Free guides
Where to start trail running in North Austin.
11 places to begin, with the North Austin and Williamson County trails first: the Brushy Creek corridor, Cedar Park, Georgetown and the northern greenbelts. Always check current conditions and closures, especially after rain.
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North Austin & Williamson County
Brushy Creek Regional Trail
A long, friendly corridor linking a chain of parks between Cedar Park and Round Rock. The western stretch is mostly crushed stone, so it is a gentle bridge from road running with easy parking and restrooms nearby.
Best for: Your first off-pavement miles in North Austin
Read the guide →Lake Creek Trail at Brushy Creek Lake Park
A smooth dirt loop that branches off the Brushy Creek Regional Trail and runs right up next to the water. It is popular, gentle and easy to bail out of, which makes it a great first dirt trail.
Best for: Your first real dirt, with the main trail as a fallback
Read the guide →Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
A large network of looping dirt trails in North Austin, shared with mountain bikers. Great for practicing turns, short climbs and trail awareness.
Best for: Winding singletrack and a big trail network
Read the guide →Bull Creek Greenbelt
A creekside natural-surface trail through Hill Country woods. It has rocks, roots and creek crossings, and it feels wonderfully wild for being inside the city. A great next step after your first few dirt trails.
Best for: A shady, creekside run once you are comfortable on dirt
Read the guide →Berry Springs Park & Preserve
A Williamson County park and preserve near Georgetown with several short loop trails through prairie, creekside woods and a century-old pecan grove. It is quiet, easy to navigate and good for a relaxed first outing.
Best for: Short, quiet loops to build confidence
Read the guide →Lake Georgetown (Good Water Trail)
The Good Water Trail circles Lake Georgetown through oak and juniper woods, bottomland and prairie. It is rocky and rooty in places, so treat a short section as a goal for after your first few weeks on dirt.
Best for: A goal trail once you have a few months of dirt under your feet
Read the guide →Worth the drive
Central & South Austin
Butler Trail at Lady Bird Lake
An easy bridge from road running: soft crushed granite, flat, easy to navigate and full of other runners. Bridges let you choose loop lengths.
Best for: Your very first “off-road” miles
Read the guide →Barton Creek Greenbelt
Austin's classic trail: limestone ledges, cedar and oak shade and the creek winding alongside. Rocky and uneven in places, but beautiful and a genuine step up from the road.
Best for: Real trail feel close to the city
Read the guide →Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park
Wide, friendly paths with gentle hills near Slaughter Creek, ideal for building trail confidence without technical footing.
Best for: Gentle rolling trail and wide paths
Read the guide →McKinney Falls State Park
A Texas state park with creek scenery, limestone, big cypress trees and a mix of paved and dirt trails. It offers a friendly step between road and true trail, with a nice change of scenery.
Best for: A scenic, well-maintained first trail run
Read the guide →Emma Long Metropolitan Park (Turkey Creek Trail)
A creekside trail in a park along Lake Austin. It feels remote for being close to the city, with trees, limestone and a quieter atmosphere. A good place to practice steady, relaxed trail running once you have some experience.
Best for: A woodsy, quieter trail with a wilder feel
Read the guide →Bring these
- Water. Most Austin trails have little or no water. Carry a handheld bottle or vest, more in summer.
- Shoes with grip. Road shoes work on crushed granite. For the Greenbelt's limestone, trail shoes help a lot.
- Phone + ID. For maps, emergencies and letting someone know where you are.
- Sun protection. Hat, sunscreen and light colors. Texas sun is no joke from May to October.
- A plan. Tell someone your route and return time. Check closures after rain.
Trail etiquette
- Stay on the trail. Shortcuts cause erosion.
- Yield to uphill runners and hikers; announce yourself before passing.
- Keep one ear free of headphones so you can hear bikes and people.
- Pack out everything you bring in.
- Walk the steep, rocky bits. Pride is not a safety strategy.