If you are looking for new places to take your dog on a nice trail, we have three great options to recommend. These are all dog friendly and either close to Austin, TX or located directly in the city.

The first place we have is Turkey Creek. This trail opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. and is 2.8 miles long. Although the park is a short walk, the difficulty remains moderate. This is one of the local favorites since it is one of the few designated off leash areas for dogs. This loop is very shaded and has multiple shallow creeks that are perfect for you and your dog to cool off on a hot summer day in Texas. However, since there are many water spots, it is best to bring waterproof shoes.

The second place we have is the Barton Creek Greenbelt. This trail is open year round from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, this trail is quite rocky and has some steep sections, so it is recommended to have sturdy hiking shoes. But despite the rockiness, this park offers limestone cliffs, swimming holes, and beautiful scenery. This park has walks for 7 or more miles and is moderately hard, and dogs must remain leashed.

Lastly, Red Bud Isle is a very easy and short hike to do with your dog. This park is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is leash free with water access for you and your dog to play in. However, it is important to know that there can be potentially harmful blue green algae present in the water. You should check local reports before allowing your dog to swim or drink the water and make sure to rinse their fur afterward. This park is a popular spot for kayaking, canoes, or just a little walk around the water.