Austin is a top destination if you enjoy the outdoors. The Texas capital has numerous locations for swimming, kayaking and relaxing in the sun. The top hiking trails in Austin are excellent for cardio, fat loss, and boosting your mental health. Here’s your guide to beginner hiking trails in the nearby area.
1. Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is easy to access because its loop passes through the heart of the city. While the trail is 10 miles long, you can exit or take breaks along the way. Beginners enjoy the low-grade trail because it’s easy for pedestrians and cyclists to share.
2. Laguna Gloria Trail
Laguna Gloria is a local staple because of The Contemporary Austin. In addition to beautiful paintings, the area has the Laguna Gloria Trail. Like many top Austin hiking trails, this nature walk is free to the public and easy to stroll. Enjoy the Colorado River as you admire the outdoor art and wildlife roaming the grounds.
3. Slaughter Creek Trail
Slaughter Creek Trail is conveniently located in south Austin near U.S. Highway 290. The path is a 5.3-mile loop that lets you escape the city for a while. Soft ground and low elevation keep the trail accessible for beginners. Besides walking, you’ll see people horseback riding and cycling as they take in the scenery.
4. Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls Trails
Barton Creek Wilderness Park is among the top Austin hiking trails because of its scenic views. Stroll along the courses of the Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls trails to a creek where locals enjoy water-sports. These paths are easy for beginners, featuring plenty of shade and picnic benches for breaks.
5. Violet Crown Trail
Another simpler Austin hike is the Violet Crown Trail near Texas State Highway Loop 1. This course is also within the Barton Creek Greenbelt, and you can access it at the Zilker Park entrance. The Violet Crown Trail stretches 30 miles, making it excellent for cyclists and pedestrians. Construction plans should make this trail one of the longest in central Texas.
Top Texas Hiking Trails Outside Austin
While the state capital has terrific trails, Texas has numerous opportunities for fun excursions. Here are five more fantastic options around the Lone Star State.
1. Caddo Lake State Park Pine Ridge Loop
West Texas is famous for hiking trails because of its mountains and deserts. However, the eastern section shines through Caddo Lake State Park and the Pine Ridge Loop. This trail is only 0.7 miles — a short stroll through the woods. Its excellent maintenance makes it easy to walk on, although some sections have steps.
2. Longhorn Cavern Nature Trail
Longhorn Cavern State Park is close to Austin and is one of the state’s top hiking trails. This loop is near Kingsland, Texas, and features amazing scenery despite the short walk. It’s mostly flat, making it excellent for beginners and families with kids of any age. Head here in the springtime to see blooming flowers.
3. Inks Lake Valley Spring Creek Trail
Inks Lake State Park is a short drive from the Longhorn Cavern Nature Trail. Take the family to these incredible hiking tracks for accessible exercise opportunities. The Valley Spring Creek Trail is rocky and has elevated sections but remains an accessible path for beginners.
4. Palo Duro Caves Trail
While exercise is integral to hiking, exploring and enjoying nature are also important. Palo Duro Canyon State Park has trails that feature caves, canyons and other mesmerizing geographical features of West Texas. The Palo Duro Caves Trail is unmarked, but you’ll still enjoy seeing the deep dens. Be mindful of the climbs once you get to the caves.
5. Santa Elena Canyon Trail
Big Bend National Park spans over 1,200 square miles in west Texas and features terrific hiking opportunities. The park has moderate and challenging paths, but Santa Elena Canyon Trail is one of the easiest. Spring and autumn bring a flowing river along the trail, whereas the water dries up in summertime. Go early to avoid the scorching hot temperatures.
Health Benefits of Hiking
If you’re new to exercise, hiking is a superb activity to kickstart your fitness journey. Here are five health benefits from walking the many Texas trails.
1. Fat Loss and Building Muscle
Hiking typically includes elevation changes, making your body work harder to climb hills. Experts say this outdoor exercise works your hip muscles while ascending and your thigh muscles during the descent. It is also great activity that burns a lot of calories, assisting with fat burning.
Beginner trails are easy and won’t tax your body too much. As you progress, find more difficult paths to help your body even more.
2. Doing Easy Cardio
Hiking can feel easier than your typical walk around the neighborhood because of the nature surrounding you. Trees, shrubs, flowers and wildlife distract your brain from the exercise and pass the time. Make the hikes even easier by chatting with accompanying friends as you
complete each circuit.
3. Soaking in the Sun
Texas gets plenty of sunshine year-round, so lace up your shoes and build your vitamin D levels. This nutrient is essential for absorbing calcium from your gut and aiding bone health. While you get vitamin D from eggs and mushrooms, going outside on sunny days is another easy strategy. Regular hikes build your vitamin D levels due to sun exposure.
4. Preventing Diseases
When you do aerobic exercises, you increase your heart rate and your body’s blood flow. Hiking is terrific cardio, even if you leisurely walk through the woods. Experts say hiking can reduce the risk of heart disease because your body increases oxygen consumption. Improving your exercise capacity means your heart pumps blood more efficiently.
5. Boosting Mental Health
Physical health benefits are evident when hiking. You get time outside to embrace the sunshine and a relaxing cardio session. That said, you also reap mental health advantages on your hikes. Being in nature is therapeutic because of the plants and fantastic scenery. You also get a brain boost from exercise because your body releases endorphins.
Start Your Fitness Journey With Chris Protein Personal Training
Hiking is only one way to get fit and improve your physical health. If you’re ready to start your fitness journey, book a free Transformation Session with Chris Protein Personal Training. This consultation outlines a personalized plan and sets the table for your health goals.
