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Old 02-05-2015, 05:38 PM
 
529 posts, read 1,546,857 times
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Hello Austin residents,

I will be coming to Austin next week and was wondering what people's opinions are of which hiking areas are the best in the nearby hill country. I've done research on the topic but there are too many choices and I'm trying to narrow it down to just a few trails since I will only be in the area for two days.

I have been to Austin before and am familiar with the city but it has been a long time and I didn't have the chance to do much exploring in the hill country back then. So any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks
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Old 02-05-2015, 05:59 PM
 
Location: Sacramento Mtns of NM
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You can pick up a map of the Barton Creek Greenbelt, or download one from the internet. With only two days to spend, that one trail should give you all the hiking you'll have time for. The main trail is 8 miles long, from Barton Springs pool to the Hill of Life area. Various access points allow hiking portions of the trail. Lots of variety and can be lots of hard-core bikers too!

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Old 02-05-2015, 06:05 PM
 
529 posts, read 1,546,857 times
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Thanks, I'll be sure to check this one out!
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Old 02-05-2015, 06:36 PM
 
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maybe the balcones canyonland preserve. It is closed to everyone except hikers. Very few people ever use it because of the restrictions so you probably wont see anyone else.

BCP Access | AustinTexas.gov - The Official Website of the City of Austin
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Old 02-06-2015, 05:01 AM
 
Location: Cedar Park, Texas
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One of my favorite things about living in Austin is the hiking!

Barton Creek Greenbelt is nice, especially around 360/1 where the creek has some rushing water and small falls. Depending on how far you want to go, you will end up there starting from the pool as suggested above, or you can park there as a start.

Up north on 360 there are more options. As you are heading that way, just as you cross the famous Pennybacker Bridge, you can pull over to park (on the other side of road if heading north) and hike up to the lookout. Spectacular views.

Also in that general area are the Bull Creek Greenbelt, St. Edwards Park and Turkey Creek Trail.

You don't have to drive out to Hill Country to find great hiking here. But if you want to take a short drive go to Hamilton Pool, Milton Reimers Ranch or Perdenales Falls State Park.
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Old 02-06-2015, 05:08 AM
 
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the problem with the barton creek greenbelt trail is it is flat. If you want climbing then the trails are all unofficial trails and it will be hard to find a map and there are no trail markers.
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Old 02-06-2015, 05:27 AM
 
Location: Cedar Park, Texas
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True, depends on if the hike is for peace and serenity or physical excursion. Since there are no mountains here, steep challenging climbs are limited for sure.
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Old 02-06-2015, 10:57 AM
 
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Mckinney Falls State Park is really cool for hiking in the Austin area. Or Lost Maples near San Antonio.
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Old 02-06-2015, 11:03 AM
 
Location: Austin, TX
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Pedernales Falls State Park

McKinney Falls State Park
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Old 02-06-2015, 11:12 AM
 
Location: Central Texas
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Good Water Loop of the San Gabriel River Trail. 28 miles of trails around Lake Georgetown.
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