This is compiled from the perspective of someone who goes on moderate to strenuous day hikes (6-10 miles) without children, dogs, or bikes. I enjoy the Central Texas heat and humidity (even in August)!

It goes without saying but please hike responsibly. Leave no trace.

I avoid parks with easy access to bodies of water because people are so often irresponsible with litter, fishing equipment, and loud music.

Eventually, I plan to expand this page into longer guides with trail notes.

Recommended

1. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, 24518 Ranch Rd 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654
2. Hornsby Bend, 10607 Platt Ln, Austin, TX 78725
   • Twitter thread here. Will write more later!
3. River Place Nature Trail, 8820 Big View Dr, Austin, TX 78730
4. Travis Audubon Society Baker Sanctuary, 12219 Lime Creek Rd, Leander, TX 78641
   • Members-only. Join here.

Skip

1. Bull Creek District Park, 6701 Lakewood Dr, Austin, TX 78731
   • Busy and loud. Close to the highway. Too much litter.
2. Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, 12138 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
   • Too many cyclists make it hard to hike.
   • If you like biking on wide, nicely paved trails, go for it!