National Take A Hike Day is November 17th

National Take a Hike day is observed each year on November 17th.  With over 60,000 miles of trails in the National Trail System across the 50 states, there is no lack of opportunity to take a hike. Being one of the dog friendliest towns in the country, there are limitless outdoor options in Austin that include taking your fur baby along for day excursions.   

Take a nice hike and use #NationalTakeAHikeDay to post on social media.

Hiking can burn between 400-550 calories per hour.  So take a snack, bring your best buddy, and enjoy the fresh air in your favorite Austin scenic spot.  Here are a few of our favorite dog friendly spots in the area:

Butler Hike Trail

This one is a 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake, stretching from MoPac on the western edge to Pleasant Valley on the eastern edge. This wide, flat trail passes numerous Austin landmarks, including Zilker Park, the Long Center, and the towers of downtown.

Walnut Creek Park Trails

This is 5 miles of mostly moderate shady trails with a few steep sections. Several of the trails cross the creek. This park has an off-leash area.

Bull Creek Greenbelt Trail

This is a great location with various bodies of water from creeks that run shallow and rapid in some spots, but collects in gentle pools in others with several waterfalls and swimming spots. The 3.5-mile trail crosses the creek in some areas depending on the time of year and recent rains.  

Barton Creek Greenbelt

Barton Creek Greenbelt stretches nearly 8 miles, making a V-shaped southerly dip from Zilker Park to the Lost Creek neighborhood in West Lake Hills with varied spots of wide and flat or narrow and rugged terrain. The trail is popular with mountain bikers, rock climbers and those who enjoy its seasonal swimming holes.

Share your favorite spot with us on social media and on this blog!