Things to Do in Austin: Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail

Named for the former Austin Mayor and his wife, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike trail is a scenic 10 mile loop along the banks of Lady Bird Lake. The path is bookended by two recreational parks; Zilker Park on the west end and Guerrero Park on the eastside. Being such a lush and tree covered trail, it’s the go to destination for Austin’s joggers/bikers, dog walkers, family gatherings, weekend photographers or anyone looking for a fun thing to do in Austin. It’s also one of the bigger tourist attractions in Austin, drawing over 1.5 million visitors per year.

Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail Attractions

What will you see when you’re running (or strolling) along the Anny and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail? Some of the attractions located on the trail include:

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  Stevie Ray Vaughn Statue at Auditorium Shores
• Gazebo at Lou Neff Point
• Zilker Park
• Texas Rowing Center
• Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge
• Waller Creek Boathouse
• Mexican American Cultural Center
• Mendoza Baseball Fields
• Longhorn Dam
• Boardwalk Trail
• Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge

Meeting a Friend? Meet them on the Trail!

The hike and bike trail runs the entire length of Downtown Austin, which makes it a popular meeting destination. With Auditorium Shores and Zilker Park being part of the trail, the path becomes a major part of the concerts, festivals and events that take place on a regular basis.

The Boardwalk Bridges the Gap Between East and West

Adding to the appeal of the trail, the lakefront boardwalk was completed in June of 2014. Bridging the gap between the west and east sides, the boardwalk unites the full 10 mile loop of the trail. Spanning over Lady Bird Lake, the boardwalk also gives the trail a different dynamic and a unique view of the Austin skyline.

Town Lake Beautification Project Paved the Way for the Trail

Before 1971, the trail around Lady Bird Lake was not a desirable place to be. The lake was dirty, the trail was overgrown and it was full of debris. In 1971, the City of Austin started the Town Lake Beautification Project and appointed Lady Bird Johnson as the project’s chairwoman. The project cleaned up the lake, cut back the brush, added crushed gravel to the trail and planted hundreds of shrubs and trees.

The Trail Foundation Made it Great

The Beautification Project really set the tone of what the hike and bike trail could be. Over the years, there have been more improvements and enhancements through The Trail Foundation. Some of the upgrades since the Beautification Project include:

• New restroom facilities
• Over 30 maintained gardens
• Trailside lighting
• Renovations at Lou Neff Point
• 100’s of planted trees throughout the trail
• Clean up crews
• Improvements to Auditorium Shores

Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail Map

Gracy Title made this detailed map of the trail that you might find helpful. If you want it in a PDF, click over here.

Live in Austin? The Trail Will Become Part of Your Daily Life

A jogging trail, a gathering spot, a place to watch your favorite band; the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail has entrenched itself into the everyday lives of Austinites. The Trail is definitely the beacon of the city and a big aspect of what makes Austin so liveable. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is not just another Austin walkway, it’s a way of life.

Love the Trail? Want to Live Near It?

Just so happens that’s one of the areas we specialize in. We used to live there (and sometimes wish we still did) and loved running on the trail. We know the area well and can help you find the perfect place for you and your family. Check out our Austin Home Buyers section to learn more about our team and how we’re different than most Realtors. Then, call us at (512) 827-8323, email us at info@11OaksRealty.com or fill out our Buyer Survey to get started. Remember, hiring an Eleven Oaks Realtor to represent you when buying costs you nothing!