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Austin, Texas / Parks and outdoors

Hike and Bike Trail

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is a scenic, mostly flat 10-mile loop wrapping around Lady Bird Lake. It serves as Austin's premier recreational hub and a vital urban commuting corridor.

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Hike and Bike Trail
thetrailconservancy.org, og_image_thetrailconservancy.org

What is the Hike and Bike Trail and where is it located?

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is a 10-mile loop located in the heart of Austin, running along the water's edge at Lady Bird Lake. It is listed in Austin's trail directory at 800 W. Riverside Drive in the Central area.

What are the hours of operation for the trail?

The trail is open daily from 5 a.m. to midnight. There is a mandatory curfew in place between midnight and 5 a.m.

Is there a fee to access the trail?

No, there are no fees or permits required to access the trail.

Is the trail wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, the trail is mostly wheelchair-accessible, featuring a mostly flat, paved surface with gentle grades under 8%. It also provides ADA-accessible entrances, rest areas, restrooms, and drinking fountains.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is a natural gem located in the heart of Austin, Texas. Named in honor of former Austin mayor Roy Butler and his wife, Ann Butler, this lush urban path serves as the city's most renowned and popular recreational attraction. Running along the water's edge of Lady Bird Lake, the trail spans a 10.17-mile loop and is surrounded by over 200 acres of scenic parkland, welcoming nearly 5 million visitors annually. The trail meanders through a vibrant mix of downtown Austin, quiet neighborhoods, playing fields, and cultural landmarks. Designed for shared use, the low-grade path is wide enough to comfortably accommodate both cyclists and pedestrians. It features a mostly flat, paved surface made of crushed granite, concrete, and boardwalk. With gentle grades under 8%, the trail is mostly wheelchair-accessible and features ADA-accessible entrances, rest areas, restrooms, and drinking fountains. A key highlight of the trail is the Boardwalk section, which was constructed starting in October 2012 and completed in early June 2014. This project closed a crucial 1.3-mile gap along the south shore of Lady Bird Lake. Beyond its massive popularity for leisure, running, and cycling, the trail serves as an alternative transportation route, with many locals using it daily to commute from one part of town to another. Managed with the help of the Trail Conservancy, whose mission is to protect, enhance, and connect the pathway, the trail requires no fees or permits to enjoy. It is open daily from 5 a.m. to midnight, with a mandatory curfew in place between midnight and 5 a.m.

Visitor tips

  • The trail is completely free to access, with no fees or permits required.
  • Plan your visit between 5 a.m. and midnight, as there is a mandatory curfew from midnight to 5 a.m.
  • Access the Boardwalk section via multiple convenient points, including the American-Statesman parking lot, Blunn Creek, Riverside and IH-35, or International Shores Park.
  • Take advantage of the trail's ADA-accessible entrances, rest areas, restrooms, and drinking fountains along the route.

Nearby context

Located in the central heart of Austin, the trail seamlessly connects the city's urban core with its most beloved green spaces. As you explore the path, you can easily transition to nearby attractions like the expansive Zilker Park or stop to take in the panoramic waterfront vistas from the Lou Neff Point Gazebo, making it a perfect starting point for a day of outdoor exploration.

Sources

Evidence and links