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Commodore Perry Estate

Austin Hikes | Commodore Perry Estate

Austin has many beautiful trails to casually walk or to hike to explore the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. We’ve selected a wide variety for all experience levels. There is something for everyone based on how much time you have and your experience level.

Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls Via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail

Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls Via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail is a 3.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Austin that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Length: 3.2 miles
  • Elevation: 123 ft
  • Type: Out and back
  • Admission: Free
  • Notes: Some swimming holes along the way when the water is high enough
  • Distance: 16 minute drive from the Estate
  • Directions

Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail

Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail is a 13.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail close from Zilker park that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. The trail starts near Barton Springs ($5 admission fee), perfect to cool off and relax after a long hike.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 13.8 miles
  • Elevation: 606 ft
  • Type: Out and back
  • Admission: Free
  • Notes: Some swimming holes along the way when the water is high enough
  • Distance: 15 minute drive from the Estate
  • Directions

Lady Bird Lake Trail

Lady Bird Lake Trail is a 10 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located in Austin. The trail is primarily used for walking, running, and road biking and is accessible year-round. The best view of the skyline can be seen from the south side of the lake. Multiple bridges along the trail allow you to make the loop shorter.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Length: up to 10 miles
  • Elevation: 216 ft
  • Type: Loop
  • Admission: Free
  • Notes: Dogs welcome on leash, portions of this trail are wheelchair accessible
  • Accessibility: There are 2 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of South Lamar Boulevard at the southwest end of the trail. Both of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles. The trail surface is paved concrete and smooth. It is typically at least 8 feet wide.
  • Distance: 10 to 15 minute drive from the Estate
  • Directions

Turkey Creek Trail

This trail is rocky with exposed roots. and climbs near the back which, while not very long, are still pretty decent. The signage and the trail itself is good enough that it’d be hard to get lost. At the back of the trail, the loop part, there are several trails which branch off. You get to climb a little more, and the trails are a little more windy and single track and smooth- at least near the beginning, you could always take one of the “off trail” trails at the back to add some more exploring and mileage.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: up to 2.8 miles
  • Elevation: 206 ft
  • Type: Out and back
  • Admission: Free
  • Notes: Dogs welcome on leash
  • Distance: 26 minute drive from the Estate
  • Directions

Onion Creek and Homestead Trail

Located in the McKinney Falls state park, the Onion Creek and Homestead Trail Loop is a 6.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Austin, that features a beautiful waterfall. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Both loops can be done separately if you are looking for something quicker.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: up to 6.8 miles
  • Elevation: 390 ft
  • Type: Loop
  • Admission: $6 per adult (daily state park fee)
  • Notes: Dogs welcome on leash, the Onion Creek portion is paved and bike friendly. The Homestead trail require to cross the river, which can require to get your feet wet if the water level is high.
  • Accessibility: The Onion Creek loop is paved and can be enjoyed by wheelchair explorer.
  • Distance: 22 minute drive from the Estate
  • Directions

Walnut Creek Park Trail System

This metropolitan park offers a vast system of interconnecting trails ranging from easy to moderate. There is access to some creeks and the park offers a wide range of activity options. Many enjoy sunbathing at the creek while dogs play in the water.

  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Length: up to 16 miles
  • Elevation: 524 ft
  • Type: Loop
  • Admission: Free
  • Notes: Dogs welcome on leash with some portion off leash. The park is very busy on the weekends. Mountain bike friendly.
  • Distance: 12 minute drive from the Estate
  • Directions

Riverplace Nature Trail

Riverplace Nature Trail is a 5.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near West Lake Hills that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and bird watching and is accessible year-round.  It is an absolutely beautiful drive to this location and the trail is well-marked lots of stairs. This is not for the faint of heart, it is a popular spot for trail runners to train. On this route, you will follow the Panther Hollow and Canyon Trails. There are nice lookout points along the way (small vistas). There is a lot of variation throughout the hike, and the journey is almost all shaded. Some portions are pretty rocky and narrow so it can be difficult to pass.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 5.5 miles
  • Elevation: 823 ft
  • Type: Out and back
  • Admission: here is a daily fee per hiker here. Credit Card Payments only. Children 12 and under with an adult are free. See the park page here for more information.
  • Notes: Dogs welcome on a leash.
  • Distance: 27 minute drive from the Estate
  • Directions

Wolf Mountain and Juniper Ridge Trail Loop

Wolf Mountain and Juniper Ridge Trail Loop is a 11.2 mile loop trail located in the Pedernales State Park near Johnson City, that features a great forest setting. The year-round trail is primarily used for hiking and mountain biking. This specific loop offers a good challenge and a great glimpse of what nature central Texas has to offer. There are a lot more trails with various difficulty levels and lengths, and features one of the most amazing waterfall around Austin. There are great shelters for bird watching throughout the park.

  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Length: 11.2 miles
  • Elevation: 472 ft
  • Type: Loop
  • Admission: $6 per adult, free for children below 12
  • Notes: Dogs welcome on a leash.
  • Distance: 1 hour and 6 minute drive from the Estate
  • Directions

Reimer’s Ranch Lower and Upper River Trail

Reimer’s Ranch is a beautiful county park with some great trails for hiking and mountain biking. The beginning of the trail will allow you to enjoy some rock formation before leading you along the river. In the summertime, feel free to bring your swimsuit as the river offers plenty of swimming spots.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 4.2 miles
  • Elevation: 192 ft
  • Type: Loop
  • Admission: $6 per person (CASH ONLY), first come first serve until at capacity, so early birds get the worm.
  • Notes: Park known for rock climbing and mountain biking.
  • Distance: 53 minute drive from the Estate
  • Directions

Southern Walnut Creek Bike and Hike Trail

This 7.3 paved trail starts from the Govalle Park in East Austin and goes all the way to Manor. This trail is well known by cyclists and hikers alike. Ideal to see some local wildlife and feeling in nature just 11 minutes from the estate.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 14.6 miles
  • Elevation: 358 ft
  • Type: Out and back
  • Admission: Free
  • Notes: Dogs welcome on a leash. The paved trail is ideal for road biking as well as hiking. Wheelchair accessible.
  • Distance: 53 minute drive from the Estate
  • Directions