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    River Place Nature Trail

    4.6 (253 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

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    Stephanie P.

    I have to say this is probably my favorite trail yet in the austin area! So much shade, so many different plants , there is a lot of stairs so make sure your ready for an adventure! If you come on the weekend they do charge per person if you get lucky you get there early enough that you don't have to pay. This hiking trial is a one way path so to get back you have to turn around so keep that in mind when walking. It's located in a neighborhood if you get lucky they may be having some nice garage sales to purchase some perfect additions to your home. Everyone on the trail was respectful and not too loud disturbing others! I will definitely make this one of my routine hikes and places to take others when they come in town and want to take a hike!

    Amber L.

    Out of all the trails we've been on in Austin, River Place Nature Trail is the closest to a true "hike". Friendly warning that there is a $10 fee per person on the trail during "peak hours" which really just means weekends. The trail itself is very immersive as you traverse forested paths and some lofty climbs and steep declines. This 2.5 mile trail is definitely a cardio workout but was a fun one at that. In terms of hikes with views it is definitely lacking as there was no true peak that provided a lookout. The entrance to the trail was beautiful however so I would assume that's where the upkeep fees go. Altogether this is a challenging trail but to us it just wasn't worth the $10 ultimately without the true payoff of a stunning view.

    Elvira O.

    This is a moderately difficult trail. The trail branches off to a one mile out and back and the other part of the trail is three miles out and back. There's plenty of shade and a few benches to sit if you need a break. I recommend wearing trail shoes as there are some muddy areas and a few small streams to cross. There is also a lot of elevation gain. I also highly recommend bringing plenty of water as it's been very hot and humid lately in mid-May. If you are not a resident of the neighborhood, there is a $10 fee per adult if you are using the trail during peak days, Saturdays and Sundays, and peak hours. They accept credit card only and there is an attendant at the trail entrance to take payment. Overall a nice, clean trail. Plenty of street parking a well.

    Pond at trail entrance
    Steffie S.

    This is by far one of the best hikes in the Austin area. There are two big reasons I'm enthusiastic about it: (1) LOTS OF SHADE. You literally could hike this trail from dawn to dusk, and be shaded by all the cedar trees. And (2) the trail is very well-maintained. There's no garbage, and the paths are well-constructed to prevent erosion. It does require a lot of ascending and descending, so be prepared to sweat. Bring water, tough guys! You will be so happy you did! Lastly, they do charge a fee to walk it on weekends only. My research revealed this charge is voluntary. The money goes to maintaining the area, so if you've got $10 to spare, i believe it's a good cause. Enjoy!

    serenity pool
    Julie D.

    Came here to get some movement while visiting ATX. I started at the boardwalk entrance and went to the canyon trailhead. It was approximately a 6 mile RT hike with plenty of stairs and several creek crossings. The trail was pretty and very green. Some mosquitos are here to keep you company. Highly recommend bringing water and a snack - it takes over 2 hours to complete the round trip at a casual pace. Plenty of free parking on the street.

    Erica G.

    Forever and always my favorite trail in Austin. With that being said, I have been to this trail several times and have hiked to the end and back. Right now, there is very little stagnant water, and I DO NOT recommend going in due to no circulation or movement of the water. Also this trail does not loop around. OTHER THINGS I PERSONALLY WOULDN'T RECOMMEND: Bringing your dog Bringing your kids I WOULD BRING: Either a bag with water and Gatorade or anything to keep you hydrated. You'll need it! I'm reading where people are taking their kids on this trail. I am astonished. More power to you, but I don't understand how they got through this very steep and treacherous trail. I came back way more in shape but figured what made this trail harder this time around. My bulky hiking shoes.. Definitely recommend a good light training shoe. This is a hard trail in general. The steps ARE STEEP, and there isn't any railing. On top of it all, there are loose rocks, so be careful! If you are careful and mindful of other people hiking, all will be good! You'll 100% get the BEST workout from this trail and will most likely be back for more.

    Michael L.

    THE BIG: Beautiful, steep elevation canyon park right in the heart of west lake hills. THE BLACK AND WHITE: The wife and I always kick off the new year with a hike and decided this year to do the River Place Nature Trail. Great views with the first part of the hike meandering with a creek. The trail also intersects a golf course, so don't mind the driving sound of golf balls whizzing by you as you hike. Most of the trail is nice and shaded so this is a great option if you're looking to hike during the grueling Austin summers. THE FINAL BAMBOO: Note, one way is ~3.5 miles, which is about an hour and 10 minutes. This is not a loop so be mindful about how far you go and turn around.

    David M.

    This is a great trail to hike and it is super easy and convenient to get to. It is within a neighborhood with some very beautiful houses. I did the canyon trail which I highly recommend. It takes about 2.5 miles to get to the top and there are staircases that go up and down. You will get a great workout doing this hike. There are about 2700 steps in total and they can get pretty steep. Bring a water bottle while doing this hike there aren't any water fountains at any of the trailheads. There is a $10 fee to hike the trail but I didn't see any kiosks when I went. Overall a great and challenging hike that I recommend doing if you love hiking.

    Hiking trail
    Nila A.

    Went hiking here with my cousin and I recommended it 100% . The scenery is so beautiful, It made me feel like I was a fairy in tinker bell. Not only that but there wasn't many people so it was very peaceful. The trail was well maintained and the area to sit by the pond was just another bonus. Good place for ‍

    Afternoon Hike!
    Emily A.

    One of my favorite trails in Austin! I highly recommend appropriate footwear for stepping on and over rocks. Grip shoe wear for sure. I wore hiking boots this time and realized I conquered all of the smaller trail path with zero issues and found myself EXCITED to do so with the longer trail path. This was my partners first time here which made our hike much more enjoyable! We took off our boots to put our feet in the water. There is nothing like the sound of birds and the sound of streaming water.. The sun was out; however, the temperature was just about fifty-seven degrees. Absolutely gorgeous weather and the scenery was overwhelmingly beautiful. This was a peaceful hike for us. To note: You will come across countless log stairs while on the canyon trail and going downhill is quite challenging for some. PLEASE BE CAREFUL.

    Trail

    My husband and I always hike on Sundays. But recently when we arrived on Sunday Memorial Day weekend there was a lady posted up at the entrance stated there's a park fee on weekends & an entrance card is given for you to enter. FIRST TIME RUNNING INTO THIS ISSUE OUT OF THE 15 TIMES WE'VE GONE TO THESE TRAILS. We ended up going to the 2nd entrance ( 2nd trail past the clubhouse) and no fee's were being admitted. FELT LIKE A SCAM TRYING TO HAVE US PAY FOR NATURE!! But all & all the trail is beautiful, pretty shady! A few spots with water leading from the creek. Seen a blue jay & colorful butterflies. Sounded beautiful!! As if you're listening to relaxing zen waterfall music.

    Marcy C.

    First time trying this trail. I did the Panther to Canyon trail which is an intermediate to advanced trail in my opinion. I'm guessing that the Panther to Little Fern is not as intense. The trail is really fun and picturesque. We enjoyed the lightening rock, waterfall, and hidden bench. My dog and I hiked up to the Observation view. I was definitely winded after some steps because I'm not in shape;) This trail has a lot of regular hikers and dogs. PSA: if you take your pooch please be sure to pick up after them. If you forget to take your potty bags the place does have some at the beginning of the trail. Hikers be careful where you step;) Other than this this trail is a must if you haven't checked it out. I'll definitely be back! See pics:)

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    2 years ago

    My favorite hike in ATX if you like a challenge. It's like the stair climber, but in nature.

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    This trail is fantastic and the perfect combination of ease and challenge. You feel like you are in some faraway land.

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    River Place Nature Trail Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - River Place Nature Trail

    So if I hike the whole thing, will the end of the trail take me back to my car where you park?

    The trail is not a loop, you will have to turn around and hike back to get to where you parked.

    Has anyone seen any snakes there?

    Ha, yep! Be watchful of where you step or sit.

    Is there $10 entry fee to park all the time now or is it still free on weekdays?

    From what I read, they offer free hours for hikers Monday thru Friday, 10am to 2pm

    Does anyone know if you begin your hike before 8 am, do you still have to pay the $10? Thanks

    No charge if you arrive before 8am on weekends. No charge on week days either.

    Is this kid friendly (5 and 7)?

    There's a nice pond at one end, very kid friendly. The rest of the trail might be a little challenging, but go slow and they'll have a great time.

    What time does it open?

    It's open dawn to dusk, so it changes with the seasons.

    View All 7 Questions

    Review Highlights - River Place Nature Trail

    bring water since there aren't any bathrooms/water fountains on this trail.

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    Mount Bonnell - Enjoying the view of the Colorado River as we strolled along the top of Mount Bonnell.

    Mount Bonnell

    4.4(522 reviews)
    6.0 mi

    Mount Bonnell is the quintessential Austin spot for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Austin,…read morethe surrounding hills, and some of the most impressive homes in the city. I usually visit here as a part of run club destination run as the sounding area is very hilly and a challenging running route. The best time to visit is around sunrise or sunset as the overlook provides plenty of opportunities for photos, whether you're capturing the water, the skyline in the distance, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. The trail itself is relatively short and manageable, though there are a few stairs to navigate. Parking can be limited during peak times, so arriving early is a good idea. Despite its popularity, the atmosphere remains peaceful and makes for a great spot to relax, reflect, or bring out-of-town guests for a memorable Austin experience. Whether you're a local or just visiting Austin, Mount Bonnell is a must-see destination that showcases some of the best views the city has to offer.

    Mount Bonnell was a place that we were told we really needed to go when we were visiting Austin…read more You get on top of the ridge (at least this is a ridge to me as I was born and raised and lived in mountain states where the mountains are quite large) and you can get a great view of downtown Austin with it's cityscape and then you can also get a good view of the Colorado River and the neighborhoods across the river which are quite nice. The terrain is rocky on top so watch your step and there are a fair amount of people up here enjoying the view as well. I am sure sunrises and sunsets are beautiful and very impressive. We walked for a ways and got a few different vantage points of the views so if you are able to do that I definitely recommend doing so. It's a great place and indeed a place to go when visiting. The locals enjoy it too!

    Photos
    Mount Bonnell
    Mount Bonnell - View at Mount Bonnell

    View at Mount Bonnell

    Mount Bonnell

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    McKinney Falls State Park - Bluebonnets

    McKinney Falls State Park

    4.0(313 reviews)
    14.7 miSoutheast Austin

    There are definitely reasons why this park is so popular and why the website recommends purchasing…read moreday passes in advance. McKinney Falls is gorgeous! We went for a hike there right after a big storm and the grounds were so green and vibrant. We mostly stuck to the Onion Creek Trail as it is paved; however, the storm brought in mud to a few places on the trail, so be prepared to maneuver or wear proper footwear if you go during rainy season. Many families line up to take pictures in front of the upper falls (outside the Smith visitor center), so go early if you'd like a picture free of other guests. We then went to the lower falls area where there is an expanse of limestone (I believe) to get to the falls. There's a very small beach and swimming hole area that many families were enjoying. It's important to note that dogs can't enter any of the water at this park. The park also had multiple designated fishing areas as well. We drove around the campgrounds and they have well-maintained water + electric sites at every site. We would highly recommend a visit if you're in the Austin area.

    Austin, Tx. Actually the park is pretty nice, except…read moreconditions on a hot summer day were not ideal. The lower falls had little water and there was a huge slew of trash and litter in it and it looked disgusting. The upper falls were better but very little water flowing. We were leaving soon but my wire told me to pull over so she could photograph some wildflowers. I did because there was nobody there that day, but a Ranger had to come scold me anyway. Well I did leave behind my $12. I hope it goes for trash removal.

    Photos
    McKinney Falls State Park - Newly engaged couple portraits by the falls

    Newly engaged couple portraits by the falls

    McKinney Falls State Park - EV charging

    EV charging

    McKinney Falls State Park

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    Barton Creek Greenbelt

    Barton Creek Greenbelt

    4.5(39 reviews)
    8.5 mi78704 (South Austin)

    We had a wonderful hiking experience along the greenbelt. We started at the spyglass trailhead and…read morefortunately found street parking. We went along the trail to the Gus frau trailhead and made our way up to the residential neighborhood above. It was a great hike - lots of woods around us and we saw some areas where folks were trying out rock climbing and bouldering. It's a pretty easy hike - not too much of an elevation gain. We saw a lot of families and dogs along the trail. The Gus Frau portion was a bit steeper but still pretty do-able overall. The hike is shaded which is much appreciated during hot Texas summers. I would certainly come back here to check out more of the Greenbelt!

    Back in the day (and by that, I mean about a few months ago), I found this randomly and stopped to…read morewalk/hike around on a sunny sunday morning. I wasn't aware there were multiple starting points for this trail as there's a connection in the Townlake area; but I found this location! It's roughly 3 miles and covers the South Austin area with the trail that crosses underneath route 360 and goes alongside Barton Creek. There is plenty of uphill climb here that will give you quite the workout but it's well worth it! I saw a decent amount of hikers/walkers here with a couple bikers. Some trail areas are narrow so you may find yourself either stepping aside or influencing someone to step aside. I'll be back!

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    Barton Creek Greenbelt - Under the bridge

    Under the bridge

    Barton Creek Greenbelt
    Barton Creek Greenbelt

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    Jacobs Well Natural Area - Front entrance parking area

    Jacobs Well Natural Area

    4.2(163 reviews)
    27.0 mi

    I'm sure that during its peak season and at its full potential, the well will be much more…read morecaptivating and visually appealing than my experience of it. But despite that notion, Jacob's Well overall is very underwhelming. The hike is probably the shortest and least challenging I've ever experienced. There are several mini trails that are great for kids to explore, along with a large tire swing at the front entrance. Jacob's Well is definitely very kid- and senior-friendly as it's not very strenuous at all to hike or walk around. It's a nice that it's there for everyone to experience nature but again, very underwhelming. We spent about half an hour there which was enough time to experience the entire area. Definitely worth a visit if it's your first time in Wimberley.

    My family and I stopped by here while driving around and was a fun experience. They had a play area…read morefor kids, a garden, some swings, picnic tables and few trails you can walk. They are known for the well so we naturally went there first. I was expecting a bit more honestly but it was cool to see regardless. The park itself is free but if you want to swim, you have to reserve it and only can during season (starts in may). I can't speak much on the swim itself but the hike there wasn't really bad honestly. There are a few paths that require you to be careful (climbing rocks and bit of steep hill) so hang on to the rails, ropes and don't step close to the edges. The paths themselves are actually really small not very far hikes. You can complete most of the trails in a day if you like but watch your step on some of the paths. The ones I liked were more rocky paths and a bit challenging but nothing too painful. There wasn't many people around either on the paths so was able to just enjoy and do some bird sightings. We even enjoyed a picnic there and nothing around us to bother us. Overall this was a fun experience to visit if you happen to be around. I think this place is fun if you have kids and need to burn some of their energy.

    Photos
    Jacobs Well Natural Area
    Jacobs Well Natural Area - Flowers all around

    Flowers all around

    Jacobs Well Natural Area

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    Violet Crown Trail

    Violet Crown Trail

    4.8(21 reviews)
    5.0 mi

    We're not experienced hikers, but this was a great trail for beginners! It's mostly flat and easy…read moreto follow, though very rocky in many sections, so good shoes are a must. The trail was beautiful, well maintained, and clearly marked once you're on it. One thing to note: mileage between points isn't posted at the entrance. Distance markers only appear after you start hiking, which made it a little hard to plan upfront. We ended up hiking about 5 miles round trip and didn't even cover the full trail. We brought lunch but underestimated how far we'd go and left it in the car. Definitely a lesson learned! There were several scenic spots along the way that would have been perfect for a lunch break. Overall, a solid option for beginners who want a scenic hike without intense elevation, as long as you're prepared for rocky terrain and bring what you need with you. I highly recommend to go early! We arrived around 10:30am on a Saturday and parking was filling up fast. Once we got back to the car around 1pm, there was a long line waiting for parking. Another notable mention is the restrooms! It could have been due to the time of day we arrived, but it was one of the cleanest and well maintained for a public facility.

    Hiked a little over a mile and a half down the violet Creek Trail at the spyglass Trail entrance…read moreduring my lunch break. It was very nice. Not too hot or humid today in Austin. The trail is covered with different types of trees and a rock canyon that goes up quite a way as you go further down the trail. The trail is well marked and has mile markers along the way. There are even houses at the top of the canyon. They are pretty cool to look at as you make your way down the trail. The trail does have quite a few hikers, including families and mountain bikers riding down the trail. I plan on coming back soon on my bike and ride quite a ways further than I hiked today to see where the trail goes. I would definitely recommend this is a really cool trail in Austin to get out to nature and enjoy the day.

    Photos
    Violet Crown Trail - Rocky

    Rocky

    Violet Crown Trail - Rock walls along trail

    Rock walls along trail

    Violet Crown Trail - Rick wall on side of trail

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    Rick wall on side of trail

    River Place Nature Trail - hiking - Updated September 2026

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