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Best Parks & Hiking Trails in Austin

One guide, not two — Austin's best trails run through its best parks, so splitting them would just mean listing the Greenbelt twice.

1. Zilker Metropolitan Park

351-acre, urban park with botanical gardens, a spring-fed pool, a theater & sports facilities.

4.8 stars, 6,203 reviews. 351 acres — botanical gardens, a spring-fed pool (Barton Springs), a theater, sports facilities. The center of Austin outdoor life.

2. Barton Creek Greenbelt

This popular urban natural area offers opportunities for biking, hiking, swimming & rock climbing.

4.7 stars, 4,512 reviews.

3. Pease District Park

Urban park features trails, picnic space, sports courts & an annual public party in honor of Eeyore.

4.8 stars, 3,072 reviews.

4. Mueller Lake Park

A large lake anchors this park featuring an amphitheater, loop trail & picnic area.

4.7 stars, 6,220 reviews.

5. Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

This large public park known for its system of hiking & biking trails also has a playground & pool.

4.7 stars, 4,203 reviews.

6. Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

Quiet 21-acre grounds with walking trails & a wildlife habitat with free-roaming peacocks.

4.7 stars, 3,944 reviews.

7. Butler Metro Park

Winding park with city vistas, a night-lit fountain, a pond, walking paths & other features.

4.7 stars, 3,126 reviews.

8. Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail

Waterfront walking/cycling path featuring scenic views of the downtown skyline.

4.8 stars, 468 reviews.

9. River Place Nature Trail

Picturesque, riverfront park offering a popular forested hiking trail, waterfalls & wildlife views.

4.6 stars, 1,705 reviews.

10. Austin Nature & Science Center

80-acre nature center features educational exhibits including replicas of fossils & dinosaur tracks.

4.7 stars, 387 reviews.

Featured venues

Zilker Metropolitan Park
Outdoors

Zilker Metropolitan Park

351-acre, urban park with botanical gardens, a spring-fed pool, a theater & sports facilities.

Barton Creek Greenbelt
Outdoors

Barton Creek Greenbelt

This popular urban natural area offers opportunities for biking, hiking, swimming & rock climbing.

Pease District Park
Outdoors

Pease District Park

Urban park features trails, picnic space, sports courts & an annual public party in honor of Eeyore.

MuellerLakePark
Outdoors

MuellerLakePark

A large lake anchors this park featuring an amphitheater, loop trail & picnic area.

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
Outdoors

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

This large public park known for its system of hiking & biking trails also has a playground & pool.

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Outdoors

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

Quiet 21-acre grounds with walking trails & a wildlife habitat with free-roaming peacocks.

Butler Metro Park
Outdoors

Butler Metro Park

Winding park with city vistas, a night-lit fountain, a pond, walking paths & other features.

Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Outdoors

Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail

Waterfront walking/cycling path featuring scenic views of the downtown skyline.

River Place Nature Trail
Outdoors

River Place Nature Trail

Picturesque, riverfront park offering a popular forested hiking trail, waterfalls & wildlife views.

Austin Nature & Science Center
Arts

Austin Nature & Science Center

80-acre nature center features educational exhibits including replicas of fossils & dinosaur tracks.