Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Austin has the perfect landscape and culture to lure outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Biking is so popular in the Texas capitol that it was cited as among America’s 9 Best Cities for Biking by Thrillist. The largest organized ride in the Lone Star State, the BP MS150, even ends right in Austin’s downtown. The city has installed hundreds of bicycle racks for public use around downtown to make biking around the city even easier for locals and visitors alike. If you are looking for how to use your Austin bike rental, here are the trails you should check out during your stay!
This 10.1 mile trail is located right in the heart of downtown Austin and circles Lady Bird Lake (formerly known as Town Lake). This area is the hub of outdoor activity for the inner city including biking, jogging and kayaking. There is even a dog park where our four legged friends can get some outdoor recreation as well! This trail is a must do for those looking to experience Austin on two wheels! Make sure you stop around sunset at the Congress bridge to watch the largest bat colony in Texas take flight. Recommended for: Any type! Road, mountain, cruiser…take your pick!
Barton Creek Greenbelt, which starts at Zilker Park near downtown, is a 20-mile loop trail for advanced bikers. The single track trail is heavily wooded and rocky. An extra challenge for this trail is its north end, which includes a very steep limestone hill. Adrenaline junkies will surely enjoy the descent! While the trails are great for an adrenaline rush, take your time and admire the amazing limestone cliffs, waterways and foliage along the route. Get your blood pumping pedaling through the riverbeds as they provide an amazing to ride when the water levels are low. Take a moment to relax and dive into one of the various swimming holes along the trail before jumping back on the saddle and heading back to town. Due to its popularity, there tend to be a good number of bikers on the trail at any given time so watch out for others and make friends! Recommended for: Mountain bikes
12 miles Northeast of downtown Austin you will find Walnut Creek Trail. This is a 15-mile trail which can accommodate beginners, intermediate and expert riders alike. Riding during the hot days of summer is easy since there is a lot of shade from the trees that line the route. There are also several fun jumps (just be sure you wear your helmet). A creek may also be crossed for the challenge-seekers out there! Recommended for: Mountain bikes
Nature lovers will surely love this 7-mile trail located a few miles Northwest of downtown Austin. Classified with intermediate level of difficulty, the trail features inclines, creeks and even a cliffside. If you need to cool off after your ride, there are several watering holes along the trail. On the back end of the trail, it's a full downhill ride. The trail is steep and rocky in some areas so pace yourself accordingly and stay safe! Recommended for: Mountain bikes