A Connected City: 7 Trails and New Additions in Austin

Looking for a shady picnic spot on the lawn, a challenging mountain bike trail, a hike with a view of sunset, or a place to let your dog off-leash? An extensive network of trails connects the city of Austin. These trails pump life from the heart of Austin to the far outskirts of the city. Check out some of the new additions to the trail system and a few of Austin Fit Magazine’s favorites.

Ann and Roy Butler Trail

The Ann and Roy Butler Trail plays a huge role in connecting and uniting Austin. This 10-mile trail loops around Lady Bird Lake, the narrow reservoir on the Colorado River in the heart of the city. Great for sightseeing, fishing, walking, biking, or running, this trail is helping to keep Austin fit. Parking is available on S. Lakeshore Boulevard or at Festival Beach; this trail is accessible from anywhere around Lady Bird Lake.

Rainey Street Trailhead Developments

July 12 marked the official debut of this beautiful new extension to the Ann and Roy Butler Trail. With an open lawn, a nature playground, shaded tables, and a floating dock for fishing, this addition will likely become a lively corner of Austin. Located at the corner of Cumming Street and East Avenue; at the end of Rainey Street.

Onion Creek Greenbelt Trail

This well-shaded trail in Southeast Austin is great for dogs. Let your pup roam off-leash and cool down in the shallow areas of the creek. Just over two miles long, this hiking trail parallel to Onion Creek allows you to be immersed in nature while still within the city limits. Located off of Onion Creek Drive.

The Grove Pedestrian Bridge

With the State land granted and the plans for construction approved a few years prior, the development of the new bridge is well underway. This impressive structure over Shoal Creek will further connect the neighborhoods within The Grove and the Shoal Creek Trail. Located at the intersection of 45th Street and Bull Creek Road.

Mount Bonnell Trail

The peak of Mount Bonnell offers one of the best sunset views within the Austin city limits. The 0.5-mile loop includes over 100 limestone stairs and an observation deck. Mount Bonnell is regarded as the highest point in Austin at about 775 feet. Located in Covert Park.

Longhorn Dam Improvements

Scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2026, the “wishbone” shaped pedestrian bridge will expand over a corner of Lady Bird Lake to connect the Ann and Roy Butler Trail, the trail parallel to Canterbury Street, and Holly Peninsula. The existing footbridge connecting Holly Peninsula and Town Lake Metro Park will be removed and an underpass (beneath Pleasant Valley Road) will be installed to connect Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Park Trail. The future bridge boasts shaded structures, lights, and plantings in the center where the bridge converges. Located near the Longhorn Dam and Holly Shores.

Photo Credit: AustinTexas.gov

Photo Credit: AustinTexas.gov

Homestead Trail and Onion Creek Loop

McKinney Falls State Park has over 600 acres of limestone waterfalls, hiking trails, and mountain bike routes. Enjoy views of the upper and lower waterfalls of Onion Creek while mountain biking on this 6.8-mile loop. Considered a moderately challenging route, experience biking atop different surfaces, across limestone, and through shaded woods. Located in McKinney Falls State Park.

Photo Credit: Leah Farda via AllTrails.com