Purgatory Creek Overlook via Dante's Trail is a 2.8 mile out-and-back hike located within the Purgatory Creek Greenspace area just south of San Marcos, Texas. This particular section of the Greenspace is made of flattened crushed gravel and is mostly shaded. The trail is very well maintained ...
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  • Vanderpool, Texas

    Hike the Lost Maples Extra Loop Trail

    7.1 mi / 930 ft gain
    The Lost Maples Extra Loop Trail is 7.1 loop hike that loops around the majority of the park. It is highly trafficked and offers stunning views of the Texas Hill Country landscape. Please be advised that there are several challenging inclines and steep portions of the trail, so hiking shoes and p...
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  • 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, ...
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  • 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.
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  • San Marcos, Texas

    Dante's, Lower Purgatory Creek and Blue Trail Loop

    2.74 mi / 249 ft gain
    Dante's, Lower Purgatory Creek and Blue Trail Loop is a 2.7 mile loop hike located in San Marcos, Texas. Located outside of downtown, it serves as a great nature trail for hiking, biking, and general exercise. It's primarily shaded and is a very moderate trail. It is not heavily trafficked, espec...
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  • 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 ...
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  • 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...
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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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  • Johnson City, Texas

    Hike Wolf Mountain, Juniper Ridge And South Loop Equestrian Trail

    6.6 mi / 374 ft gain
    The Wolf Mountain, Juniper Ridge and South Loop Equestrian Trail is a 6.6 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, with few incl...
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  • Dallas, Texas

    Cattail Pond Loop

    5.0
    2.52 mi / 325 ft gain
    Cattail Pond Loop is a 2.5 mile loop trail with its turning point at Cattail Pond. The trail can also be done starting on the Escarpment Trail (starting from the same parking lot) if you're looking to add some variety. Cattail Pond Loop is located near Cedar Hill, TX. Cedar Ridge Preserve may ha...
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  • 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. 
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