Top 7 Ideal Bike Routes in Austin

Biking around Austin is one of the best ways to explore this vibrant and peaceful city.

Top 7 Ideal Bike Routes in Austin

While the hills in west Austin may be steep and challenging for cycling enthusiasts, most of the downtown hills are quite easy to conquer.

From Downtown to Lady Bird Lake

Difficulty: Easy

Shoal Creek Trail – From Route 15 to Route 29

Difficulty Level: Easy

Located in the heart of the city, Shoal Creek Trail is an ideal choice for travelers looking to stop along the way to admire the scenery or have some fun.

Head to the trail via Route 15 and North Lamar Boulevard. Shoal Creek Trail passes through a volleyball court and a dog park. Along the way, you can also visit cafes and restaurants or stop for camping.

Southern Walnut Creek Trail

Difficulty Level: Easy

Walnut Creek Trail is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Stretching 11 kilometers, this path boasts stunning landscapes with lush forests, winding streams, and the Harvey Penick golf course.

With a width of approximately 3 meters, Walnut Creek Trail is rarely crowded with vehicles. You can leisurely cycle while enjoying the scenery or chatting with friends without worrying about passing cars. In spring, both sides of the trail are adorned with beautiful wildflower fields.

From Downtown to South Congress Avenue

Difficulty Level: Easy – Moderate

South Congress Avenue has a dedicated lane for bicycles. However, as it is a major thoroughfare, caution is still necessary. Occasionally, cars may unexpectedly appear on the small roads.

The shopping district is located on West Mary Street. If heading north-south, you'll mostly be cycling downhill. That also means if you're going in the opposite direction, you'll need a bit more effort to pedal uphill.

Barton Creek Greenbelt

Difficulty Level: Moderate

This challenging route demands a mountain bike, preferably equipped with shock absorbers. Heading west, you'll encounter a lush valley filled with verdant trees.

For most of the trails, pedestrians and cyclists share the path. However, towards the end, cyclists have a separate lane for convenient sightseeing without the worry of collisions.

While the trail isn't steep, it's rocky. During the rainy season, it can get slippery with puddles. Carry plenty of water as there are no shops along the way.

From the untamed Wild Basin Preserve to the Pennybacker Bridge

Difficulty Level: Challenging

This route is only for those accustomed to mountain biking. Although it's only about 6.4km long, you'll navigate through busy highways before ascending the hills.

You'll need to train your fitness and possess numerous skills to safely conquer this route, but it'll be a magnificent experience as you'll have the opportunity to admire the stunning scenery with limestone cliffs and tree-covered hills.

According to Bình Minh/Tuổi trẻ

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Reference: Travel guide Mytour