Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

What to know

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is a cherished natural gem in the heart of Austin, Texas. Named after a former Austin mayor and his wife, this scenic path loops around Lady Bird Lake, a reservoir on the Colorado River. Depending on the route and source, the trail spans a 10-mile loop (or up to 14.6 miles) and is surrounded by over 200 acres of lush parkland. It is bookended by Zilker Park on the west end and Guerrero Park on the east, passing by skyscrapers, neighborhoods, ball fields, and cultural attractions. The trail's history dates back to the 1970s, emerging from a public-private civic effort led by the Citizen’s Committee for a More Beautiful Town Lake and its Honorary Chairwoman, Lady Bird Johnson. Formerly designated in 1975 as the Town Lake Trail, its stewardship was later bolstered in 2003 by the formation of the Town Lake Trail Foundation, now known as The Trail Conservancy. Today, it is recognized as one of the most well-used trails in America, hosting between 2.6 million and 5 million visits annually. A major highlight of the trail is the spectacular 7,250-foot lakefront boardwalk on the south shore. Completed in June 2014 after construction began in October 2012, this project closed a critical 1.3-mile gap in the trail. The boardwalk features concrete deck planks, lighting, an art installation by Ken Little, seven viewing areas, and an ADA-accessible pier. This addition not only unified the trail's east and west halves but also established an alternative daily commuting route across town. Beyond its recreational and commuting appeal, the trail offers unique wildlife viewing. It passes directly under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, where thousands of bats emerge at sundown during summer months. Visitors can also bring their leashed dogs along for the journey.

Visitor tips

• The Boardwalk is open daily from 5 a.m. to midnight, with a curfew enforced outside these hours.
• You are welcome to bring your dog, but they must remain on a leash at all times.
• Check for local updates before heading out, as parts of the trail may experience construction closures.
• Visit the section under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge at sundown in the summer to see thousands of bats.

Nearby context

Wrapping around Lady Bird Lake in central Austin, the trail serves as a vibrant thread connecting some of the city's most famous areas. To the west, it links directly to the expansive Zilker Park, while to the east, it reaches Guerrero Park. As it winds through the urban core, walkers can easily transition from peaceful lakeside nature to bustling downtown streets, skyscrapers, and local neighborhoods, making it the ultimate starting point for exploring Austin's active outdoor lifestyle.