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River Place Nature Trail
8820 Big View Dr, Austin, TX 78730, United States
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Mi
Review №1

Gorgeous hike on a cool fall day. I highly recommend you wear/bring a mask as you will pass quite a few people on this trail. There are many stairs so I needed to take it slower than the rest of the people in my group. I want to hike for the physical experience but also the spiritual experience, so enjoying the journey is just as important to me as the destination.

Cr
Review №2

Easy hike, beautiful scenery. My boyfriend and I went in the fall and all the colors were beautiful, the smells and the temperature was perfect. Definitely a great escape from the busy day life.

Mi
Review №3

This trail is a stunning hike! Make sure you bring water and shoes with good ankle support as there is a lot of climbing and also watch for snakes. The views and nature are worth it!!! Lots of beauty on this clean and well maintained trail!

Ca
Review №4

Super fun trail! Up and down hill. Steps help you up and down. Its HOT, so bring water and a snack in your backpack. Be prepared to rest - they have benches along the way. Trail is NOT a loop, so whatever you walk, youll have to walk back. Plan accordingly. No bikes, so youll only come across others hiking (running? Who runs on this trail? It was hard enough to walk it!!)

Ge
Review №5

So even with the signs about paying for Canyon Trail, I did not have to pay. And, it has gorgeous views. Lots of stairs so if you have knee issues, give this trail a second thought. its a great workout and absolutely beautiful! It is a highly trafficked trail. There are some pretty steep steps going down and going upwards.

Jo
Review №6

Really great place to explore in the shade! Good inclines and clearly marked paths. Beautiful rocks; trees, water. A little pricey to access. Parking was a breeze and a nice drive to get there. Trails are narrow, so if you’re trying to social distance it’s a little tricky, that plus majority of the people visiting were not wearing masks.

Vi
Review №7

Very good trail with a lot of steps, it is 3 miles long, so if you do it both ways it is 6 miles and about 3 hours hike. It is well maintained and in the morning there is a fee to come in.

Ma
Review №8

Wonderful natural trail. Very challenging if you are looking for exercise. I got exacty what I went for. Legs supers sore. Took me 2.15 hrs to complete it. I look forward to going again.Was surprised they charged $10/person. But worth it.

Wi
Review №9

1st time visiting this trail. We didnt pay a $10 entry fee. We were able to just walk right up and start the trail. The beginning starts pretty easy and then there are some parts that become pretty demanding. Inclined steps, steep downward steps and thin trail walk ways. The Scenery is very beautiful along the way and youll definitely have some Lizard friends greeting you! Lots of resting areas (tree stumps, Huge Rocks and Benches) The trail takes roughly 3hrs or so from start to finish. It doesnt loop around. Youll definitely need water and Id say bring a small backpack to stay hands free. I personally would bring small children (ages 1-4) simply due to the complexity the trail presents. Theres lots of areas that can be prone to accidents for the little ones.Overall love this trail.. the scenery getting there is so nice!

Be
Review №10

Great hike! Not too strenuous and plenty of shade along the whole way. Creek beds were dry from no rain but we still enjoyed the hike and beautiful area.

Se
Review №11

Hiking Round trip around 7,5 mile . Not easy but awesome. Must try, bring one litter ware for one adult . Be safe

DE
Review №12

A challenging trail in Austin. Total trail length is 3miles on way ,1700ft elevation from start point.Ensure you carry water and other refreshments as the trail might get exhausting in middle. The final point is worth all the effort taken for trail. The path might narrower after 0.75miles please be cautious on the trail path.#HappyHiking

Ja
Review №13

Amazing trial. Good workout. Moderate difficulty with 4 and 6 year old boys. Highly recommended. One of the top trails in Austin.

Sa
Review №14

3 mile hike one way (u have to hike back to return to ur parked vehicle). Highly recommend hiking boots as there are lots of rocks n narrow steps down n up. U will be crossing others on the same path be careful. Also, there is a $10 fee person to hike.

Dm
Review №15

This is a hidden gem. The trails are of different length and various difficulty. Most of the are in a shade, so you can enjoy them even in August. Non-residents are required to pay 10$, but if you come as a family with small kids they might let you in for free. The trails are great and the elevation changes a lot, lots of beautiful spots to stop and take pictures. Take plenty of water and wear sneakers. Good for kids Pre-K and up. Highly recommended!

Hu
Review №16

What a hike! Fairly difficult when considering elevation change. Immaculately maintained and wonderful views. The trail even has first aid kits posted. Be prepared, as there are no water stations or restroom facilities.

Br
Review №17

If youre looking for water hole go to the trailhead with the lake at the beginning. Trail follows creek bed. Go after it rains for better water views.

Ch
Review №18

Get your heart pumping on this trail. I really like the man-made steps. It makes it easier to trek in some areas of the trail. Since it is outside, bring some bug spray. I didn’t really encounter any but it’s always good to bring some.

Sh
Review №19

Beautiful walking trail. Unfortunately water isnt present but the trail itself was lovely and lush.

la
Review №20

Difficult but beautiful trail. This is not a loop, when you start at one entrance, the hike ends at another parking area. In order to go to your original starting point, you can either go via street or go back through the same way in the trail.

Am
Review №21

This trail has become one of my favorites around Austin. The stairs make for a great workout and you can run most of the trails (if youre used to trail running). Ive seen a few snakes there this summer (2019), both copperheads and garters, but theyre generally minding their own business--never been a problem for my dog or me. There are a couple spots where you can clearly see the golf course (briefly ruining the lovely out in the wild ambiance you find along the rest of the hike), but I can forgive that for the overall experience. When it hasnt rained in awhile I take extra water for my dog for the six mile in-and-out, but after a decent rain she can handle the full trek just getting sips from the creek.

My
Review №22

One of the beautiful trails in Austin. People can come here anytime, any season to enjoy nature and hike up.

D
Review №23

Can a trail be over groomed? I think so. The $10 per person entry fee is justified by the work they have done on the trail but almost all elevation is accommodated by stairs which is too hard on my old bones - I much prefer steep trails. A very nice hike if your knees like stairs, as it is very tranquil.

Mi
Review №24

Super nice trail. Nicely shaded too so it works even on a hott day

Ja
Review №25

Really great hike with lots of views! Very busy, probably one of the hardest hikes in Austin

Na
Review №26

Excellent hike bring chingos de water y snacks. Got a bit dehydrated!!!

Pr
Review №27

Awesome trail, I will come again for sure. Very good workout and family time.One big negative is $10 entry fees, I am curious if it is legal for HOA to collect entrance fee?

Vi
Review №28

It was one of the best trail in Texas drove all the way from Dallas to hike this trail. It is a harder trail so take a lot of water even though most of the hike has shade. Also expect it to be physically demanding if your doing the entire thing, takes about 3 hr to cover the 6 mile to and fro path

Ro
Review №29

Its a great trail to run, if you have the conditioning of course.Requires a lot of focus and courage to pull off the complete course.

Ma
Review №30

Definitely not a beginner trail, believe me. Make sure you bring PLENTY of water! It’s not the longest trail ever but don’t be deceived, the incline makes it brutal at times but there are plenty of spots to rest along the way. There was no one to collect the $10 fee when we went. We went at the hottest part of the day which was probably not the best idea. We ended up Ubering back to our car.

Ga
Review №31

This was a free place to hike for years. Then a group of people decided that it should only be free if you can afford to live there. Don’t pay $10 to hike here, there are many better places all over the greater Austin area free and paid that are much nicer and more deserving of your money.

Ta
Review №32

Beautiful park, THERE IS AN EARLY DAY FEE , $10/person & $10/dog, CARD ONLY, NO CASH ACCEPTED, entrance is free after 4pm I think.I suppose this helps prevent loud, obnoxious people from invading the park, smelling up the air with cigarettes & leaving beer cans & bottles everywhere, so Ill tolerate it. Apparently a former pay attendant was stealing all the cash. So now they only take cards, the man was very friendly & helpful, when I left the park after 4pm he was gone. I went in June & there was plenty of water in the creek for pets to cool off. Dogs are allowed. Please do not leave icky doggy bags along the trail & trash the park, carry them to a garbage can, I saw one sitting in a tree...really? I do think charging $10/dog is a bit much, the only people who should pay that are the ones who leave doggy bags all over the trail.

Bi
Review №33

Beautiful and well maintained. When AllTrails rates this as hard to do from end to end, believe them! If youre doing the whole thing there and back youll want 2-3L of water per person on a hot day. You dont want to run out!

An
Review №34

My family and I try to make time to experience this trail every time we visit Austin! It is challenging and lots of fun for myself, husband and two teenage boys. There are lots of steps up and down so it may be harder for very young children to navigate. The trail can get busy during the weekends. If you visit during the summer be sure to go in the early morning because the Texas heat and humidity can be brutal!

Sa
Review №35

Quiet, peacefull and very well cared park, fully recomended.

Ge
Review №36

Pretty trail close to Austin. It was moderately trafficked on a weekday morning, might be too busy on a weekend. The only thing I missed is a rewarding overlook at the end of the incline: the trail literally takes you from one road to another.

Da
Review №37

Easy/medium hike. Took me about 2 hours at a decent pace. Two things to note: 1. I did not pay $10 for parking - I parked at the bottom next to the pond. 2. You don’t need to carry a water bottle but be sure to have one in your car! Even though it’s shaded you’ll still sweat a lot in this Texas heat & will need water at the end!

Do
Review №38

Great trail. Crowded on weekends. Not good for small dogs. A lot of steps. Beautiful scenery. No parking. You have to park on the street

Dy
Review №39

This is without a doubt one of my favorite trails to hike in Texas. I drive all the way from Houston just to hike this spot at least 2-3 times a year. The $10 entrance fee may seem odd at first but you have to remember that someone has to keep this beautiful trail maintained in order to keep its appeal. If you are a new hiker this may be a bit tough, 6 miles in total (3 miles each way). The last 3 miles if youre starting from the pond will be the most challenging but well worth the hike! Make sure to bring some water!

Cr
Review №40

This is the hike Ive always wanted. The trails are impeccably cared for and with over 2000 steps, bridges, waterfalls, and plenty to see I could do this again and again. The smells are amazing and it feels like another world. Pet friendly and a great adventure!

Gi
Review №41

This trail is so fun! There are a lot of elevation changes, but there are steps built into the path to make them easier to hike. You can get some pretty nice views on this trail too! We got some great pics in the trail as well. Its a long enough trail to feel like you really got a good hike in, but short enough to where it wont take you the ENTIRE day. Be prepared to hike BACK the way you can though, the start and finish are not near each other, so youll either have to hike back another 2 hours the way you came (and go UP all the stairs this time) or catch a ride back to where you started (uber/lyft/phone a friends etc). There are a lot of mini trails that lead off the two main ones. Most of them end randomly and you simply have to turn around and go back or attempt to go on your on with no trail. If you go on these, the trail will take closer to 3/4 hours instead. For a first time to Austin, but someone who loves being outdoors, this trail was really great!

Tu
Review №42

Great elevation changes and very scenic.

Ka
Review №43

Best trail in ATX hands down real beauty

Er
Review №44

One of my favorite places to hike as it gives you a great workout and it’s nicely shaded. Beautiful views when the water is flowing. Lots of stairs made out of logs that can be challenging for some, but still doable. This is a beautiful hike and a great trail but... IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Unfortunately exploring this trail will now cost you $10 per person and $10 per pet as of March 3rd if you do not live in the neighborhood. This apparently is a neighborhood trail and it has been stated that in an effort to cut down on foot traffic on the trails and parking issues, they have decided to charge non-residents this high fee. This is supposed to also alleviate the cost the residents pay for upkeep. Would have 5 stars based on trail, but think it’s now important to factor in cost.

Ni
Review №45

Great hike, wonderful views and an awesome leg workout. Make sure to bring a camelbak. Its about a 2hr hike.

Ju
Review №46

Amazing trails. Challenging for a beginner like me but very doable. Pet friendly and good for going with friends.

Ch
Review №47

By far one of my favorite places to go outdoors in austin. It is beautiful, clean, and everyone on the trail is nice. If you go out there make sure you pack some water.

Pa
Review №48

Beautiful trail with an intense amount of elevation change. Good for training, but popularity has led the community to charge controversial park fees.

Ma
Review №49

This is some of the best hiking in the city. Steep climbs, small walkways and flowing creeks are surrounded by forest in the middle of a gorgeous west Austin neighborhood. The trail itself goes for miles and makes you forget youre in the city at all. My favorite place to go if I want to just get a hike in that will make me forget Im in Texas for awhile.

Li
Review №50

Such fun trail! Loved that it was more challenging than a few others we had gone to during our short trip.

Jo
Review №51

Beautiful place to hike with degrees of difficult.

Sp
Review №52

Beautiful place. Tennis courts. Soccer spots. Gazebo. Picnic tables. I will be back.

Ch
Review №53

We did five miles (out and back). It’s an intense workout. Can be a little rough on the knees, but so worth it. Bring plenty of water. It can be a bit crowded on the weekends, but everyone is extremely friendly.You can turn around at any point and not be disappointed in your experience. If you aren’t looking for an intense hike, bring a picnic and stroll and relax. We saw many hammocks and many, many dogs. Maybe more dogs than humans. Parking is along the street and restrooms are across the street at the park.It is beautiful. Just beautiful. It’s my new favorite hike in Austin.

Ro
Review №54

Great hiking trail, lots of ups and downs. Good workout for legs. Scenic. A few creek crossings.

Hi
Review №55

It was wonderful. We went as a family, had my 4 year old and 8 year old with us. It is tiring for little ones so we took breaks as it was about a 3 mile long hike. I would highly recommend that if you have two cars, park a car at the bottom on Boardwalk to make it easier to get to the other car. Pack plenty of water and enjoy!

Am
Review №56

Very nice place to visit !We had a blast!Just bring water with you!

Sp
Review №57

Overall, the hike was fine. If you are tall, you may hit your head on low hanging branches or vines. It definitely feels like your hiking on a trail not in Texas with how green it is and the little stream that runs along most of the trail. There are parts (if you continue from Panther Trail onto Canyon Trail) where you will see the surrounding neighborhood or fences or golf course nearby which was one of my complaints. If you go, you should plan your hike during the week to avoid the absurd fee. If not, you will be charged $10 per person over 12 and $10 per animal. To put that in context, that is more than what ot would cost to take a group of 4 to a National Park... it is for sure not worth that to keep it looking nice and the views are not worth it either.

ma
Review №58

Awesome, trail. Well developed. A lot of incline, not for the faint of heart. They charge now which is really disappointing.

Br
Review №59

Legs for 2hrs straight really fun but definitely not a beginners trail.

Je
Review №60

Definitely a tough trail but great exercise. If you plan to try this one during the peak heat of summer, make sure youre staying hydrated throughout the trek.

Da
Review №61

Great trail.. good workout.$10 Fee is very high with no comfort facilities.It also seems to be a bit shady as the people charging have no kiosk, no identifying uniform, NO signage for price or hours, etc.

Ma
Review №62

Great hike. Lots of steps up & down! $10 entry fee, however, is unreasonably steep given the lack of amenities, such as water stations.

St
Review №63

Tough but fun trail, bring plenty of water and snacks. During busy days you may have to pay an entrance fee but usually its free.

He
Review №64

Beautiful views and great little nooks of nature. Awesome shaded hiking trail. Its a hidden but beautiful place to visit and get lost in the environment — lovely trail, clean and organized. Be aware after the storm, the trail can be very muddy and slippery.

Vi
Review №65

Worth visiting! You can definitely spend half a day here just hiking up and down and crossing the river. Overall nice vibes.

An
Review №66

Its a very nice trail. It is good for a day trip workout.

Ro
Review №67

Not bad for photography. There definitely are better spots

Ge
Review №68

Probably the most difficult trail Ive hiked in Texas so far. NOT a beginner trail. Bring water, snacks and sturdy shoes. Its not a loop, so make sure you allow enough time to head back before night fall.

Ti
Review №69

Challenging and great for training. Almost all shade. You like stairs? Well here you go.

Ni
Review №70

A very good walk with pretty nature. Love it

Am
Review №71

Gorgeous place to hike. So peaceful and the trails are awesome. Really enjoyed the beauty of this. Not to packed for memorial day either.

do
Review №72

I went on this trail a little over a year ago. I love this trail for a good cardio (including glutes and hammies) workout. Be prepared to walk (or run) plenty of steps. THERE IS NOW A $10 ENTRY FEE! What do they do with that $$$? How about adding a water jug (and little paper cups) at each end of the trail? I dont think I will be paying another fee for this park when there are plenty of free beautiful parks in Austin.

Ga
Review №73

The trail has three trail-heads, one at the north; one at the south near the the park, almost at the river side (lake Austin), and one at mid trail branch. Mostly shaded trail. The central section follows the edge of golf course. There is an open to sun section and a significant elevation at north section. Round trip best starting low and hiking up for hour and a half, and then running the road back down to the parking lot. Same can be done walking the trail, all or part, back and forth. Accessibility pavement available just about the south entry - small lake. You could spot turtles there.

N
Review №74

This trail is very nice! Lost of fun! But be prepared it is a lot of up and down stairs!! Take plenty to drink. I would probably not take someone who is not physically fit or a small child. At least not on the canyon trail.

Cr
Review №75

Good moderate trails. Lots of elevation changes, especially for Texas.

St
Review №76

Absolutely gorgeous and a killer workout. This quarantine bod is feelin it. Be sure to bring plenty of water!

Ha
Review №77

It’s a 5 star trail, the best in Austin, but it will be ruined for a lot of people by a $10/person/pet fee during “peak hours” which are subject to change based on what the homeowners want. A fee attendant told me directly that the fee is intended to “reduce traffic” or in other words: keep people out. $10 is way too much to hike the trail, and they know it’s just high enough to turn people away. It’s in a rich neighborhood that just wants to keep poorer people out and cars off their streets.

Da
Review №78

This is a beautiful hike through some Texas hills. The trail is well marked and easy to navigate. My favorite hike so far in Austin.

Je
Review №79

Update: Now it’ll cost you $10/person and pet. So a couple with a dog will have to pay $30/day to hike this trail. Greed is keeping the public away from this trail. Another sad example of a well-off white neighborhood trying to wall themselves off from the public.——————A hidden gem for hikers in Austin. We found this trail when training for a big National Parks trip. The elevation change and the roughly 6-mile round trip make this a really great training trail.Overall it’s mostly rock and packed dirt with a few small creek crossings that are wet depending on the season. No rock scrambling or particularly tricky footing.Best to hike early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat, especially in the summer. Most of the trail is well shaded but at the peak of the summer the humidity can be a lot.

Ro
Review №80

Great hike.... Price to use was kinda high.

Ka
Review №81

This was a beautiful trail. We only went about halfway and turned around. The trail isnt difficult but its a nice and easy way to get some nature in your life. No special shoes or gear needed, just bring water.

Ha
Review №82

Beautiful views from this hilly trail

K
Review №83

From what I gather, they only charge a $10 fee per hiker/walker on Sat and Sun and on Holidays. Go during the week for free!

Me
Review №84

Enjoyed the hike and views. My only complaint is the trail is narrow and hard to pass people as its an in and out trail.

Be
Review №85

Shaded, pet-friendly, excellent workout

Se
Review №86

Well defined trail with a lot of steps.

Da
Review №87

Multiple routes, plan ahead, mornings if hot weather, lack of cell phone service but lots of people on Trail moving both directions. Snakes but you have to watch for them.You need your knees to be in good shape. If you have a partner, you have the option to park one car at each end so you dont have to walk back.Research on internet before you go. I heard you might have to pay on weekends now.

Em
Review №88

Website advertises $10 per person PLUS $10 per animal, dogs to be kept on leashes. Not worth the price for me personally.

Ju
Review №89

I absolutely love this trail. It can get a bit crowded, but excellent terrain for a good hike or run. Obstacles included by way of steep muddy trails, slick rocks, and the occasional kid or canine ahead of their pack. Backpack loaded with water and snacks during the warmer months is recommended.

Ma
Review №90

Lots of steps. Good workout. Followed a stream of water mostly. Could have been a better view at the end of trail but the drive in was scenic enough!

Mi
Review №91

Nope, not for $10 per person. So many great free trails in Austin. Which is what Im sure the neighborhood HOA is hoping we all say.

Mi
Review №92

Beutifull

Ga
Review №93

Great hiking trail. Be aware they charge a $10 fee per hiker during peek hours. Still worth it.

Te
Review №94

Such a fun and challenging trail! Its 6 miles if you just go down and back along the trail. There is a side trail that would add about another mile if you completed it as well. TONS OF STAIRS. If elevation and stairs are not your thing, this is not the trail for you. Also bring plenty of water. 32 oz does not cut it in the Texas heat. Bring at least twice that. It took my friends and I about 2 1/2 hours to complete the 6 miles which included time to stop and sit by one of the little waterfalls. This would be super fun to hike right after a good rain to fill up some of the upper creek. Saw several snakes and lizards along the path and many turtles at the pond at the end. A fun hike and looking forward to going back!

Wi
Review №95

Very tranquil and peaceful hike.

El
Review №96

Best hiking for significant elevation change.

Sc
Review №97

Situated in a well manicured neighborhood, this short trail should not cost $10 per person to walk on a weekend. Signs posted informed our group that beginning in March 2019, a $10 fee per person AND dog would be charged to walk the trail. The price is not justified for a leisurely stroll through a neighborhood.

Cr
Review №98

What a beautiful trail and park!! On one side they have a park and beautiful view of the Colorado river. On the other you have the option of hiking a 3 mile trail with beautiful views and nice elevation change ! Dog friendly and plenty of fun and exercise for the family or for someone just looking to relax and enjoy some outdoor time

Ri
Review №99

Our favorite trail in the Austin area.

Br
Review №100

Great trail to get in some elevation conditioning here in Austin. Creeks are almost always running. Nice (although maybe not fantastic) views. Trail is well maintained and marked, with noticable recent improvements. No more mud scrambles lol.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:8820 Big View Dr, Austin, TX 78730, United States
  • Site:http://friendsofriverplacetrail.com/
Categories
  • Tourist attraction
  • Hiking area
Working hours
  • Monday:6am–10pm
  • Tuesday:6am–10pm
  • Wednesday:6am–10pm
  • Thursday:6am–10pm
  • Friday:6am–10pm
  • Saturday:6am–10pm
  • Sunday:6am–10pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:No
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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