Austin and the HiIl Country in Texas have an excellent variety of trails for mountain bikers. This includes many inclines, challenging single tracks, rock gardens, and long stretches of wooded trails in both private and public lands. These trails can keep even the most hardcore rider satisfied.
Best Mountain Biking Trails in Austin
1. Main Outer Loop of the Walnut Creek Metro Park
This trail system is located near the Austin metropolitan area. Its setup is great for all types of riders. It is a mix of rocky inclines and descents, creek crossings, shaded forest trails, and limestone canyons.
The ground is mostly made up of loose rocks and hard-packed dirt. However, Walnut Creek allows dogs to roam around the area with no leash. Just keep an eye out for our canine friends and their humans.
It is also common to have crowded around since there are a public swimming pool and baseball fields. The main mountain biking loop is well-marked. However, some trails do not have the necessary markings. The Main Outer Loop is suitable for intermediate riders.
2. Slaughter Creek Trail
This trail is a 5-mile long single track for easy to intermediate riders. It goes through the fields and the shaded woods of southwest Austin. Since bikers of all skill levels can easily ride out this trail, it is expected that the whole Slaughter Creek Loop has heavy traffic.
It not only caters to mountain bikers but is also open to hikers and horseback riders. The whole route itself has beautiful scenery with patches of wildflowers. It is also available for access the entire year-round.
The trail status or announcements of wet trails can be checked through their Facebook page. This trail is well maintained and is managed by the City of Austin – Parks and Recreation department. If you are an outsider, you can always contact the Austin Ridge Riders for more info on the area.
3. Main Loop of the Emma Long Motocross Park
This trail is rated as a single black diamond trail, which means it is not for the faint-hearted. This place is famous for its ledges and drops. These features and advanced terrain will significantly challenge your technical climbing skills as well as in descending.
This place was initially built as a motocross park back in the 70s. So up to this day, there are still people riding motorcycles around the park, and bikers must yield when they are present.
But there is nothing to worry about since mountain bikers usually outnumber the presence of motocross riders. They are also easy to hear when they approach.
Please take note that this park is a moto-first racetrack, so always yield whenever they are around. Only follow the main loop signages since the side trails are not allowed. Always take note of the signages, since the course’s direction is changed from time to time.
Emma Long is known as the gnarliest bike trail in Austin tx. and is a place to learn new skills. Always be ready when attacking the trails.
4. Bauerle Ranch Park Loop Trail
This trail is rated as intermediate and is composed of hiking and biking trails for all skill levels. It consists of a fast loop with several variations in the terrain, from fast-paced hard-packed sections to rocky creek crossings. (Read Famous Canyons In The World)
This trail is great for cross-country biking. It has long uphills and even longer downhills. Bikers can practice their mountain biking skills here. It is a great place to work on one’s speed and control and some light climbing.
The trail is well maintained and is managed by the City of Austin. However, do take extra precautions and watch out for hikers and their pets. There is also the presence of tamed deer. As per the management, the trial is not suitable during wet weeks.
The area is also prone to extreme flash flooding.
5. Lady Bird Lake Trail
The Lady Bird Lake Trail is rated as an easy trail and is family-friendly. The majority of the trail’s surface is composed of decomposed granite. It also has small sketches of paved paths.
Although the passage is a bit wide, the place can still get congested during peak hours. To enjoy the route, it is advised that you focus your way going eastward towards the Congress Street bridge.
If you want to experience Austin from another point of view, then you take this trail. This route takes you to famous places like the Zilker Park, the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue, along the new Austin boardwalk, and under the bat bridges.
Austin’s scenic and beautiful wildlife surrounds this trail.
Conclusion
Austin has a very lush mountain biking scene. It is also filled with different mountain biking trails. Over the years, the mountain biking community has been working non-stop to provide new trails for people to enjoy.
If you live in the Texas Hill Country, you are very blessed by having great terrain that fits mountain biking. Hill Country, in general, has something to offer to bikers of different skill levels.
If you are new to mountain biking and are eager to learn, you can always rely on this article and serve it as a guide for the best trails in Austin that will fit your skillset.
Austin mountain bikes are of good quality. They are all from reputable and trusted brands. Some of the best entry-level mountain bikes are found in Austin. Once you have your first bike, always remember to purchase the best bicycle work stand as well.
The bottom line is that, regardless of what mountain biking discipline we ride on, it is always to prioritize your safety first. Complete your gear, including pads and mountain bike shoes.
