For those who have ran the trail and hiked The Greenbelt countless times, we’ve put together a list of our favorite hidden gems in Austin that may not be on your radar. All the trails are free and are within a 30 minute drive from downtown. Check ’em out!

1. River Place Nature Trail

Surrounded by greenery and tall trees, this trail will take you to a different world; a world that is shaded and cooler (great for the hot, summer months). After climbing many stairs, your heart rate will soar and you’ll reach high levels of elevation that you wouldn’t find anywhere else in Austin. The trail is extremely clear and is impossible to get lost on. Make sure you stop at the creeks and waterfall to cool off. If you’re looking for a challenging hike, this ones got your name all over it!

Pro tip: If you’re a moderately-experienced runner, run the trail. It’s worth it!

Distance: 5.5-6 miles (round trip; no loop)
Dog friendly: Yes
Terrain: Mostly dirt, stairs, some water crossings
Fees/Reservations: $10 on Saturdays and Sundays; no reservations, no cash

2. Walnut Creek Trail

This neck of the woods is a popular spot for both hikers and mountain bikers. Comprised of a huge, 15-mile mass of land, Walnut Creek is an explorer’s dream. There are tons of unmarked paths, so you may get a little lost; but that’s more fun, right? With multiple winding paths and few obstacles, undertaking part of the trail is perfect for beginners. The hike offers plenty of overlooks, so don’t forget to stop and smell the roses on the way up. And of course, cool down in the beautiful creek on the way down. 

Pro tip: Wear good shoes. The rocks can be pesky!

Distance: 15 mile loop
Terrain: dirt, loose gravel, small and large rocks, tree roots
Dog friendly: Yes; there are on and off leash sections
Fees/Reservations: Free; no reservations 

 3. Turkey Creek Trail

Located near The Emma Metropolitan Park, you may be lucky enough to see some wildlife on the drive up! Turkey Creek trail is a very cool, secluded spot where you’ll find a creek that runs along the trail. Although primarily flat, you will find parts of the trail that have moderate elevation changes as well as water crossings. This is the place to be one with nature; but, don’t forget that bug spray!

Pro tip: No, really, lather yourself in bug spray. Horse flies are not your friend.

Distance: 2.8 mile loop
Terrain: Loose rocks, dirt, tree roots
Dog Friendly: Yes, off leash
Fees/Reservations: Free; no reservations

 4. St. Edwards Park

Referred to as the “country within the city,” St. Edwards Park is a perfect balance between finding peace and chasing adventure. Surrounded by forest-like areas, there are lots of hidden trails, great elevation, phenomenal views, a waterfall, and a creek. This trail has everything you need for a peaceful getaway and truly is the best of both worlds.

Pro tip: If you’re looking for a more challenging trail with elevation, take the hill trail. Keep your eyes peeled on the way down and you will find a rope swing and swimming hole for all your adventure needs!

Distance: 2-4 mile loop (depending on the trail – hill or creek)
Terrain: mostly dirt, rocks, gravel, and some tree roots
Dog Friendly: Yes; dogs must be on a leash
Fees/Reservations: Free; no reservations

5. Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

Located off of Loop 360, you can access Wild Basin Wilderness preserve easily, making it a great spot for families and visitors to Austin. It’s a short trail comprised of multiple paths and terrain (dirt, large rocks, loose gravel, tree roots). There are some hills with relatively high elevation, and multiple overlooks that show off a great view of Austin. With a perfect, easy-to-get-to location, be sure to check out this trail for a weekend adventure. 

Pro tip: Trails are marked very clearly, but here’s a trail map to help out since there are multiple networks of trails.

Distance: 2.5 mile round trip
Terrain: Dirt, loose gravel, rocks, tree roots
Dog Friendly: No
Fees/Reservations: Free on weekdays; reservations required on weekends and holidays with a nominal day-use fee

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Written by Danielle McIntosh

The post Top 5 Tucked Away Hiking Trails in Austin appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

Want to head out to the Greenbelt soon? Here’s what you should know.

What is the Greenbelt?

The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a 7.5-mile stretch of land through South Austin used for hiking, swimming, birdwatching, rock climbing, cycling, and more. It begins near the famed Barton Springs Pool at Zilker Park and ends at 1712 Camp Craft Road.

Where can I enter?

The Greenbelt has seven access points. Popular ones include the trail’s head at Zilker Park (2212 William Barton Drive), the main access point off of the Capital of Texas Highway (3755-B Capital of Texas Highway), and the Twin Falls access point (3918 South Mopac Expressway).

What should I bring?

Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, especially during Austin’s warm days. Snacks are also a good idea, but don’t forget to take all trash and recyclables—leave no trace! Alcohol is not allowed, so leave the beer at home. A towel and extra socks may also be a good idea if you plan to swim.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are welcome on the trail but must stay on a leash for the safety of other hikers and cyclists. Don’t forget extra water for your furry friend. Also, check on Austin’s harmful algae blooms that may crop up in the Greenbelt’s water, which can be extremely toxic for dogs if ingested.

Where can I park?

Parking lots are near the Zilker, 360, and Homedale access points. But beware, spots can fill up quickly on good weather days. Austin is also bringing back its free weekend shuttle from the One Texas Center parking garage to Zilker Park starting May 27.

Where can I swim?

Perhaps the most crucial question for hiking during Austin’s warmer months. The Greenbelt includes two swimming areas: Campbell’s Hole and Gus Fruh.

Campbell’s Hole includes rock formations, sandbars, and a pebble beach, and lies near the Homedale and Spyglass access points. It’s also less popular than some other Austin swimming holes.

Gus Fruh is another less-traveled favorite of locals, and the swimming hole can get very deep after some good rain. However, the Gus Fruh access point (2632 Barton Hills Drive) is in a residential area, meaning street parking is necessary.

Hikers will also take a dip in Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls. Just know that water levels will always depend on rainfall; you’ll have a better shot at a good swim in late spring and early summer.

The post A Guide To Hiking Austin’s Greenbelt appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

Location:
1670 City Park Rd.
Austin, TX 78730

The post Hike Turkey Creek Trail appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

The park has lots to do for just a day trip or a camping excursion along the banks of Onion Creek. Hike or bike nearly nine miles of trails. The 2.8-mile Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail has a hard surface, good for strollers and road bikes. You can geocache, go bouldering, and enjoy a picnic. When it’s warmer out, swimming is great here, and fishing is awesome, too.

Daily Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Location:
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway
Austin, TX 78744

The post McKinney Falls State Park appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

1. Panther Hollow Trail
2. Little Fern Trail
3. Canyon Trail

It’s roughly a 6 mile-out and back- moderate/difficult hike that features a waterfall and great views!

There is a daily fee per hiker here during peak usage hours on Saturdays & Sundays ($10/ credit cards only). Dogs are also welcomed on this hike but must remain on a leash. Street parking on Big View Dr and around 4702 Blvd, where there is a second entrance. For an extra workout, park downhill.

Location:
8820 Big View Dr.
Austin, TX 78730

Photos by: AllTrails

The post Hike River Place Nature Trail appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

When you’re looking for a view without the ruckus, whip out this list.

We’ve been building rugged, yet lightweight gear on the East side of Austin for over 7 years. In other words, we know a thing or two about designing a mighty fine hammock. Hang with us, it’s about time.

Team approved, tried and true, kickass kickback spots to hang.

Hang forever, ATX.

Colorado Bend State Park

• 31.065017, -98.504508

• A ways outside of Austin, this is the perfect weekend adventure.
• Grab some cinnamon rolls and catch golden hour with people you love.
• Disclaimer. It’s spring time. Bring a bugnet to keep the bugs at bay.
• Photo credit: @kylemeck

Pease Park

• 30°17’08.9″N 97°45’15.1″W
• Located alongside Shoal Creek Trail, Peace Park is home to local joggers and afternoon bikers. This park is a great central spot, just 5 minutes from downtown.
• Photo credit: @gregbalkin

Walnut Creek Park

• 30°24’03.5″N 97°41’09.0″W
• Dog owners: Walnut Creek Park features a fresh off-leash area for your pups to run rampant without worrying about who’s business they’re getting into.
• Multitude of hilly, meandering trails for mountain bikers.
• Plenty of trees to hammock. Take your pick, and relax!
• Photo credit: @muellers_dayoff

Town Lake Bridge

• 30.265464, -97.755892
• Snag a spot next to the hikers and joggers, you won’t be alone but we’ll guarantee you a beautiful view of the city.
• Photo credit: @gregbalkin

Snake Island

• 30°14’50.1″N 97°43’10.5″W

• Team Kammok’s Tom Sawyer getaway, Snake Island is littered with the perfect hammocking trees, and waterfront views of Lake Austin.
• Getting there is the fun part
• Photo credit: @travperk_photo

Mount Bonnell

• 30°19’17.1″N 97°46’22.3″W

• Not exactly an Austin secret, but you can get creative with your hammock placement. Snag a yogi and find your zen at golden hour.
• Photo credit: Kim Jones

St. Edwards Park

• 30°25’07.1″N 97°47’35.7″W

• This hidden park is perfect for trail runners, hikers and dog owners.
• Our favorite spot is a little off the beaten path: follow Bull Creek all the way West from St. Edwards park until it crosses to the other side of Spicewood Springs Rd. You’ll find gently flowing water, limestone for days, and a quiet spot to set up your hammock kit.
• Photo credit: @muellers_dayoff

The Greenbelt

• Gus Fruh Entrance: 30.249457, -97.795174

• Best for last. Also, some of the more popular spots. Pick a time of the week where you won’t run into the whole fraternity, and enjoy our personal favorite patch of ATX.
• Photo credit: @travperk_photo
• Our team’s favorite spots:
  • Gus Fruh
  • Lost Creek Falls
  • Sculpture Falls
  • Campbell’s Hole / The Flats

BONUS: Barton Springs…Almost.

• 30°15’51.3″N 97°46’06.1″W
• Don’t go to the paid side.  We repeat, do not go to the paid side.
• Slightly north from the paid entrance of Barton Springs, there is refreshing water and beautiful trees to hang near. Grab a book, a local beer, and kick back here for the ultimate hang.

Don’t see your favorite spot on the list? Submit your favorite spot to hang here.

About Kammok

Based in the heart of East Austin, Kammok is an outdoor company focused on hammock camping. We design durable, lightweight gear to elevate every adventure. The Roo camping hammock is our flagship product, made from climbing-rated hardware with a lifetime warranty so you can hang forever.

Gear up for your next adventure at www.kammok.com, and get 10% off your first purchase when you sign up for our newsletter.

The post 9 Best Spots To Hang A Hammock In Austin appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

Here are our top picks for parks with shade in Austin.

North

Springwoods Park – 9117 Anderson Mill Rd.

A canopy of oak trees provide ample shade for the playgrounds as well as a hike and bike trail.

Mountain View Park – 9000 Middlebie Dr.

This well-shaded neighborhood park, which is part of the upper Bull Creek greenbelt, has a recently-updated playground.

West

Clarksville Park – 1811 W. 11th St.

Cool down in the splash pad in between playing on the covered playscape.

Laguna Gloria/Mayfield Park  – 3505 West 35th St.

While these parks are not your traditional parks with playscapes and such, there are shaded trails that offer an opportunity to explore nature on foot in the summer months.

Central

Eastwoods Park – 3001 Harris Park Ave.

Hidden in the heart of Hyde Park, Eastwoods has a surprising amount of space to explore, most of which is shaded (including the main playground) — and a splash pad. (Note: parking is metered, so bring some change.)

Perry Playground Park – 4900 Fairview Dr.

Located adjacent to Highland Park Elementary, this playground has two separate areas, both of which are shady. There are also trails to explore in the wooded area to the west of the park.

East

Dottie Jordan – 2803 Loyola Ln.

Kids enjoy the many shaded playscapes and swing sets in addition to a trails that runs alongside the park’s western edge and a pool.

Patterson – 4200 Brookview Rd.

Located close to Mueller, this park has a significant amount of shade on its playscapes, as well as shaded picnic tables (with a checkerboard etched in) and a pool nearby.

South

Little Stacy Park – 1400 Alameda Dr.

Little Stacy is a bit hidden along Blunn Creek. The park has a nice playground with some fun climbing structures. Close by: Big Stacy Pool.

Garrison Park –  6001 Manchaca Rd.

Garrison is shaded thanks to the many mature trees on the property.

The post Best Parks with Shade in Austin appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

Although Yellowstone National Park was America’s first national park, protected by an act Congress in 1872, Texas is now the proud home to a whopping 13 parks and areas managed by the National Park Service. Lone Star national park areas annually welcome over 4.6 million visitors to enjoy the amazing diversity and nature in Texas.

Below are the five biggest areas managed by the National Park Service in the Lone Star State:

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

Named for the bend in the Rio Grande River, Big Bend National Park is one of the most remote and spectacularly unspoiled national parks in the United States.

Established in June 12, 1944, Big Bend measures a huge 801,000 acres, almost as big as the entire state of Rhode Island. Yeehaw, pardner, you can explore this beautiful pristine wilderness on the Mexico border for weeks and still never see it all. Make sure you wear your boots though, as Big Bend is crawling with all kinds of critters, including Cougar, black-tailed jackrabbit, kangaroo rat, golden eagle, collared peccary, Mexican black bear, coyote, and javelina.

Keep your eye out for bones poking out of the soil, as you might be looking at a dinosaur fossil from the Cretaceous or Tertiary era! Big Bend is home to spectacular vistas, gorgeous desert plateaus, and jaw-droppingly beautiful canyon.

Big Bend is almost famous for being home to over 60 different cactus species, many of them unique to the area, and a whopping 1,200 other species of plants. Not bad for a mostly desert area, eh?

GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Lift your eyes to the sky, pardner, because Guadelupe Peak is the highest point in the Lone Star State. Another famous peak is El Capitan, which is Spanish for “The Captain”, a unique landmark that brave pioneering settlers once used to tame the Texas wildlands.

Guadalupe Mountains is chock full of amazing horseback trails, and hiking paths that will take you over 3,000 feet up through beautiful stands of pine and fir trees. Visitors also love McKittrick Canyon, home to thousands of Texas-native Bigtooth Maple trees, that blaze with fiery color during the autumn.

First established on October 15, 1966, Guadalupe Mountains has something for everyone, including amazing caves and canyons to explore. And if that’s not enough, you can clamber around on a fossilized coral reef that is millions of years old.

Guadalupe Mountains is bursting with Texas wildlife, including western diamondback rattlesnakes, prairie lizard, Chihuahuan spotted whiptail, tarantulas, mule dear, long-ear sunfish, Rio Grande leopard frog, rock squirrels, elk, black bear, gray foxes, and mountain lions.

LAKE MEREDITH NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Located north of Amarillo, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area encompasses Lake Meredith, which is a huge artificial reservoir formed after the construction of the Sanford Dam. Lake Meredith National Recreation Area is particularly famous for its boating, fishing, and other aquatic activities, and contains five boat launches and a full-service marina.

Fishing enthusiasts love Lake Meredith because of the huge abundance of different edible species found there. Cast your line and see if you can hook a walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white bass, white crappie, or one of Lake Meredith’s Texas-size catfish. If hunting is more your thing, load up for white-tailed deer, mule deer, dove, teal, turkey, quail, and pheasant.

Another special part of the park is the the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument, a series of special mountains where people have been coming for thousands of years to mine the unique rainbow-hued flint rocks that exist in this Texas paradise.

BIG THICKET NATIONAL PRESERVE

Once far larger, but drastically reduced due to extensive logging operations, Big Thicket National is still home to hundreds of thousands of trees. Big Thicket is the most biodiverse areas in the world not located in a tropical region. It is so amazing that it was been officially designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981.

Big Thicket is so big that it its boundaries extend over seven different counties in Texas. Big Thicket isn’t just home to hundreds of thousands of trees, but also countless bogs, swamps, and wetlands, so be sure to strap on your waders before heading in. Indeed, because the preserve is largely wetlands and thick forest, the National Park Service’s maintains the park from its office in Kountze, just north of Beaumont.

While nature lovers come to see the abundant flora, such as rare orchids and insect-eating plants, be on the lookout for alligators, water moccasins, and other venomous snakes.

PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE

Not to be confused with South Padre Island, home to vacationers and university students on spring break, Padre Island National Seashore is located on South Padre Island, an almost entirely undeveloped and wild area. To preserve the pristine nature of the national seashore, vehicles are largely prohibited from the area. Laguna Madre, located on the west coast of South Padre Island, is internationally famous for its unique windsurfing opportunities.

Established in September 28, 1962, Padre Island National Seashore covers a huge 130 thousand acres, and is longest undeveloped barrier island in the entire world!

The most famous natural attraction is Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, which clambers ashore every year to lay its eggs. Keep your eyes peeled for other critters, including coyote, deer, jellyfish, and ghost crabs.

Padre Island Nationalal Seasure is a birdwatcher’s paradise, as it plays home to over 380 different species of birds, including Brown Pelicans, Redheads, Least Terns, Peregrine Falcons, Reddish Egrets, Piping Plovers, Laughing Gulls, Double-Crested Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, Black Skimmers, and Sandwich Terns.s

Written By: Vincent Stokes
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