Hiking is popular in many parts of the country and Austin, Texas is no exception. Visitors and residents enjoy the many parks, hiking and walking trails available near to the city. A vigorous hike works the entire body and is one of the best forms of exercise recommended by medical professionals as part of a regular fitness program. Here are some of the many hiking options available in the Austin area:

Barton Creek Greenbelt

Right in the city is an extensive trail of over seven miles of moderate hiking through rugged wilderness terrain. This trail is considered the seventh best trail in Texas. The Greenbelt is a place for adventure where rock climbing, kayaking, caving and other sports are also popular.

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

Home to many species of Texas’ native wildlife, this preserve has about three miles of trails through diverse terrain over almost three hundred acres of hill country. Visitors can enjoy woodlands with a stream and some open, grasslands.

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Located near Lago Vista, Texas, this vast refuge has a system of trails recently created, wandering through the rough country with such fascinating names such as Cactus Rocks Trail and Warbler Vista.