Barton Creek Greenbelt

I am from Colorado so let’s face it, nothing in Texas will be able to compare to the Rocky Mountains. However the Greenbelt is a lot of fun, I would recommend it to everyone to go explore.

Bring bug repellent because you will get bitten, bring water shoes cause you might need it when some parts of the trail you need to walk over a stream, bring water and be open minded, we were not able to walk through some parts of the trail because they required water shoes, it has its charm with the slant rocky walls for ppl to rock climb and tiny ledges

Magnificent scenery and not as packed as barton. Parking is weird and off the highway. The second time we stopped by the water was all gone, it had dried up! Enjoyed nature and had an adventurous hike instead

Great little path with both paved and loose gravel areas. There were many areas to stop and take a dip in the water. THE FREEZING COLD water. It was so clear though. And there are tons of great spots to stop and get a great view of the creek and the city.
There were tons of pups and runners and plenty of space for bike riders too. The creek has more kayakers and canoers than I’ve ever seen before in my life. But there was plenty of room and they stopped along the way at the areas on the trail for a rest.
It’s a great trail to walk with the kids and I’d love to come back and run it one day soon.

the greenbelt is always a must go to every weekend. go swimming, hiking, take the friends out & the dogs to explore

More than half the time it’s dry and a quarter of the time it’s a fishy swamp. Less than a quarter of the year, at best, do you get to swim — depending on rain levels. When it is dry, it does offer some beautiful hiking, if you’re into that sorta stuff, plus humidity. However, I swear this five star rating must be from people who are not from around here/​new to town or people who are from drought-​ridden states, like California. They obviously, haven’t experienced cops harassing them for open containers yet. Hell, I’ve seen cops walk up to someone’s closed backpack and search it until he found what he wanted to find and then proceed to threaten the group that if the rightful owner didn’t speak up, everyone there was gonna get a ticket. And this no cooler policy? When the eff was the no cooler policy put into effect??? We’ve always carried our coolers down here — since before I was five!!!
This place is also a hot bed for moronic dog owners. Sure, I have a dog but she is NOT aggressive! I see so many aggressive dog owners just you know, kicking back, having a cold one, enjoying the water-​bleh-​while their shitty dog is running around, starting crap. News flash! Just because you see other people with dogs off leash, doesn’t mean your asshole dog should be. If you have issues with sweet dogs off leash, do not come here. We do not want to hear your ass bitch.
Overall, I have very fond memories of the BC greenbelt stemming from early childhood. Now this place is crawling with complete choad bag dipshits, male and female.
*One tip, don’t bring glass to the greenbelt. I will embarrass you, in front of all your little friends.
Best.

The Greenbelt is simply wonderful! I do not hike, but rather stroll, as I can stop and smell the roses as it is said. Take your camera. I have taken hi-​resolution shots of even things like weird bugs to the scenery. One thing to watch for is the occasional dog off of its leash. I have not had a problem, but I have helped someone who was advanced in years, almost fall due to an enthusiastic, very large dog jumping up on them for some loving. It is also a great place to go and just sit and think things through.

I grew up on this greenbelt. If I get cremated when I die, I would want to be spread all through the greenbelt.
The dry seasons offer you a chance to explore the entire greenbelt on both sides… Hidden caves that most trekkers still don’t know about today, both below ground and in the cliffs. Miles and miles of great hiking/​biking/​running trails.
When it’s raining, it offers a great opportunity to kayak on the white water rapids (west of the mopac bridge, or even tube the river east of the bridge. There is a spot about a mile west of Barton Springs, on one of the bends, that has a big rock jutting out of the southeast side that you can climb up on and dive into the water. (The water in that spot is more subdued and not dangerous, but deep enough to jump/​dive in.) There used to be a spot just north of the 360 bridge that had a rope swing that you could use and jump off of into the creek when it was full. I don’t know if it is still there but it made for great memories as a kid.
Be sure to get off the beaten path and try rock climbing on one of the many cliffs that present themselves on both sides of the creek.
Be sure to bring plenty of water.

This amazing place is my refuge! I dreamed with this place my whole life and now I can enjoy it! Water temperature is always good! Best days are during the week, more quiet! Weekends are crowded but you also can enjoy it swimming and relaxing! No better place for the summer and the best… it’s FREE! Trail is easy to walk!

The Barton Creek Greenbelt is an Austin GEM. One of the things that makes Austin so unique is the city’s dedication to maintaining greenspace for its residents!
Hikes along the Greenbelt are beautiful and free! And it looks different everytime you go — especially after this crazy rain season we’ve had lately!
Want to hike, swim, bike, run? The Greenbelt is a great spot for all!

This place is great! I walked the trail with a few friends when I visited in March and I really, really liked this place. The path is clean and wide enough to accommodate lots of people (it’s very popular with walkers, runners, bikers, and people walking dogs). The creek is very nice, is a very peaceful, and has plenty of rocks to lounge on. It’s an overall great place!

Came to Twin Falls on 06/​08/​2015 and the water was high and running! Always dog friendly. Parking is free if you park on the mopac frontage road. follow the trails and watch out for people on bikes. No glass, no fire. Bring comfortable shoes to walk the trail and watch your step! there are lots of rocks, uneven surfaces, exposed roots and poop. nature basically. cant really wheel in a cooler or stroller. the paths to get to the green belt are fairly easy hike. Please pick up after yourselves and also keep in mind cops walk around out there. just be aware of yourself, your surroundings and your loved ones.

The greenbelt is one of the best things about living in Austin! I haven’t been to every city by any means, but the ones I have been just don’t have what we have here in Austin. The greenbelt is our magical little spot in the middle of the city.
I always go in the entrance that is on the southwest side of Mopac and 360. From this entrance it is about a half mile in to Twin Falls and then about 2.75 miles or so in to Sculpture Falls. Sculpture Falls is my spot and totally worth the hike.
On the hike you can enjoy the beautiful trees and creek, it really is breath taking and magical that this exists in the city.
Sculpture Falls is the perfect spot to spend the afternoon. Bring your friends and some drinks in your backpack so you stay hydrated and just relax and take in the beauty of this magnificent place! Don’t forget to check out the underwater cave at Sculpture Falls too!
I recommend wearing tennis shoes for the hike in and out. If you have sensitive feet like me carry your water shoes in your backpack.

Along with live music, bluebonnets, loving your dog, «work hard /​play hard», and «keeping weird», this little slice of urban Central Texas heaven means Austin to me.
Less than 3 miles from the state capitol, the 809 acre Barton Creek Greenbelt includes a 12+ mile shaded hike & bike trail system along a treasured limestone-​walled stream that eventually leads to Barton Springs Pool in downtown. You can access the park at several points from downtown and southwest Austin, some off major roadways (like Loop 360) and others in neighborhoods. Depending on the recent rainfall levels, much of the creek can be dry throughout the year, but after a few showers the park becomes an oasis of trickling water, small falls, appreciative wildlife, and splashing kids & pups. Even in the dry seasons, the place gets many visitors who love the shaded trails and many rock-​climbing opportunities.
Trail head access points (from downtown toward Westlake):
+ Zilker, 2212 William Barton Drive
+ Spyglass, 1601 Spyglass Drive
+ Homedale, 2009 Homedale Drive
+ Gus Fruh, 2632 Barton Hills Drive
+ Loop 360, 3753 S Capital of Texas Highway
+ Gaines, 3918 S Mopac Expressway
+ Trail’s End, 1712 Camp Craft Road
Some parts of the park are more family-​friendly than others, but your best bet if adventuring with kids is always to start early in the day before the party animals have shown up with their beer coolers and ganja. On the other hand, it’s kind of like Eeyore’s birthday year round in certain sections after noon (just so you know, there may be scantily clad folks), so it just might be a great teachable moment about colorful characters and alternative lifestyles, lol.
Tips:
– If you bring it in, make sure you pack it out. Let’s keep our park clean for everyone!
– Pick up your poop! You’d think this would be covered in the first tip above, but it bears repeating. Stepping in poop (dog or human) on the trail is GROSS, people! Not to mention, fecal matter runoff in the creek makes it less suitable for swimming.
– Come early. This is your best chance for a little peace & quiet in nature, less heat, and more creature sightings. The park opens at 5a daily for your sunrise hiking, climbing, biking, and meditation needs.
– Bring water shoes of some kind if you plan to get in the creek. The rocks are slippery and sharp on tender bare feet.
– If you love this park and want to see it flourish for generations to come, consider supporting the Save Barton Creek Association
.
– See the full greenbelt map here:

Amazing that this is located mere minutes from downtown. I can see why Austin is such an amazing place to live!
I had the opportunity to walk two different parts of the Barton Creek Greenbelt and enjoyed both.
The first time I parked at the parking area along side the frontage road at 3918 S Mopac Expy. There is some construction going on here that made things pretty easy, but I imagine when cars are zipping along this might be more dangerous. However, it is right next to the trail and there is really only one trail that stays pretty wide and accessible as it goes along the creek. This was a very popular spot after work with all kinds of college students, families, hikers, and mountain bikers enjoying the trails and the creek.
The second time I parked at 3755-​B S Capital of Texas Hwy. At the lighted intersection just before you get on Route 1, you turn into an office building’s parking lot. Do not be discouraged by the sign that says tenant parking only. Turn left and go through their parking lot and then through a gate into a parking lot for the 360 access. There is plenty of parking and even an outhouse at the trailhead. This was also an enjoyable hike and I loved seeing the Seismic Wall. However, be aware that the Greenbelt is pretty wide here and there are multiple trails crisscrossing each other. The vegetation is thick and the trail is quite narrow in some places. There are virtually no blazes whatsoever once you get out of the parking lot. Of course the nice thing is that there is always Barton Creek to re-​orient you. If you get lost, go towards the creek and then walk back towards the traffic noise coming from 360, but it can be disorienting at times.
Kudos to Austin for their foresight in preserving this treasure for its citizens — I was also very impressed with the lack of litter and trail destruction from a park that gets so much use.

Love this! Hiking the greenbelt makes you feel like you aren’t in a city anymore, but without the long drive to get away. There are plenty of great areas to get in the water and it’s all free! The hike itself isn’t that difficult. There are some areas that are more difficult than others, but if you are concerned about it, there are plenty of easy trails. The location is incredibly convenient too in case you forget to bring food, there are plenty of restaurants nearby!

The Greenbelt is such a great place for a hike. Once you start on the trails, you forget that you’re still in the city. There are endless trails and «trails» you can hike on where you’ll encounter mini waterfalls, creek scenery, wooded areas, and much more.
Great place to mountain bike but I do warn you, the trail can be very technical so it’s definitely not for beginner bikers. You have been warned.
Bring your dogs, kids, family, and/​or friends for a great place to walk/​hike and just take in nature.

Yay! I love hiking at this greenbelt! It’s nice and shady and there is a little stream along it where you can swim in when it gets too hot! The hike is pretty easy, not too steep at all and it is also dog friendly! I personally wouldn’t bike here because I feel that it is too rocky, but I’ve seen lots of people bike along the trail! This is a great exercise and outdoor event in the morning before it gets too hot in the afternoon! The trail goes on for a while and I haven’t been to the very end yet, but you can hike a good 1 – 2 hrs one way!
There are also some cliffs along the way that you can climb up if you are feeling adventurous! However, they are a little high up so always have someone spot you because it could be dangerous if you fall! I also wouldn’t advise hiking here after it rains! I would wait at least 2 – 3 days as some shady parts tend to dry slower and it can get pretty muddy!

Barton Creek Greenbelt is the perfect destination for a daytime hiking adventure! The trail has endless instances of nature in harmony.
The trails are perfect for a smooth walk or a jog. I even saw people riding bikes around the trail. In addition, there is very beautiful scenery throughout the trail. I fell in love with the small little waterfall that is a few minutes into the trail. It is absolutely breathtaking to see the work of nature. In addition, there is many hills nearby that you can actually climb if you are feeling particularly adventurous. However, you have to be very careful to make sure you don’t slip on a rock.
Overall, the trail can be as long as you need it to be. There are plenty of activities to do on the trail from hiking to climbing. I think we spent about two hours just walking around, and exploring the wilderness. It is a great place to relax, and relieve some stress.

I had a great time at Barton Creek Greenbelt! It is a little difficult to actually find the place. I used the address that I found through Google, but it was inaccurate. It was easier for one of my friends who had actually gone before to navigate us. We parked just off the highway on a dirt road, started off on the trail.
The trail is as challenging as you make it. So, you can stay on the path, or be adventurous and take your own twists and turns. But wherever you end up going, definitely take the chance to see the waterfall and the river. I think this is a great place to get exercise and just have some time to yourself or with friends. I am so excited that I discovered this hiking trail, and I can’t wait to go again!