Maps for individual recreational trails in the Austin Area

Map of Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail

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Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and the Boardwalk

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and the Boardwalk are located along the shores of Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) on the Colorado River in Downtown Austin, Texas. These trails provide a wonderful way to experience Downtown Austin as the pathway travels through the various parks, wander through the trees, cross the creeks with picturesque bridges and wander along the waterfront with views of the city and the boats. There are fantastic views of the Austin Skyline from the pathway of the Boardwalk that extends out over the water. You can bring the dog, ride a bike or just go fro a stroll. It is a great place for people watching.

The pathway extends along both sides of the lake from the Highway 1 bridge on the north, under Interstate 35, and all the way to the east going past the Krieg Softball Complex and over the bridge at S. Pleasant Valley Road. You can also cross over the water at the Interstate 35 bridge, the S. Congress Avenue Bridge, the S. 1st Street Bridge, the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge and the MOPAC Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge under Highway 1.

Conditions

Some portions of the he Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail are paved while other portions of the trail have a natural surface. The trail is open for bike riding, walking and running. There are also several places where you can connect to other trails that head out to the other parts of the city.

Points of Interest

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and the Boardwalk go past several parks and other attractions, each with their own unique offerings.

Deep Eddy Pool: Here you will find the large swimming pool, a toddler play area, an ADA accessible ramp to the main trail and a dock out to Lady Bird Lake for fishing, bird-watching and a view over the water. This park is located to the east of Highway 1 on the north side of the lake.

Austin High School: The trail wraps around the high school located on W. Cesar Chavez Street

Lamar Beach at Lady Bird Lake and Kocurek Field: The trail goes right next to the park on W. Cesar Chavez Street where there are athletic fields and other facilities including the Austin Amtrak Station.

Sand Beach Park: This park is just north of the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge and has several walkways for taking a stroll.

Shoal Beach: This beach is located where Shoal Creek comes into the Colorado River. You can connect to the Shoal Creek Trail from this point. The main trail takes a jog and crosses the confluence with a short bridge.

Margaret Hoffman Oak Park: This park is located at S. 1st Street and W. Cesar Chavez Street. There are some other paved walks to take here and you can connect to the pedestrian walkways along each side of the bridge to get across the water to the other side.

Austin Rowing Club: The trail wraps around the rowing club and maybe you will see the teams head out for a practice row along the lake.

Mexican American Cultural Center and Teatro Vivo: These are located at 600 River Street. The trail goes right by the building and you can go for a stroll after visiting the center.

Interstate 35 Bridge: The Ann and Roy Bultler Hike and Bike Trail crosses under the bridge for the interstate. You can also connect to pedestrian paths on each side of the bridge that will connect to the Boardwalk on the west side of the lake.

Martin Middle School: The trail goes by Marin Middle School, for those kids that want to walk to school.

Festival Beach Park: The trail goes along the shoreline at Festival Beach Park. There is parking here and restrooms.

Metz Park and Metz Recreation Center: The trail goes along Holly Street next to the park. There is a pool and playground as well at the rec center.

Holly Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park and Longhorn Dam: The east end of the trail goes past this little park and then over the dam on S. Pleasant Valley Road

Krieg Athletic Fields: There is parking at the athletic fields and other facilities.

Longhorn Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park: The trail wanders thought this pleasant grassy area alongside S. Pleasant Valley Road at the east end of the lake.

Peace Point at Town Lake Metropolitan Park: There is an unpaved pathway that lets you walk out onto a small peninsula to look back at the lake and Downtown Austin.

The Boardwalk: The Boardwalk starts just west of Peace Point. This section of the trail consists of paved trail along the shore with multiple sections of raised platforms with railings that extend out over the waters of the lake. It has beautiful views looking west toward Downtown Austin and has many lovely locations to just sit and watch the water, the boats, the people and the birds. The Boardwalk runs along the west shores of the lake from a point near the intersection of S. Lakeshore Boulevard and Town Creek Drive to the Texas Department of Transportation Building near Newning Avenue. the Boardwalk goes under the bridge for Interstate 35 and has access paths to get to the pedestrian paths on each side of the bridge.

Norwood Tract Dog Park: This park for Fido and his friends is located just west of the bridge for Interstate 35.

Statesmen Bat Observation Center: The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail goes right by the Statesmen Bat Observation Center which is right next to the bridge for Congress Avenue. . Every evening the bats come flying out from under the bridge to hunt for food. Crowds gather to watch the creatures emerge. The main trail has access paths to get to the pedestrian paths on each side of the bridge.

Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park and Butler Park:  This area is located just west of the 1st Street Bridge. This is the location for the Long Center for the Performing Arts. There are gardens and walking paths in the park as well as putting greens.

Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge: This bridge is located just east of the Lamar Boulevard Bridge. It is a fun place to bring visitors so they can see the lively waterfront area. Its a wide bridge for bikes and walkers and has placed to look out over the water.

Butler Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park: This park is located on Tommey Road, west of Lamar Boulevard. It has parking, restrooms and athletic fields. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail wraps around this park and does a jog to get across Barton Creek.

Ziker Metropolitan Park and Botanical Gardens: This area is located between Highway 1 and Barton Creek. It is a large park with parking and other facilities. Garden lovers can wander around the Ziker Botanical Gardens and maybe see some migrating butterflies. This park is also the location of the Austin Nature and Science Center and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.

MOPAC Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge: There is a bridge for the Ann and Roy butler Hike and Bike Trail that takes you safely next to the busy freeway of Highway 1 and across the river back over to the large interchange between Lake Austin Boulevard and Highway 1.

Nearby Trails

Johnson Creek Hike and Bike Trail: You can connect to this paved trail that heads to the east under the large interchange between Lake Austin Boulevard and Highway 1.

Barton Creek Trail: The main trail does a jog at Barton creek and crosses the creek on its own little footbridge. This is a pretty location where the trees hang over the water. You can connect to the Barton Creek Trail that heads to the west from this location.

Waller Creek Trail: This junction is located just east of the rowing club marina. You can connect to the Waller Creek Trail that heads off to the north. There is a bridge for the main trail to cross where the creek comes into the lake.

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Resources

Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail in Austin, Texas.