Life is breezy and the sun is shining, so there’s no better time to stroll through Austin’s peaceful parks! Before summer’s sweltering heat sinks in, let’s take a moment to luxuriate in the perfect weather. A tasty snack or delicious lunch will taste even better when enjoyed under a majestic oak tree. These nine picnic-perfect trails will make your spring complete. Here are some of the best hikes in Austin for springtime adventures:

1. Mount Bonnell
3800 Mt Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX 78731, USA
BrandonLord/Flickr
This quick hike has a spectacular end view. When you reach the top, you'll find Covert Park. Several picnic tables overlook the glistening Lake Austin waters, and you could stare into the mesmerizing beauty all day long. It's especially enchanting as the sun sets. This is easily one of the best overlooks in Texas.
2. Mayfield Park
3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703, USA
Sean O'Neill/Flickr
In addition to the spectacular peacocks roaming free, Mayfield Park is home to a peaceful hiking trail. Tranquil picnic spots will greet you at the park's entrance, making it the perfect place to fuel up for a lovely woodland walk. Visit this stunning little oasis park in Texas for an unforgettable time!
3. Shoal Creek Greenbelt
1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX 78703, USA
Marcus Calderon/Flickr
Pease Park in Texas is a picnic paradise, and around the corner sits the magnificent Shoal Creek Greenbelt. You can enjoy your tasty meal under the park's shady trees or take it with you along the creek bed. No matter where you wander, you're certain to have a wonderful time.
4. Emma Long Metropolitan Park
1600 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730, USA
Emmanuelle Bourgue/Flickr
This stunning municipal park sits in northwest Austin. Here, you can hike as little or as much as you choose. The Turkey Creek trail is perfect for those craving a long walk, but there's also plenty of picnic spots on the shores of Lake Austin.
5. McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744, USA
mlhradio/Flickr
McKinney Falls State Park in Texas is a popular camping destination, and it's easy to see why! The grounds feel welcoming and peaceful, and the hiking trails can't be beat. Whether you're spending the night or just the afternoon, you'll fall in love with the views at McKinney Falls State Park.
6. Bull Creek District Park
6701 Lakewood Dr, Austin, TX 78731, USA
smallcurio/Flickr
The Bull Creek Greenbelt looks like a scene from a fairy tale. Explore along the tranquil waters and breezy hiking trails and take it all in. Your packed lunch will taste so much more delicious amongst this idyllic landscape!
7. Brushy Creek Trail
3400 Brushy Creek Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613, USA
Drew Kolb/Flickr
This amazing trail spans over ten miles, so it's perfect for avid hikers looking to cover a lot of ground. Along the way, you'll come across quiet benches and shady rest stops. This hiking trail in Texas is one you'll want to add to the old bucket list.
8. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739, USA
Diann Bayes/Flickr
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin is known for its ever-blooming landscape and fascinating plants, but not many people think to pack a picnic! This heavenly place is full of benches and tables, so there's no shortage of spots to kick back and relax.
9. Commons Ford Ranch
Commons Ford Road, Commons Ford Rd, Austin, TX, USA
Joe Snowman/Flickr
Spend your afternoon hiking the incredible Commons Ford Waterfall Trail, and reward yourself with a scrumptious meal at the end. Commons Ford Park is a popular place for lounging and relaxing. The soothing water will melt away your worries! Come see why this is one of the best waterfall hikes in Texas!

Still craving more? This one easy hike in Austin will lead you somewhere unforgettable. So, which hikes in Austin would you call the best hikes in Austin? Tell us about them in the comments – we love learning about your favorite places!

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More to Explore

Best Hikes in Austin

Tori Jane | April 14, 2022

What are some of the best scenic hikes around Austin?  

Austin, Texas, is a beautiful city with lots of impressive scenery around – you just need to know where to look. Our hiking trails are nothing short of excellent, with plenty of options for every skill level and providing some truly wonderful scenery you won’t find elsewhere in the Lone Star State. Some of our hands-down favorite scenic hikes around Austin include gems like the Barton Creek Greenbelt, which is 12 miles long in total and can be accessed via many different trailheads along the way. Enjoy the beauty of Barton Creek as you meander alongside it. Hiking just about any nearby state and/or National Parks is always a great idea for anyone looking for scenic hikes; for example, visit McKinney Falls State Park, which has more than nine miles of great scenic hikes to choose from – oh, and waterfalls, obviously. For those who prefer to stick to city limits and not get TOO wild out there, we recommend hiking around Walnut Creek Metro Park, which has plenty of interconnected trails weaving all over. It’s excellent for any level of experience!  

What are the most popular easy hikes in Austin?  

Did you know there are more than 120 hiking trails in Austin to check out? It’s true, and plenty of them are considered easy as well, making them some of the most accessible trails there are. Some of our favorite popular, easy hikes in Austin include ones like the Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls Via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, at the Barton Creek Greenbelt; should you find yourself at the Greenbelt anyway exploring the above-mentioned Greenbelt Trail, you should check this one out as well! At Butler Park, there’s the Lady Bird Lake Trail, which is paved and offers lovely lake views despite being within a city park (and a lovely one at that), and we also love the St. Edwards Green and Red Loop at St. Edwards Park, which is 2.7 miles of easygoing wandering through one of Austin’s most beloved parks.  

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