Barton Creek Greenbelt
Barton Creek Greenbelt
4.5
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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4.5
242 reviews
Excellent
157
Very good
60
Average
18
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Oliver T
Atlanta, GA882 contributions
June 2023 • Family
Parked our car on the side of road. As we walked to the trail head, noticed several cars with windows broken into. Decided to just go back to our car. There must be a homeless settlement in the woods. Easy to see the paths where they come and break into the cars.
Written 11 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nancymoon
Austin, TX4 contributions
May 2012 • Friends
I used to love the green belt. I've gone to various parts for 20 years. In the past few years more and more people are finding their way there which would be okay except for the fact that every one and their dog brings their dog. Which would be endurable if they adhered to the leash laws. I love dogs, have one of my own, but I leave him home. Why? Because when there does happen to be water running (rare, unfortunately) and I find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the sound of rushing water I'm continually bombarded by dogs barking, growling, attacking one another, walking across me and shaking water all over me. Ruins the experience. Last two times I came home with gashes across my legs from dogs walking across me (with nearby owners smiling?). I wish Austin PD would hand out more tickets. I don't care about all the pot smoking - it smells like old memories and pot smokers are a quiet, peaceful group. So leave the pot smokers be but discourage the free roaming dogs.
Written 20 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CentralCoastWine
Central Coast285 contributions
Sept 2012 • Friends
If you walk far enough you come upon these "hidden pools" that are a locals secret..oops.Great place to walk you dog, or just take a hike. Bring a swimsuit, because after that hike you might to take a swim in these hidden pools.
Note to parents: you might not want to bring kids to these pools because there is a lot of topless sunbathing and swimming, plus on really hot weekend days, these pools tend to attract the massive beer drinking types.
Note to parents: you might not want to bring kids to these pools because there is a lot of topless sunbathing and swimming, plus on really hot weekend days, these pools tend to attract the massive beer drinking types.
Written 16 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron S
3 contributions
June 2019
So much fun just swimming, picnicking and having fun. The easiest way to access some great spots without having to walk five miles. 3900 Mopac Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78746, from this location you can access swimming within 100 yards or walk a little farther to get to the popular Twin Falls area.
Written 6 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deserted Dave
New Mexico392 contributions
May 2013 • Solo
I usually hit the Greenbelt at the 360 (Capitol of Texas Highway) access point, but have entered at nearly all places. I've been there in the hottest of summertime to the coldest winter days. I've walked the blistering boulder-strewn dry creek bed, and have seen Barton Creek flowing like it came out of a fire hose. I've climbed the Hill of Life and hiked to where the creek empties into the Colorado River (that's not a lake, folks), on both sides. I've seen the vegetation greener than the greenest of greens, and burnt to a crisp from drought. I've biked and hiked, sweated and bled on those trails, and have thousands of images to show for my efforts.
Written 30 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick B
Round Rock, TX1,402 contributions
Mar 2019 • Solo
This is a very nice urban trail. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that outside of it's length it is just not that tough to do. It's a nice walk in the woods. Went out about 8AM and the small parking lot at 360 and Mopac was already 1/2 filled. A Saturday or Sunday..... I'd say be there at daylight if not before the parking area is pretty small. Now about the trail. This trail follows Barton Creek through quite an impressive canyon. The trail splits to the left along the creek and I stayed Creekside as much as possible. And the creek was running full although I have heard at times there is no water running just the deep pools of stagnant water. Along the trail are some very visible sights. 1st comes the Twin Falls. These were running well on this day. Next is Sculpture Falls. This impressive falls is not particularly high but weaves it's way through the limestone at various places with a large limestone out cropping in the center. Next there were a couple of small unnamed cascades. At the far end is the Hill of Life Dam a very impressive water feature. After visiting the dam you might as well climb the Hill of Life which is the only tough part of this 6.5 mile hike. You will leave the dam at an elevation of 510 feet and in 1?2 mile you are standing at 825 feet so it is quite a climb up. Why is it called the Hill of Life? I dunno but I saw numerous runners run down and go right back up so maybe it's a health thing. The trail is well worn and well marked. There is a mile post every 1/4 mile but most of them have been vandalized so the mile marker is gone. On most someone has used a black sharpie to write the mileage back on. I don't know why there can't be more respect for property. Shoes... since I moved to Texas one thing I have discovered, limestone is almost always damp and slick unless in the direct sun so wear good shoes. I have even grown to love the trekking pole because of the slippery limestone. And I saw many instances of dog pooh ON THE TRAIL! Come on folks if your gonna take your dogs out clean up after them or get them off the trail before they do their duty. If I step in it bushwhacking that's on me if I step in it on the trail well that's on YOU! Well worth the time this one but again get there early especially on weekends.
Written 8 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Austinprogress
Austin, TX190 contributions
Dec 2016 • Solo
The Barton Green Greenbelt used to be a nice hangout for nature lovers in Austin. Well, then growth happened and armies of people have destroyed the greenbelt. Trails like highways, plastic trash everywhere, destroyed vegetation, civilization trash like entire bridges picnic tables etc in the dirty water and so forth does not make for a healthy place anymore. And on top of this development is more and more encroaching into the green. The greenbelt went down with Austin due to armies of migrants coming in from everywhere. Very sad.
Written 29 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lizajj494
Shreveport, LA12 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
We were a little confused about where to enter but started at the Barton Springs pool parking lot. Pretty easy hike to some beautiful falls/rapids. The kids wore bathing suits and had so much fun playing in the rapids. Lots of poison ivy along the trail, just be aware.
Written 23 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LRadMinneapolis
Minneapolis, MN69 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
This is a beautiful walk in the spring when the water is flowing. In March, before everything is leafed out you get to see more of the Creek while you are walking. The first part of the walk is downhill, but not difficult to traverse, until you get to the riverbed area, and it is basically flat after that, all the way to sculpture falls. The walk to twin falls only takes about 20 minutes. It is definitely worth it to keep going to sculpture falls. I would say its approximately an hour total (each way), if you are going slow and stopping a lot. Neither of these are actually "waterfalls" - I would consider them to be rapids- but the water is flowing over the rocks in beautiful formations in these areas, and is definitely worth the walk. Between the 2 "falls" you will pass two massive live Oak trees on your right that are really something to see. There are also pretty limestone outcroppings. Note that when you are heading back to the parking area the trail splits in a not very noticeable way, and you can accidentally keep going straight (as I did), and miss the upward climb to the parking area. There is a little marker with a left pointing arrow there - look for it. Another hiker told me that you can enter this trail at the "twin falls" marker on google maps where MoPac and 360 merge, as I did - or you can start at the other end - off of loop 360 where Scottish Woods Trail comes to a T intersection. There is a parking area at that end of the trail as well. I am going to try that half of the hike next!
Written 6 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zeke h
Houston, TX686 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
I lived in Austin for over 3 years, and never made it to the Greenbelt. Shame on me. I went this past weekend, and it was glorious. Be warned, the Greenbelt is massive, and it's very possible to walk and not find a watering hole. The best way is to take the entrance off of Capital Highway. There are a couple of other spots, but are hard to find if you haven't been there before. Be prepared for at least a mile walk. Depending on where you park, the hike could be easy or moderately difficult. The Greenbelt is beautiful, with a running river, caves, trees, tons of walking paths, little beaches, rock cliffs and so much more. Definitely worth your time. Enjoy!
Written 29 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Setting up a grill along the green belt trail would be difficult and very unique. There aren’t any paved access points to the actual trail except at the very beginning at Zilker park, which has tons of tables and places to grill spread around it specifically.
Written 8 March 2020
Which is the best entrance to see the falls???
Written 24 February 2019
I suggest the entrance at Scottish Woods which is at the top of the Hill of Life. You will end up at Twin falls by going straight down this hill. The second attraction is Sculpture Falls which is just under a mile east of Twin Falls.
Google barton creek greenbelt trail map to get a trail map.
Written 26 February 2019
How far is this from downtown? We only have two days in Austin and plan to spend most of our time downtown, but would like to see a little nature as well. What is the beat way to get here from downtown and how long do the hikes take?
Written 4 November 2018
I would have to drive to the access point. It is off MOPAC on the Southside of the lake. You can take 2222 to Loop 360 and you are there where is crosses. A better choice would be the hike and bike trail around Zilker if you are on foot. Hike along Barton Creek as far as it goes. McKinney Falls State Park is great as well. Go out Burleson Road and is on your right about five miles. You need a car for that one. Austin has lots of green
Written 5 November 2018
How long would it take to hike from the west end of Barton Creek Greenbelt to Zilker Park and then back again?
Written 17 July 2018
That greenbelt goes pretty far west with several access points, it depends on where you're starting from. We started on Violet Crown trail access point behind Spec's then went to Zilker Park. I wasn't keep that great track of the time, but I think it took over 2 and perhaps more like 3 hours. Then it would be 3 hours back (but we called Uber!)
Written 21 July 2018
LP-1906
Dallas, Texas
Hey!
Did you do the whole trail? I have two questions:
1. I saw a map of the trail that mentioned that part of it was along a cliff face... wondering if that portion is dangerous/can be bypassed.
Written 14 August 2017
We did not do the whole trail. I am wanting to say we only went a mile and a half in or maybe it was 1.25 miles and walked back to the 1 mile marker. The only cliff face I saw was where people jump off into the water, and it appeared to be the only reason to go up to the cliff face. We only went so far because it was so dry, wasnt much water at the 1.25(I think) marker. I dont know how far in it was, but it is where you can see where the water carved out the rock and left boulders and gaps you have to jump if you wanna get across the creek. So maybe further down there is, but where we went, it was not an issue.
Written 14 August 2017
Absolutely. I didn't any picnic tables, so you'll need a blanket. There are many great places to set up a picnic. No garbage cans, so you'll need to haul out.
Written 4 June 2017
Hey there, in your opinion, where do you think is the best access point to quickly reach dog friendly swimming and splashing about with a puppy and a dog?
Written 17 April 2016
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