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Spring Branch, Texas

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Spring Branch

  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Laguna Gloria Trail

    0.4 mi / 9 ft gain
    The Laguna Gloria Trail is a 0.4 mile out-and-back hike beginning in Mayfield Park, a popular park located in west Austin. The trail is very short and relatively easy. The trail is made of dirt and is completely shaded. It's a very calming walk and beautiful walk, full of lush greens and dependin...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Main Trail to Meadow Loop to Taylor Creek Loop

    0.6 mi / 55 ft gain
    The Main Trail to Meadow Loop to Taylor Creek Loop is a 0.6 loop hike found within Mayfield Park just west of downtown Austin. The trail is completely shaded and is a relatively easy hike. The trail does descend down stairs in some spots, but nothing too significant. This is a great family trail ...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike the Mayfield Park Lake Trail

    3.0
    1 mi / 0 ft gain
    Mayfield Nature Preserve is a 21-acre park located just west of downtown Austin, Texas. This nature preserve is unique from all other parks in Austin in that it that features free-roaming peacocks. It's a beautiful park full of beautiful nature and the trail leads down near the lake. The trail is...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Mount Bonnell Loop

    3.6
    0.46 mi / 59 ft gain
    The trail up is a combination of manmade and natural stairs that take you up to the top. At the summit, you will find beautiful views of the area, and a pavilion where you can have a picnic lunch. To head back down by a different route, continue on the northern trail, which will take you past mo...
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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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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike the 360/Pennybacker Bridge Overlook Trail

    1.8 mi / 167 ft gain
    This is a pretty challenging hike but the view is most definitely worth the effort. There are two sides you can hike up on: the east and west. The west side is more popular as it gives a view of the Austin skyline as well the Pennybacker Bridge. However, the east side is good for sunset viewing. ...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Photograph Pennybacker Bridge (Austin 360 Bridge)

    4.3
    0.5 mi / 75 ft gain
    If you're looking for excellent views of hill country, the skyline, or just an awesome place to watch the sunset this is the place to be. If you're heading southbound from 183 on 360 just before you reach the bridge there will be a dirt parking lot on your right. There are trailheads on the easts...
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  • Marble Falls, Texas

    Camp at Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

    6 mi / 80 ft gain
    After turning off Highway 1431 you'll drive through a little quiet and narrow one road neighborhood to arrive at the entrance to Shaffer Bend Recreation Area. From there you will drive down a dirt road which will take you almost all the way through Shaffer Bend's 523 acre lot, and lead you direct...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Bull Creek South to North

    3.67 mi / 335 ft gain
    The Bull Creek Trail is an Out-and-Back trail along Bull Creek; it's a pretty beginner to intermediate hike. The trail follows along Bull Creek which runs between the hills of the Austin Hill Country. There are several waterfalls which can be found along the creek. The trail has multiple access p...
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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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  • Leander, Texas

    Hike the Vista Knoll Loop

    2.0
    0.89 mi / 223 ft gain
    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. 
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  • Leander, Texas

    Hike the Cactus Rocks Trail

    2.0
    1.01 mi / 177 ft gain
    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...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Valburn to Bull Creek Loop

    1.6 mi / 170 ft gain
    The Valburn to Bull Creek Loop is a 1.6 mile loop hike through the Bull Creek Greenbelt  located in Northwest Austin, Texas. The trail follows alongside the creek and is pretty rocky and steep with many changes in elevation. The trail is very scenic and has many wildlife watching opportunities, a...
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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 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 Valburn Switchback Party

    1.1 mi / 203 ft gain
    The Valburn Switchback Party is a 1.1 mile loop hike located within the Bull Creek Greenbelt of northwest Austin. This trail is part of the Valburn trail system and is mostly shaded. It features several mild inclines and the switchbacks on the trail are decently moderate. It's a great exercising ...
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