Types of trails
Out-and-back trails start and end at the same location and feature a trail that leads to an end point and returns along the same route.
Point-to-point trails start and end at different locations.
![Barton Creek Greenbelt is a popular trail in the area for hikers, rock climbers and bikers with multiple entrance and exit points. (Courtesy Austin Parks and Recreation)](https://communityimpact.com/uploads/images/2025/01/03/344215.jpg)
Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail
The well-known trail is popular with hikers, rock climbers and bikers in the area. Hikers can participate in a longer route or exit at one of the trail's entrance/exit points. Leashed dogs are allowed and some areas permit unleashed dogs.
Difficulty: moderate
Length: 14.2 miles
Trail type: out and back
- 3755 S. Capital of Texas Hwy. B, Austin
- www.austintexas.gov/department/barton-creek-greenbelt
![With a restroom, bike repair station and bench along the trail, hikers can enjoy a difficult hike on the Canyonlands trail. (Courtesy Lakeway Parks and Recreation)](https://communityimpact.com/uploads/images/2025/01/03/344263.jpg)
Canyonlands
Mountain bikers, runners and walkers alike can enjoy this trail with their leashed pets. The trail is best for experienced hikers due to unstable surfaces. Participants can find a restroom a quarter of a mile down the trailhead in addition to a bike repair station.
Difficulty: moderate/hard
Length: 3.7 miles
Type: out and back
- 113 Trophy Drive, Lakeway
- www.lakeway-tx.gov/131/Canyonlands
![The Turkey Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that is kid-friendly and allows leashed dogs. (Courtesy Austin Parks and Recreation)](https://communityimpact.com/uploads/images/2025/01/03/344212.jpg)
With an average completion time of 58 minutes as stated on the AllTrails website, hikers can enjoy this short path with dogs allowed on leashes or unleashed in all areas. The path is kid-friendly and is open year round.
Difficulty: easy
Length: 2.7 miles
Trail type: out and back
- 1984 ½ City Park Road, Austin
- https://bit.ly/3BOYpcr
![The Violet Crown Trail is known as part of the Barton Creek Greenbelt and is known for birding, hiking and running. (Courtesy Austin Parks and Recreation)](https://communityimpact.com/uploads/images/2025/01/03/344214.jpg)
The trail popular for birding, hiking and running was added to the existing Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail in 2015 and runs from the Loop 360 trailhead to the Hwy. 290 trailhead. It is part of a 30-mile pedestrian and cycling trail under construction throughout the Austin area.The trail is open year-round and only leashed dogs are allowed.
Difficulty: easy
Length: 3.8 miles
Trail type: point to point
- 4934 W. Hwy. 290, Austin
- www.austintexas.gov/department/violet-crown-trail
![Leashed pets and owners who are looking for an advanced trail can try out Greenway Trails at Primitive Park. (Courtesy City of Bee Cave)](https://communityimpact.com/uploads/images/2025/01/03/344216.jpg)
Hikers looking to try a more advanced trail can head to his trailhead with their leashed pets. The park consists of four hiking paths and one mountain biking trail with uneven terrain. Individuals have 3.6 miles of trail options to walk.
Difficulty: moderate/hard
Length: trails vary by length
Trail type: out and back
- Rockies Run Summit, Austin
- www.beecavetexas.gov/government/departments/parks_rec/trail_system
![Open since 1990, Hamilton Greenbelt offers benches and picnic tables along its easy hiking path. (Courtesy City of Lakeway)](https://communityimpact.com/uploads/images/2025/01/03/344211.jpg)
Open since April 1990, the trail offers an outdoor space for residents to walk, jog or bike. Community members can find benches and picnic tables along the trail path and leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on the trail.
Difficulty: easy
Length: 2.7 miles
Trail type: out and back
- 1173 Lohmans Crossing Road, Lakeway
- www.lakeway-tx.gov/127/Hamilton-Greenbelts