Running Trails in and Around Austin

If you’re a runner in Austin, you no doubt have noticed a shift in the energy on the trails.

Those joggers might seem more ... focused. They’re slurping gels every few miles. They’re wearing running vests and sunglasses that cost more than a small house. They’re checking their Garmin watches and updating their Strava accounts. They’re gathering in increasingly large groups and dominating the trails during their run clubs.

That’s right, it’s marathon training season again, and if you’re anything like me, you’re a little tired of the crowded trail at Lady Bird Lake and may be looking to get your miles in elsewhere. Lucky for you, my editor and I have put together a fresh list of trails to make your runs breeze by. Full disclosure – we didn’t have the time nor the stamina to run every inch of these trails, but we did explore them to get a good sense of what running each route would be like.

Shoal Creek Trail

Spanning about 3.7 miles from downtown, through Pease Park, and on to West 38th Street, Shoal Creek trail offers a shady, scenic route to runners looking to train on a mix of paved and gravel terrain. Downtown parking means paying for a spot, but if you get to the trail early enough, you may be able to snag one closer to the trailhead at West Cesar Chavez Street. The trailhead runs under Cesar Chavez and in front of the Central Library, it’s hard to miss. However, I did manage to get lost along the way once I started my run (I’m one of the more directionally challenged staffers here at the Chronicle), there was plenty of signage to keep most runners on course. Once you get to the sign that says, “Shoal Creek Urban Trail,” follow the arrow and keep going straight to take the second path that loops around back to the trail. Once at Pease Park, you can choose to stay on the more rugged trail or opt to run on the paved sidewalk.

Austin-to-Manor Trail

One of the more recent additions to the local trail system, this recently completed bike and running path continues where the Southern Walnut Creek Trail leaves off. It tacks on another 7-odd miles to the smooth, paved pathway. The west end of the trail starts rather unimpressively, traveling along roads or beside industrial lots, but the miles near the Manor end of the trail offers pleasantly rolling hills. Ben Fisher Park marks the easternmost end with bathrooms and a parking lot. Like the SWCT there are mile markers with maps, but the chances of losing your way are slim to none. The few times I ran this trail I saw a handful of cyclists and only one other runner, so it’s recommended if you like solitude. There is also an area that serves as both a clay shooting range and a space for radio control planes. We’re not sure how those coexist, but the distant gunfire was a bit disconcerting. – James Renovitch

Violet Crown Trail

A newer addition to the collection of Austin trail systems, the Violet Crown Trail starts at Zilker Park and runs all the way to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. When the trail’s construction is done, it will extend for 30 miles all the way to Onion Creek, but for now, it has a solid 13 miles runners can take advantage of. There are multiple places where you can jump on the trail, but I found the easiest to navigate was the Barton Creek Greenbelt entrance (bonus, there are some really clean bathrooms to use right before you hit the trail). There was quite a bit of construction blocking most of the parking off William Barton Drive, but I was able to find a free spot in the lot right next to the Rock Garden Picnic Area. From there, I walked down the hill to the greenbelt’s entrance. Though I’m a staunch street runner, I actually found running on the trail of the greenbelt exciting. I felt like one of those bruised and scarred adventure runners as I (carefully) made my way through the trail. Because this route is so long, the rocky, often hilly terrain does vary a bit, but you’ll definitely be running on some rougher paths, so come prepared and watch your step.

Brushy Creek Regional Trail

If you’re looking for a little escape from the city, the Brushy Creek Regional Trail is a great alternative. Similar to the Violet Crown Trail, this 14-mile route is split into different sections, which makes it easy to join from anywhere. Parking is free and plentiful at the Twin Lakes Family YMCA off 183 where you can hop on the western terminus of the trail. This portion of the trail is paved and more secluded with some corners that are harder to see around, so make sure to keep your head on a swivel to avoid any accidents. Folks were out walking their dogs, running, or biking on the trail, but it never felt cramped or crowded. About half a mile in, there’s a sign to guide you to stay on the trail that leads to Brushy Creek Sports Park. This trail had tons of bathroom and water fountain stops, places to sit and rest, and lots of trail markers which made it one of the easier trails I navigated. A map at each trailhead stop showed how far away the next stop was and where the next bathroom was located. The terrain varied from pavement and gravel to dirt but was pretty flat and easy to keep a steady pace on.

Mueller Hike-and-Bike Trail

This 4-mile loop on what used to be Austin’s airport offers local runners well-maintained paths through and around the neighborhood’s green-spaces. There are convenient lots at the old hangar off Airport Boulevard or by the skate park on Manor, but there’s also street parking throughout for the rebels who refuse to be told where to park. Trails are either gravel or paved with a fair share of dogs to keep an eye out for. Probably not a destination trail, but if it’s nearby, it could be a nice change of pace. – James Renovitch

Southern Walnut Creek Trail

The Southern Walnut Creek Trail feels like the Govalle neighborhood’s best kept secret. Located right next to the neighborhood’s park and pool, this out-and-back trail is flat, paved and extends for about 8 miles (not counting the Austin-to-Manor Trail connected on its northern end), making it an ideal location for those longer runs. There’s free parking right next to the trail’s entrance (in addition to lots at the YMCA on 183 and the Austin Tennis Center on Johnny Morris Road) with porta potties nearby. For such an accessible trail, it wasn’t super packed – runners and bikers shared the paved path, which was easy to follow thanks to the dotted yellow line splitting the trail.

Lake Pflugerville Trail

For those of you a bit north of Austin proper, the Lake Pflugerville Trail is a quaint and convenient, 3-mile loop that circles the local reservoir. The trail is well-maintained gravel but almost entirely exposed to the sun, so don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. There’s a large parking lot which makes finding a spot easy and clean restrooms just off the lot with a filtered-water refill station.