Running
Top 9 running trails in Austin
Top running trails in Austin whether you’re running for fun, stress relief, exercise or training for the next Wings for Life World Run.
Austin’s best running spots offer challenges for experienced trail runners, easy workouts for newcomers to the sport, and stunning natural sights for everyone. They speak wonders to the Texas capital’s reputation as a bustling city and runner’s haven with abundant green space. Plus, the more Austin trails you run, the more pockets of this vast, diverse city you’ll get to see for yourself. Below are the top running trails in Austin whether you’re running for fun, stress relief, exercise, endurance-building, or training for the next Wings for Life World Run.
01
Lady Bird Lake Trail
This 10-mile, mostly flat loop is a favorite among runners. It’s found alongside a lake-shaped reservoir named after Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson. It’s also known as the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, which speaks to a key trait: You’ll run alongside plenty of bikers too. You can enter the trail from several spots on the north or south side of the Colorado River.
Part of the Lady Bird Lake Trail is a boardwalk with Western-style belts attached to the railings. You’ll see 36 of these if you run the whole trail, and they’re all part of an art installation called “Belting It Out.” Look closely, and you’ll see lyrics from Texan musicians engraved into the belts. A run with pit stops at each belt as you go the full 10 miles can add more intensity — and intrigue — to your workout.
02
Walnut Creek Trail
This East Austin trail system comprises two parts. The first is the fully completed 7.3-mile Southern Walnut Creek Trail. This trail extends northeast from Govalle Park to the intersection of Old Manor Road and Johnny Morris Road. The second is the 4.4-mile Northern Walnut Creek Trail starting at Balcones District Park and ending at Oakbrook Drive. Three extensions of the northern trail are currently in the works and aren’t open to runners just yet.
The southern trail is especially well-liked among runners given its concrete paths that are a spacious 10 feet wide. As you run this trail, you’ll see stunning views of culverts and traverse bridges surrounded by lush greenery. No matter which of the trail’s five access points you start at, you’ll enjoy a tranquil, easy run replete with unforgettable scenery.
03
Shoal Creek Trail
This 3.16-mile concrete, dirt, and gravel trail extends from Shoal Beach to the intersection of North Lamar Boulevard and West 31st Street. Its flat terrain is great for new runners, and its relatively short length makes it a solid offroad alternative to the longer Lady Bird trail. You’ll run alongside Shoal Creek the entire way, passing through Pease District Park about halfway through your run. Future trail extensions will bring the northern trailhead several miles further north to U.S. Route 183, adding length to this easy, exciting run.
04
Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail
This trail starts in Barton Creek Wilderness Park and, across 7.59 miles, routes you to Zilker Park. You’ll pass the Sculpture Falls and Twin Falls along the way, and their effervescent sights and rushing sounds might be just the right motivator to keep you going.
If you run the trail from Zilker Park to the Barton Creek trailhead, you’ll start off on easy terrain. Toward the end, though, you’ll face steeper inclines that require more endurance. In particular, the Hill of Life, a 300-meter climb over 0.3 miles, lies at the end. This makes the Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail a great choice if you’re looking to start simple before pushing your limits.
05
Brushy Creek Regional Trail
This 7.75-mile trail is generally considered easy to run despite its length. It lies all the way north in Austin, with an out-and-back one-mile stretch starting the trail near Great Oaks Drive. From there, the trail continues for more than six miles, starting west of Great Oaks Drive and extending to Twin Lakes Park. Along the way, you’ll cross bridges over greenery-flanked creeks and pass through wetlands. The varied concrete and crushed stone paths can add challenges to your workout that, though seemingly minor at first, add much more intensity.
06
Turkey Creek Trail
Situated entirely within Emma Long Metropolitan Park, the 2.7-mile Turkey Creek Trail is an easy out-and-back trail with ample tree coverage. The terrain is rocky, with tree roots jutting out in some places, and you might encounter hikers with their dogs off-leash. The tranquility of nature is the main highlight of this trail, which lacks obvious landmarks otherwise. There’s a small parking lot right at the trailhead on City Park Road for easy access whenever daylight shines.
07
Violet Crown Trail
Currently spanning 13 miles, the Violet Crown Trail is set to reach 30 miles over the next few years. In the meantime, the southern trailhead is at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and the northern trailhead is in Zilker Park. Much of the trail is easy to run, with pathways through greenbelts and wetlands, as well as access to shopping centers. Upon the opening of the full 30 miles, the trail will be longer than any similar Central Texas trails.
08
Great Hills Park Trail
There are a handful of trails in this Northwest Austin park, with runners often flocking to one 1.5-mile out-and-back route in particular. Start your run at the Floral Park trailhead, then run northwest along the trail to the intersection of Sierra Verde Trail and Sierra Nevada Lane. After that, turn around and do it again to complete your 1.5-mile run. With unchallenging terrain, lush shrubbery, and dog walkers galore, this trail ranks among Austin’s most comforting.
09
River Place Nature Trail
This is one of a handful of running trails in Austin that requires payment to enter, but it’s well worth the small fee. Its 5.5 miles cut through tree-covered areas in tranquil Northwest Austin, between but far from main roads and the Colorado River. Plus, the trail is moderately difficult, making for a solid workout away from the typical urban hustle and bustle. Head up Ranch Road 2222, then drive south on River Place Boulevard to find the trailhead and some calm amid the frenzy of city life.
Running in the heart of Hill Country
Although the Texan capital is well-known to lie next to Hill Country, tough terrain is only part of what you’ll find here. Flat, paved paths abound, and the trails on this list are a mere fraction of those available in Austin. If anything, the City of the Violet Crown is a runner’s paradise, with trail options for all difficulty levels. Trying out the best running trails in Austin means getting exactly the workout you want, all alongside sights you’ll never forget.