The city of Austin is known for its lively music scene, and the surrounding hills that give it so much natural beauty. If you’re looking for a great place to spend the day and enjoy some peace and quiet, too, then take a look at the Barton Creek Greenbelt. It is located at 3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B, Austin, TX 78704. In addition to being home to hiking trails, wonderful scenery, and gorgeous campgrounds throughout the year, this greenbelt is also a great place to do it all in Austin. While there’s plenty more to discover—including local wineries, art galleries, restaurants, and more—here are 10 things you need to know about this hidden gem in Central Texas. More information
It’s a Great Spot for Hiking
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is home to some of the best hiking in Austin. There are more than 150 miles of trails through dense forest, along creeks, and through open fields. The best part? You can hike almost any day of the year. The trail system ranges from easy to moderate and includes sections suitable for beginners, families, and even wheelchair users. There are also lots of hiking trails suitable for runners, including the 1.2-mile Scenic Dr. trail that follows Barton Creek for much of its length, and several trails near Lake Como that are great for cross-country running. There are also plenty of options for biking or horseback riding.
There Are Lots Of Beautiful Views
While the hiking trails are central to the greenbelt, one of the best parts about hiking in Austin is all the great views you get. You can climb up to the top of MountCedar to get a view of downtown Austin, or take the flagstone trail up to the top of MountShelton for a view of the surrounding Hill Country. If you’re a nature lover but don’t love to climb, there are also plenty of places to enjoy the greenbelt’s beautiful views. Stop by Chautauqua Park to see the downtown skyline from the shores of Shoal Creek or head to the overlook at O. F. Westfield State Historic Site to see the sights of the surrounding area. Get more info
It’s a Great Place to Run, Too
Another great way to enjoy the greenbelt is by running. With more than 230 miles of trails suitable for runners of all abilities, you can find your perfect route. And if you’re not in the mood for running through the woods, you can run on some of the more developed paths, including the Lake Shoal Creek Trail and the Lake Austin Connector Trail. There are plenty of running events throughout the year, as well, including the Austin Distance Challenge, which takes place in March and is one of the largest road races in Central Texas.
There Are Lots of Outdoor Activities You Can Do
If you love to hike and explore nature, then you’ll love the Barton Creek Greenbelt. But what about other outdoor activities? You can enjoy water sports, including boating, fishing, swimming, and more. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more active, try out a variety of sports, including golf, tennis, softball, soccer, and more. There are also lots of clubs and organizations where you can take part in activities like hiking, canoeing, camping, bird watching, fishing, and more. And for kids, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including canoeing trips, fishing trips, and nature hikes.
The Barton Creek Greenbelt Is Part of the Eco District You Need to Know About
Austin has long been known as a progressive city with a strong commitment to environmentalism. In fact, the city was recently named one of the 10 best green cities in the U.S. by Popular Science. That’s why it’s so important to know about the Barton Creek Greenbelt and the Eco District, which makes up part of this greenbelt. The Eco District is home to a number of environmentally conscious businesses, including shops that sell eco-friendly products, art galleries that highlight the area’s natural beauty, and more. The Eco District is home to more than 50 businesses and five restaurants, including the Barton Springs Mill, a popular spot for outdoor diners.
The Best Part? You Can Visit Austin Anywhere
Being only an hour from San Antonio, the Capital of Texas, and the Hill Country is a huge plus for visiting Austin. Not only can you explore these great cities, but you can also experience Central Texas in a way that won’t be possible in a city like New York City or San Francisco.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a great place to explore nature and take advantage of Austin’s beautiful green spaces, the Barton Creek Greenbelt is a great place to visit. There are more than 150 miles of trails, including more than 100 miles of hiking trails and more than 50 miles of running trails, and you can explore the area by car, bike, or on foot.