Austin's Most Beautiful Runs That'll Make You Actually Want to Work Out

Now that the weather is turning from “ nether region - ish ” to “ hell yeah ! ” , Austin ’s set community – and those of us who draw a bead on to one 24-hour interval believe being fit – can hit the ground running , literally . Whether you prefer nature trails or city streets , we ’ve got something for runners of any level with these 10 circuits equip with courteous scene .

Slaughter Creek Trail

South AustinLength:5 milesThe Slaughter Creek Trail inside Slaughter Creek Preserve near the Circle C neighborhood in sou'-west Austin is a loop nestle alongside wildlife and wildflowers in a prairie setting . The lead – which is partially cover in crushed granite – is partake in among tramper , mountain bikers , and equestrians . Like most of Austin ’s with child billet , it will be more crowded on weekends . To get at the trail , parking lot in the free lot settle right off of FM 1826 near the brook . A sign that reads “ Water Quality Management Area ” next to an overlooked road lead to the tiny parking lot . Slaughter Creek Preserve Trail opens at first light , close at dusk , and there are no heel let .

Lake Austin Blvd/Scenic Dr

Central / West AustinLength:7.8 milesThis running depart nearMagnolia Cafeon Lake Austin Blvd just west of Mopac . From here you ’ll head west past the golf course andHula Hut , then connect to Scenic Dr , which run along the Colorado River and has gorgeous views , especially properly after dayspring . Your address is theContemporary Austin , where you may repose , hydrate , and check out the resident peacock . Turn around and head back to where you started and seize a beverage atJuiceLand .

Brushy Creek Regional Trail

Cedar ParkLength:7 milesBrushy Creek Regional Trailin Cedar Park is always expand and has many unmarked trail that snake off of the main one for runners to notice . It runs parallel to Brushy Creek Rd for almost seven mile . There are multiple parks unite by the track , any of which have uncommitted parking , including Twin Lakes Park , Brushy Creek Sports Park ( your best option for body of water and toilet facility ) , Champion , Olson Meadows , and Creekside .

Shoal Creek Trail

Downtown/Capitol/Campus

Downtown / CampusLength:1.9 milesThere ’s no right or wrong way to run this , but we intimate starting on Congress Ave just to the south of the river and work all the way to the Texas Capitol ( if you desire to / are able to keep going , head all the manner to the University of Texas campus ) , then loop around and guide back going south on Colorado St and back to your start point . The perfect soundtrack for this campaign should let in Sung dynasty from Texas - born medicine legends like Roy Orbison , Janis Joplin , Buddy Holly , Townes Van Zandt , and , of course , Willie .

Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

DowntownLength:10 milesLady Bird Lake Trail is Austin ’s No . 1 address for running game , walking , and generally enjoying the innate dish of Austin . The trail span from Mopac all the way to Pleasant Valley on the east side . The 10 - mile loop is both riotous and urban , and gets 1.5 million visitant per year .

Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park

West AustinLength:4 milesThis track along Lake Austin has a great view , and the trail ’s terrain modification , which adds to the challenge . Further inland , there are domain with variations in natural elevation and rockiness . Alternately , you could go for a quick run , then loosen up with a blanket and your dog-iron while appreciating the nightfall weather we ’re about to get .

Bull Creek Greenbelt Trail

West AustinLength:3.5 milesThe chief loop here is a brusk track that is often meddling with hiker , base runner , kiddos , and leash hotdog . The elevation stays mostly the same , but you will have to cross pocket-sized creeks after a rain . Further up the mound are a few other , much more intriguing ( and steep ! ) track easily explored with a chemical group . This track start out at 6701 Lakewood Dr inside Bull Creek District Park ; the parking lot is place directly across from the creek from the trail .

Barton Creek Greenbelt

Zilker / West AustinLength:7.6 milesThis one is obvious : the Barton Creek Greenbelt lead run is a long one that begins at Zilker Metropolitan Park and ends at the highly technical , and steep , Hill of Life . you could enter anywhere along the trail , and take a cooling dip at multiple places like Twin Falls or Sculpture Falls . And no solar day on the greenbelt is everlasting without a well - earned repast atTacodelion Spyglass .

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

North Central AustinLength:1.3 milesWalnut Creek Metropolitan Park ’s shady Walnut Creek track ( not to be confused with the Walnut Creek trail in East Austin ) is pretty popular for mountain rockers , hikers , and trail runners . This trail , which is less rocky than the Greenbelt , is marked with arrows that show you the quickest room out , so you’re able to bail anytime . There ’s plenty of parking , restroom quickness , and a pool close by that is open during summertime months .

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beautiful runs austin