Weekends are meant for exploring, and there’s no shortage of splendid trails in Austin. Pack a picnic and bring the whole family! Shady oak trees and rippling waters are calling your name. Here are eight of the best hikes in Austin that are totally kid-friendly and only one-mile-long and under.

1. Mayfield Park
Mayfield Park, Austin, TX 78703, USA
Dean Melendrez/All Trails
Mayfield Park is an easy, shaded hike that dazzles kids of all ages. It is also one of the most beautiful spots in the city, offering a welcome respite from busy Austin life. Gape at the colorful peacocks and search the grounds for fascinating insects. After you finish this lovely one-mile loop, stop for a picnic by the serene lily pad pond. Mayfield Park sits at 3505 W 35th St.
2. Blunn Creek Greenbelt Trail
Blunn Creek Greenbelt Trail, Austin, TX 78704, USA
christy lasalle/All Trails
The gorgeous Blunn Creek Greenbelt Trail loops around magnificent oak trees, lush greenery, and stunning wildflowers. This one-mile journey is the perfect length for young ones, and they'll want to come back again and again. Parents say that it is one of the best kid-friendly hikes around Austin. The Blunn Creek Greenbelt entrance can be found at 1901 East Side Dr.
3. The Rock Shelter Trail at McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park, 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744, USA
TranceMist/Flickr
This trail at McKinney Falls State Park is only .7 miles, but it's packed with jaw-dropping scenery. In fact, its one of the most scenic hikes in Austin. Here, you'll venture over a wooden bridge, peek through a mysterious cave, climb around white rocks, and end at a magnificent waterfall. Head over to 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy to explore these wondrous sights.
4. Walnut Creek Trail
Walnut Creek Trail, Austin, TX, USA
Kristoph Saboteur/All Trails
The somewhat hidden Walnut Creek Trail is an oasis that will soon become your new favorite place. Perfect for youngsters, dogs, and adults, the Walnut Creek Trail makes a 1.3-mile loop through a shady woodland wonderland. Venture to 12138 N Lamar Blvd and soak up the sights.
5. The Zilker Nature Preserve
Zilker Nature Preserve Trail, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Lars Plougmann/Flickr
Dart over to the Austin Nature and Science Center at 2389 Stratford Drive and stroll to the back entrance. Soon, you'll come across the little-known nature preserve, Zilker Nature Preserve, that's full of wonders. This effortless hike weaves past colorful wildlife and ends at an enchanting dry creek bed. While you're in the area, take the kiddos to the dino pit and reptile room. You could easily make this an all-day activity.
6. Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell, Mt Bonnell, Austin, TX 78731, USA
BrandonLord/Flickr
The trek at Mount Bonnell is only .3 miles long, but it is quite steep! This mini workout is entirely worth it in the end, however. Covert Park at Mount Bonnell has some of the most astonishing views in all of Austin. You could stare into the glossy water for hours.
7. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739, USA
Magalie L'Abbé/Flickr
Fields of colorful wildflowers await you. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, one of the most popular places to visit in the city, makes a one-mile loop, and there's so much to discover along the way. Butterflies fly through the air and fragrant plants greet you wherever you go. In addition to the lovely nature trail, there's an adventure playground for the kids to enjoy. Spend an afternoon at 4801 La Crosse Ave. Everyone is certain to have an amazing time.
8. Hamilton Pool Preserve Trail
Hamilton Pool, Texas 78620, USA
Marcus Calderon/Flickr
Book your reservation early! This stunning swimming hole along the Hamilton Pool Preserve Trail is wildly popular, and for good reason. A calm .25 mile hike will lead you to a jaw-dropping 50ft waterfall and swimming hole. After you've splashed in the water for a bit, embark on the exquisite river trail. This .6-mile path ends at the Pedernales' clear waters. Take a day trip to Dripping Springs and drive to 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd. This excursion is a quintessential Austin experience.

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Best Hikes in Austin

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 03, 2022

What are some of the most scenic hikes in Austin?

One of the things that are not lacking in Austin is amazing scenery. And that holds true for the many scenic hikes you will find around the area. One of the most popular is, in spite its name, the Slaughter Creek Trail Loop. Known for its abundance of wildflowers in the springtime, the loop extends about 5 miles.

Where can I find some easy hikes in Texas?

Texas has everything from easy hikes to hard hikes dotted all over the state, and each one offers its own unique vistas and history that keep hikers engaged along the way. One that you might be interested in, located right smack in the middle of Houston, goes past a haunted cemetery. You can find it in Cullinan Park, which is also one of the largest nature parks in the Greater Houston area.

I heard that there is an extinct volcano in the Austin area.

You heard correctly! Most people have never heard of it which makes it a very unique place to visit in the area. Located only a short 11-minute drive from the Texas Capitol in Blunn Creek, it offers an interesting window into Austin’s ancient past. People think of volcanoes that sit on top of the earth, and that's true. But here, this volcano was an underwater volcano from a time when Austin and the surrounding area were completely submerged in water during the dinosaur periods.

Are there any hiking trails in the Greater Austin area that lead to waterfalls?

Absolutely! In fact, one way to take in several of them over a long weekend is to embark upon a waterfall road trip, and you’ll have many to choose from. Some of the waterfalls are found in state parks, others in city parks. And then there is even one situated inside of the Zilker Botanical Garden in central Austin.

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