lady bird lake hike-and-bike trail

WallysworldCalgary

Easy riding...lots to check out. If the weather is pleasent then make a day of it and watch the activity on the water....stop for coffee, lunch, dinner. Nice to see the city from both sides of the lake.

michael_dimaggio25

Paralleling the busy streets of downtown Austin, this trail provides a welcome relief from an overcrowded gym. This well-traveled trail runs (no pun intended) the perimeter of Lady Bird Lake with places to cross over into Zilker park providing an extended jaunt for those interested in more than an up and back.Colleagues and I charted a six mile route that went to the bridge by MoPac into Zilker and back the other side before crossing south congress. Along the way saw many friendly faces also trying to get a little work in before the day's events.When went out later in the evening for another run saw many women running alone suggesting that this is a safe well-lit route no matter the time of day.

169marcusl

The trail literally surrounds my apartment at I-35 and Riverside Drive. It is fairly new construction - the last portion was finished in 2014. The trail is a very safe place. It is wide enough for people to stroll, jog, ride bikes, walk dogs and push strollers. The view of downtown Austin is fantastic. Some of the trail actually extends out over the water. There are a few "outcroppings" where you can rest a bit. My favorite one is a little cove where ducks, geese and a swan - yes, a swan - live. You can cross the lake via different bridges. HINT: If you live or are staying along Lake Ladybird (the one in the center of Austin), you can take the trail via a bridge to the downtown and various venues, including SXSW - no car needed!

Anthony-Susan

If it's a nice day, don't miss this. Plenty of free parking on the south side of the river, plenty of water and facilities. Don't miss the bats under the Congress Bridge if you are here from April till October.

Pikmina1983

For those who like nature, that's the place to be. Running trails, places to rent canoes and kayaks and restrooms. The area is clean, and tons of open areas to do outdoors activities. Big enough to get a nice workout riding your bike

bxpeters

Despite the horrible weather in Austin the last day of February, 2015, I am giving this trail 5 stars. My friend and I had decided to do the whole loop--10.5 miles--a few days earlier and neither of us wanted to back out although it was cold and miserable!! It was about 32 degrees when we set out, and it warmed up to a whopping 36(!) by the time we were done. The trail is relatively flat although there are some elevations in some areas. I especially liked the boardwalk which has been recently built over the edge of the lake. Too bad the weather sucked, or else it would have been spectacular.I took the requisite photo next to the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue as a souvenir. It would be great to return some time and do the loop again under warmer weather conditions and maybe even on a bike. Definitely stop and have a drink at Alta which is at the southeast segment of the trail--great views of the lake! And definitely remember your tennis shoes, sunblock, hydration supplies.

Dedicatedhiker

I walked during the midday as a woman alone, and found it to be a very safe place. The trail is spacious allowing for bikes, walkers and joggers, and there are some places to sit and take in the view. I could hear live music across the river making for a true Austin experience.

Kim3900

Brought our bikes and biked the trail and all over Austin! Perfect weather, amazing views, great people! Wonderful weekend!

LRadMinneapolis

This is a must do while in Austin. They completed a 20+ million rennovation of this trail recently that includes beautiful pedestrian bridges over the river that makes it easy to walk loops of various lengths. The views, are beautiful. It is infinitely more enjoyable on a weekday. It is packed on weekends regardless of the weather. If you have to go on the weekend, the silver lining is that you will see every breed of dog known to mankind on your walk!

Moosenearchicago0

It's a real nice path, crushed gravel, along the river. Could put up a few more maps so you could tell where you are in the city.

601katet

It can be hard to find parking along the trail, so you need to start at a park - Zilker or Barton Springs, other places can get you towed so be careful. I always feel safe on the trail, lots of people around, the scenery is great, birds, and the lake, and sometimes bats.

eem_13

We decided to do the shorter hike around Lady Bird Lake. It was about 75 degrees and perfect out. We were not the only people who thought it was a nice day for a stroll Bikers and runners flew by us about every second and we felt very in the way. We made it about a half mile then decided to call it quits. It's very pretty and worth the trip, but just be alert on the trail so you don't get run over.

Melicans

This is a great scenic trail around Lady Bird Lake with lots of shade trees and areas for resting and relaxing. It's perfect for joggers, bike riders, strollers, walkers, and pet owners. The trails are well marked with crushed granite, or cement. Miles and miles of trails. There are also plenty of places to rent paddle boards or kayaks.

gypsywoman1312

So many miles of trails & water to cover, can't do it all in a weekend. Biking across the dam is a little nerve wracking & diffidently a 1 way take turns deal, but well worth the effort!

ValW272

No one calls this Lady Bird Lake, which is a fairly new name for it. It is known as Town Lake. And it is well used - hikers, bikers, birders and dog walkers . Very accessible, friendly and fun. BTW it is not a lake. It is the Colorado River.