I grew up in a rural area outside a small town in the Midwest, where I spent much of my childhood getting lost in the woods, splashing in creeks, and climbing trees. So one of my favorite things about living in the comparatively giant metropolis of Austin is the amount of green space and hiking trails we have. Even in the heart of the city, there are trails that can make you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. And unlike my little town in the Midwest, late December is usually one of most pleasant times of year to go hiking with the family! Here are some of the best places in and around Austin to enjoy a holiday hike. Discover the best holiday hikes in and around Austin! Explore scenic trails, enjoy festive outdoor adventures.
Ann & Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail
Central Austin
This nearly 10-mile loop around Town Lake is a scenic way to explore the urban core of downtown Austin… and pay the statue native son Stevie Ray Vaughn a visit. It’s a well-maintained trail with easy terrain for strollers and clumsy toddlers, but it is crowded with runners, cyclists, and hikers at all hours of the day, and the very limited parking comes at a premium. Still, it’s a definite winner for out-of-town guests who want to see Austin’s landmarks.
The Violet Crown Trail (aka The Greenbelt)
Central – South Austin
Austin just celebrated the completion of the Violet Crown Trail’s 13th mile. With the cutting of that ribbon, the trail now extends continuously from Zilker Park to the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center and includes the portion of trails adjacent to Barton Creek better known as the Greenbelt, as well as Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls. Because there are now 12 trailheads across the city (many with parking and city park access), the Violet Crown trail is easily accessible from anywhere South of the river. The surface and terrain vary in difficulty depending on which portion of the trail you’re hiking, so check the map before you lace up your shoes.
River Place Trails
Northwest Austin
Starting at the Nature Preserve at River Place, the River Place trail system consists of 3 out-and-back trails totaling nearly 6 miles. The well-maintained trail has gorgeous Hill Country views, a waterfall, and abuts to the River Place Country Club’s golf course. There is a $10 fee (accepted on-site by credit card only) for adults to hike on weekends and holidays, but children hike free with an adult.
McKinney Falls State Park
Southeast Austin
An easy drive to the Southeast corner of Austin, the park is home to 9 miles of official trails and many more offshoots to lose yourself in nature without leaving the city. These include the rugged 3.4 mile Homestead Loop trail behind the Lower Falls, the stroller-friendly 2.8 mile Onion Creek Trail at the Upper Falls, the 1.1 mile Williamson Creek Overlook Trail, and more. Texas’s state parks, especially the ones closest to the city, tend to fill up on holidays and weekends, so reserve a $6 day pass for morning or afternoon entry this season.
West Austin
You’ve probably driven by this 227-acre habitat on 360 many times without noticing it’s there. Part of the St. Edward’s Wild Basin Creative Research Center, the preserve has 3 miles of quiet trails with gorgeous views of the city. During the week, admission is free and guests can visit without a reservation. On weekends and holidays (including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day), hikers can reserve a 3-hour pass for a minimal fee: $5 for adults, $3 for kids, and free for children under 6. The terrain is rugged and there is some serious elevation, but the views are worth it!
Turkey Creek Trail
Northwest Austin
Part of Austin’s Emma Long Metropolitan Park, the Turkey Creek Trail is nearly 3 miles out-and-back, with a loop on the North end of the trail. Reservations are not required from October-February, so hikers can come and go at the park for $5 per vehicle during the week, $10 per vehicle on weekends and holidays, or $1 per person to walk or bike in. The trailhead is located 1 mile from the park entrance.
Arkansas Bend Park
Lago Vista
A hidden gem less than half an hour from Cedar Park, Arkansas Bend Park has paved and primitive trails for hiking, as well as gorgeous views of Lake Travis. There are ADA trails perfect for strollers and wheelchairs, and the park has a great playground for little kids and lots of spots for big kids to climb. Park passes are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for children under 12, making it a hiking spot the whole family can enjoy.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Johnson City
It’s less than an hour from Austin, but a trip to Pedernales Falls State Park might as well feel like a trip to another world where you can lose yourself in the beauty and solitude of the Hill Country. There are over 40 miles of trails, ranging from easy to challenging, but the best by far is the Pedernales Falls Trail System along the rocky scenery of the falls (it’s my little climber’s favorite place). It’s a popular destination during the holidays because of its beauty and its proximity to the Johnson City light show, so it’s best to secure a day pass in advance.
Hike Safe
Whether you’re hiking in the middle of the city or in the middle of nowhere, a little situational awareness goes a long way to keep yourself and your family safe:
- Make some noise: Whether you’re hiking alone or practicing safety in numbers, making noise on the trail will scare away animals and let anyone sunbathing nude (hey, I’ve seen it on the Greenbelt… TWICE) know you’re approaching.
- Watch out for snakes: Snakes are an important part of our ecosystem and we share the trails with them, not the other way around. Leave them alone; they want nothing to do with you.
- Keep pets safe: Well-behaved dogs on leashes are allowed on most trails in and around the city, but every runner in history has a story of an unleashed dog being an a-hole. Don’t let your dog be an a-hole. Keep them on a leash.
- Gear up: Whether you’re hiking one mile or ten, bring plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, and apply sunscreen. Your odds of needing to use pepper spray on anyone (or an a-hole dog) are low, but it’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
- Share your location: Cell reception is not always guaranteed, especially the further you get outside the city. Let people know your route and take a map.
Happy holidays, and happy hiking!
