Urban Trails Program

The Urban Trails Program creates, promotes, and maintains Austin’s urban trails network. Urban trails are wide, paved trails that are typically physically separated from on-street traffic, connect to our sidewalk and bicycle networks, and provide a safe and comfortable way to walk and bike. Our goal is for this network to help people of all ages and abilities travel safely and healthily from one end of the city to another.

Urban Trails Planning

View the Austin Urban Trails Plan

The Urban Trails Program works closely with the community, other City departments, and additional partners to develop and expand our trail network.

Learn more about the trails and projects in our urban trails network here.

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Interactive map

Discover existing and upcoming concrete trails to walk or bike on with the Urban Trails Interactive Web Map. The Interactive Web Map showcases the planned urban trail network, existing urban trails, and upcoming trail projects. Click on the map below to start exploring our urban trails network!

Want to know how many people are using the trails?
View the real-time trail usage counts

To find more trails to hike, bike, or stroll through, visit Austin’s Parks and Recreation Interactive Web Map.
Please note: some trails are unpaved, vary in difficulty, and not all allow bicycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are urban trails?

Urban trails are paths separated from roads that are designed for people walking or biking  for transportation and recreation.

Not all urban trails look the same, but most are:

• Accessible – designed for all ages and abilities.
• Hard-surfaced.
• 10 - 15 feet wide, the width can vary by location.

How can I find an urban trail near my home or work?

There are about 50 miles of urban trails in Austin. View our interactive urban trail webmap to see existing urban trails and projects funded for near-term design or construction. You’ll also find our long-term plan for a citywide urban trails network.

To find a trail near you, scroll down to the second map. Then use the search feature to enter an address. The map will automatically zoom into the location you entered. Zoom out until you see a trail or bicycle facility. Click on that trail for more information. Please note: Length miles are the total miles in a trail network, which may not be fully connected. 

What do I need to know before I go out on the trail?

Austin’s urban trails are a great place to begin exploring outdoor spaces. Below are some important guidelines to keep yourself and others safe.

• Be prepared! Check the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water.
• People walking, running, and biking use urban trails. Be aware of others who are traveling at different speeds. Leave space for people to pass on your left as you travel on the right side of the trail.
• Observe wildlife from a distance and never approach, feed, or follow them.
• Do not litter and scoop your pet’s poop. Trash can harm wildlife and pets, pollute waterways, and litter can ruin another’s experience.
• Visit our Trail Tips page for more helpful guidelines.

Are electric bikes allowed on urban trails?

Yes, electric bikes (e-bikes) are allowed on Urban Trails. As of 2019, e-bikes are allowed on all Texas trails except natural surface trails. Please remember to yield to pedestrians and be mindful of your speed to help keep everyone safe.

Can I bring my dog to the trails?

Pets are welcome, but keep them leashed and under control for the safety of your pet, other visitors, and wildlife. Always bag and throw away pet waste to protect wildlife and maintain water quality.

Who should I contact about trail maintenance?

Keeping Austin's urban trail system free of debris and trash is one of our top priorities. Please use the Austin 3-1-1 mobile app to report trail damage, trash, obstructions, or other issues.

On the mobile app, go to:

Park Ground Maintenance

Click on the location, then click on Trails.

Next, click Issue and select an issue from the list.

In the description, be sure to include the trail name and the specific location in your service request, along with any other important information. 

If possible, upload a photo to better help us identify the issue you are reporting. 

Why does the City build urban trails?

Trails provide many benefits, as they:

• Provide safe and free ways for people of all ages to get from place to place.
• Expand public spaces for people to enjoy, interact, play, and exercise.
• Increase access to nature.
• Help reduce traffic and improve air quality by reducing the number of vehicles on the street.

How does the program decide where to build trails?

The Austin Urban Trails Plan identified 407 miles of urban trails to be built throughout the City. The plans divide trails into “Tier I” and “Tier II” trails. When prioritizing trails, the Urban Trails Program considers:

• How close the trail would be to destinations.
• How many people could regularly use the trail.
• If the trail can connect to sidewalks, bike lanes, or other trails.
• Community support for the trail.

The Urban Trails Program also considers funding, environmental constraints, and construction feasibility.

What is a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER)?

A Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) is a document that gathers all the information needed to recommend trail route options, the cost of each route, and the materials needed. The report also includes information on the trail’s impact on nearby property owners, wildlife, and water quality, among other topics.

Multiple city departments consider these factors to ensure that a new trail complies with all plans, policies, and standards before the design process begins. A certified, independent wildlife biologist is also part of the PER team, evaluating how each route option impacts local wildlife.

What happens after a preliminary engineering report?

First, the trail will go through multiple phases of design, from 30% to 60% to 90% complete. Each phase is reviewed by various City of Austin departments.

If the trail crosses land not owned by the City, the Urban Trail Program works with the property owner to purchase an easement for the land before the project moves forward.

When the trail is fully designed and all easements are in place, the project goes to bid for construction.

Agreements are made with other City of Austin departments to determine who handles the maintenance and operations of the trail. The Watershed Protection Department oversees protection of creeks, the Parks and Recreation Department oversees the park system, and the Austin Public Works Urban Trail Program oversees the construction and maintenance of the surface, bridges, shoulders, and trees along Urban Trails.

What are the "Phases" referring to on the Urban Trail Project Pages?

Large urban trail projects are often constructed in smaller phases or sections as funding is made available.

How long will it take the Urban Trails Program to build a trail?

Building an urban trail is a multi-step process that can take many years to complete.

The process begins with defining a route and conducting environmental reviews. Preliminary engineer reports (see above), considering land availability and public input, and design, all take time.

Funding must also be identified to build trails, often in the form of bonds or grants.

Finally, to construct the trail, the City must bid out the work to private consulting firms.

What happens at Public Meetings for Urban Trail Projects?

The Urban Trails project team provides information and project updates to the community, and the community shares its input about the project. This is just one of the ways the City collaborates with residents to create a trail that reflects the local community's needs and wants.

How will urban trails impact the environment?

Urban trails offer a way for people to travel safely, affordably, and sustainably. When walking, biking, and transit are safe and realistic options, people are less reliant on cars and can reduce their car trips. Fewer motor vehicle trips improve air and water quality and our quality of life.

Keeping the environment healthy is important to us. We consider the trail's environmental impact from the start. All environmental protections in the City Code are applied to the design and construction of urban trails. If City of Austin staff, the community, or appropriate boards and commissions are deeply concerned about environmental impacts, a "no build" option is considered. 

Trail Tips

Using good trail etiquette helps everyone stay safe and enjoy our urban trails. It also keeps our trails in good shape for future use.  Please keep these tips in mind before using the trail.

Trail Etiquette: Tips for Sharing The Trail For All Visitors:

• Pay attention to your surroundings, and be aware of others who may be walking, rolling, or riding on the trail.
• Travel on the right and pass on the left, with no more than two people side by side. Let others know you are passing by, calling out "passing on the left!"
• Respect our natural environment by protecting wildlife and vegetation. Dispose of all trash properly, do not approach or feed wildlife, and stay on established trails.

For Pet Owners:

• Keep pets close to you and on leashes (leash must be 6 feet or shorter).
• Clean up after your pet and dispose of waste properly. Animal waste has a big impact on Austin’s water quality, so please remember to scoop the poop!

For People on Bicycles and Permitted Vehicles:

• Yield to pedestrians and brake for walkers and runners.
• Ride single file. Cyclists should follow each other on the trail.
• Signal when passing by by saying it out loud or using your bell.
• Observe the speed limit.