Back in the day (and by that, I mean about a few months ago), I found this randomly and stopped to walk/hike around on a sunny sunday morning. I wasn't aware there were multiple starting points for this trail as there's a connection in the Townlake area; but I found this location! It's roughly 3 miles and covers the South Austin area with the trail that crosses underneath route 360 and goes alongside Barton Creek. There is plenty of uphill climb here that will give you quite the workout but it's well worth it! I saw a decent amount of hikers/walkers here with a couple bikers. Some trail areas are narrow so you may find yourself either stepping aside or influencing someone to step aside. I'll be back! read more

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Super fun! But be very wary of the trail. My roommate and I got lost for not following the trail. It is possible that some trails connect with other. Regardless stay in the trail. read more

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Clocked ~3 miles with Strava back and forth, generally a flat walk with rocks here and there. Reach to the end and there is clear water with people and dogs having fun in the water. It would not hurt to have a tracking going so you know how to get back, I walked the wrong way to under the bridge so had to backtrack. Tons of dog litter everywhere. Fun with kids that have the energy to walk that far or a group of friends! read more

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Barton Creek Greenbelt is a very good destination to head for if you're wanting to go hiking and/or biking on a trail inside the Austin city limits. The trail starts off near the Barton Springs Swimming Pool; the terrain at the beginning is flat and fairly easy, but the going gets tougher as you proceed along the trail.  The terrain gets muddy, steep, and rocky as you move South.  The trail is closed during heavy rains due to flooding. Tip: Both bike riders and hikers use this trail at will, so be aware, be courteous, and yield the right-of-way as appropriate. Given the diverse terrain, I suggest that when you visit here on foot you wear hiking boots/shoes to maximize traction.  Be aware that there are no restrooms or water fountains.  There is probably cell service, as there are signs that say "call 911 for emergencies" at every quarter mile marker. Tip: There are quite a number of dogs that visit here.  Unfortunately, some of them are off-leash, and some of those are way too aggressive to be trusted near humans, so exercise caution. read more

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Does one really need to post about Barton Creek Greenbelt?? We as Austinites knows of the beauty and tranquility that this pla e has to offer. You can find a waterhole and claim it for a day or you can escape into the forestry and get lost in a labyrinth of trails..I love it. read more

Barton Creek Greenbelt - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

Fantastic Spot To Rest & Rejuvenate With Nature https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/barton-creek-greenbelt-austin-3?select=u8FzPYAeIIcP9xAZJXJdSQ&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w SITREP Right in the middle of Austin, TX is this beautiful oasis of nature away from the hurly burly of traffic and other mechanized & electronic 21st Century Madness. This is one of those gorgeous natural resources to take advantage of and enjoy that "communion with nature!" https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/barton-creek-greenbelt-austin-3?select=qY7kMFYzLzkE_2qmMZ__bQ&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w THE SETUP Our wonderful friend Melissa A. took us and the pups for much need "mental refreshment" time on the eve of getting ready for a crazy weekend of activities - so this was a well-considered meditation. From... * Babbling Brooks & Standing Pools of Cool Water To Wade Into https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/barton-creek-greenbelt-austin-3?select=P84r2BgHQ_h6OYMj4IE3eQ&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w * Rope-swings https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/barton-creek-greenbelt-austin-3?select=MN_eFcF4DQIPlSI0jVLJOg&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w * Happy Pups; https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/barton-creek-greenbelt-austin-3?select_video=WC7BGx3tGHcfz0VgK3Jl7g&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w and, * Lovely mermaids resting at the water's edge https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/barton-creek-greenbelt-austin-3?select=raQUNAnJNGIj04XbOu0HKQ ...there really wasn't much more that I wanted to immerse myself in at this point. THE LOWDOWN Barton Creek is a welcome "getaway" that is close by your Austin hood. read more

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If you did not already love Austin before, you will definitely be head over heels after visiting Gus Fruh Pool. I haven't explored the greenbelt extensively, but it will difficult for me to venture out after discovering this gem. Unlike many of the swimming holes around Austin, Gus Fruh Pool doesn't require a long hike. The trail entrance starts in a residential area and takes about 5 minutes tops. Considerably shorter than Hamilton Pool, Jacob's Well and many of the other popular spots. We arrived around noon on Saturday and there were only a few people out. By 4pm it was close to 50 people out, so I would recommend arriving early for a good spot. We brought a hammock, but chairs may have been a better option. There were people drinking (and smoking) liberally, but I chose to play it safe after reading reviews about citations. Dogs outnumbered people, so if you are not keen on puppies, this isn't the place for you. I cannot WAIT to visit Gus Fruh Pool again. It became my new favorite place in Texas, hands down. read more

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I dont know what to rate this...... we went through the neighborhood entrance that yelp has address and after a very short and kinda bumpy hike (was not bad at all i am not a nature person and it was not bad!) we finally found the....... used to be river..... for everybody planning to go swimming and enjoy the river don't go!!!! it's completely dried out! No sign of water anywhere! we hiked for about a whole hour looking for the lightest sight of water and nope! we asked a local who seemed to know what they were doing and they said that there is only a river when it rains a lot and there has been no sight of water! i'd hate to leave a 1 star review but i just hope to warn people before they drive out here! I hope i can return and find a beautiful river and leave a 5 star review. read more

Barton Creek Greenbelt - completely dried out! Don't go! - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

Such a beautiful walk that blends right into the trail around lady bird lake. We walked 4.5 miles and really enjoyed the beauty all around. Heads up that bug spray is a good idea if you are sweet like me. I got several gnarly bites. Now I know and will prepare better from now on. read more

I'm apprehensive about posting this review. There's another entry in yelp with the same name that points people towards the greenbelt at Barton Springs Road. I'm quite happy having people go tromp on the already over-crowded Zilker area. I have better things to do than fight for parking at 7, 8, 9am on the weekend near The Rock by Mopac. When you tell an Austin newbie that you're going to Barton Creek Greenbelt, they assume you're going to run near TownLake. However, the gem that runs from Lost Creek to 360 and Mopac is still largely unknown. There's at least 3 miles of covered trail, an area with rock climbing, water (when available) for wading and dogs, and an area with murals. Mountain bikers come here as well but have to share the trail with hikers. There aren't water fountains on the trail as far as I know. Coming from San Antonio, I've had many options for running routes. None are fantastic, but I can rely on them not being overcrowded (which says something about the people). I've asked many people what are my running options in Austin. Invariably the only answer I get is "Town Lake". However, there's more than that. There's also the still pristine Barton Creek Greenbelt. read more

Took a solo trip to Austin this weekend. Wanted to hike and check out some water holes. I parked here and walked to The Flats and Campbell's Hole. The hike was easy and nice. The beginning wasn't labeled very well. I used my phone to find the correct trail. But once past Gus Frah Wall I found the trail on the other side of the creek. Along the trail I went down some side trails to the water. Let my dog off leash and have some fun without many people around. When I got to the Flats I had a blanket down and hung out and it was relaxing and beautiful. My dog was off leash and all others were friendly. We got to the water hole and by noon people we packing in. We started at 9:30 and took it slow. Only about a mile to Campbell's hole from this started spot. I'll def be back! read more

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I love the greenbelt for hiking and this is a great entrance to check out. I went over the weekend and parking was easy to find and really had no issues. You can hike down to some watering holes but it was fairly shallow unlike other times I have gone. Thanks Texas heat! There is some rocky areas on the trails that people with knee issues (like myself) may want to avoid (yah right) but at least try to be careful! read more

It's the Greenbelt! I come here as frequently as possible to get out in the fresh air and sunshine and get a little exercise in. One of the many things I love about Austin - having an abundance of hiking and biking trails so close to home. This place saves my life weekly after being cooped up in a windowless classroom with 21 7-year olds all day! There are plenty of options in terms of length and route of your hike. The water level is constantly changing and, sadly, has gone back to almost nothing in a good portion of the creek recently. (If you see a silver water bottle down there somewhere, please give it back!) I love to watch the season changes here and see what different plants and flowers will pop up. You always have to be careful of mountain bikers out here, although some are courteous and respectful, I've had to many near-crashing experiences with dudes just bombing by me without regards to anyone else on the trail. Keep your eyes open. Also, when I first started hiking (or trail walking as I like to call it) out here, I never went without my cell phone. Trails are not marked and have many divergences, so if you don't know your way around it can be crucial to have some sort of GPS with you. I've been looking for a hike that has more incline and is more challenging... I've found if you cross to the West side of the creek that trail provides of bit more elevation change although you have to either climb up or down a super steep/sketchy hillside to get there. I'm still exploring. Again, it's the Greenbelt. It's great. It's makes life in Austin even more Awesome. Good stuff. read more

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You can find a little forest oasis in the middle of the city. This is a win for everyone involved. It is strange to be calm and relaxed but here cars in the background. There are several paths and it is easy to get lost. Never fear you will find the highway or street so you won't be lost for that long. It look like a place that is good for mountain bikers because I saw some man made ramps. I can see a few train runners get a jog in. I would not call this place a hike just a nature path with a few small hills. Nevertheless, a good place in the city. read more

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Okay we went in hopes of finding water. We found creeks that were okay but we hiked and hiked and eventually turned around. Lots of friendly hikers and dogs off leashes but totally fine and friendly. We ended up going back to our car and driving a little further and we found the lake! read more

Barton Creek Greenbelt - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

Wow - this place is a hidden gem. I never knew such beautiful place existed inside Green Belt! Made a visit here with couple of friends. There is no parking lot so you have to do street parking inside a neighborhood. You do need to go on a short hike (which lasts about five minutes) to reach Gus Fruh. It's an incredible place to swim. Water is clean and clear. There's also a rope which you can use to jump off of a tree. Gus Fruh is also the perfect place to get tanned. Check this place out if you plan to visit Green Belt! read more

What a terrific find on our trip to Austin. We seek out fun hiking spots wherever we go & this was definitely a beautiful area to hike that backs to several Austin neighborhoods and spans a very large area. So many little swimming holes along the trails or fun places to explore along the giant limestone rocks & shallow pools. Everyone's dogs were having the best time lapping water & taking dips in the creek. There are also a few rock climbing walls in this Greenbelt. The hiking through the woods had some easy trails mixed with some very rocky tougher to navigate trails. It's obviously well traveled and many small trails are scattered all over the area to the point it's often difficult to figure out which path you should take. There are trail maps at the entry points but nothing is marked as you're hiking. A little trail marking of the main trails with bright paint would really be helpful. read more

Well surprise, surprise, surprise! I've been meaning to get out to this oddly named bit of the green belt for like 5 years. I finally made it! And there was water! The swimming hole itself was great - nice and cold and clear and clean. The trail was... well, damaged? I'm not sure but it looks like they've been doing some clearing out there after all the rains last year and much of the trail is blocked by trees and detritus. If you plan on going on the trail, it's not a leisurely stroll down a dirt path, it's legit bouldering. Like, climbing all over stuff, picking your way delicately around giant rocks. I'd almost go so far as to wear gloves next time I came if I wanted to really get after it. read more

I have a lot to say about this trails but is best that y'all come to check it out. So far this is my number 1 trail but there's more out there,this is one good reason that I love Austin. If you like the outdoors you definitely will love this trails,you can bring your drinks,some sandwiches and just kick and relax on the beautiful springs or just hit the trails. Amazing out here!!!! read more

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I'm so glad that a local introduced me to this side of Austin--who knew that gorgeous primordial limestone rock features were to be had in this town? I highly recommend a Greenbelt hike and reiterate what other Yelpers have said about bringing a small towel and shoes appropriate for water crossings. Maybe Crocs would be good (light enough to carry in a pack)? I was wearing my hiking boots, which are water resistant, but not full on submerge your feet in the rushing creek kind of shoes. Our first crossing I did in bare feet, but the water was bone achingly cold (after all, still February) and the stones were slippery and uncomfortable. For a second crossing, I wore my boots, and ended up having to dry them for several days afterward. We could've avoided the crossings altogether had we retraced our steps from our starting point in the Barton Creek Wilderness Park, but we wanted to make a loop rather than re-do the same terrain. The trail on one side of the creek, I believe the north side, is much more flat and gentle than the trail on the south side, which went over more elevated ground. We encountered mountain bikers, trail runners, and moms picnicking with young toddlers on different portions of the journey. There truly is something for everybody on this trail. read more

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Wonderful hike with lots of shade and when creek is dry you can hike in it in the sun. You can go for as long as you want and see different features along the way. A beautiful natural climbing wall is close to the trailhead for those who climb and great spot to sit and watch climbers. When creek has water you'll need to cross it to get to the wall. We've done this hike several times and it's a favorite. read more

Cops ticketing for open container Rot Ralley weekend. Made us pour out all beers. Ticket for open container $225. Posession also a ticketable offense. Didnt get that one. read more

My ultimate place to explore, get wet, hike or just hangout. My daughter loves the wildlife out there and we could be out there all day. Lost of other fun people venture out there for their own personal desires. read more

This was the closest check-in I could get to the Barton Creek Spyglass entrance. And this is my favorite section of the Green Belt!!! (compared to the 360/Mopac section). Not as kid-friendly as 360/Mopac section since there are more rocks & the entrance is pretty steep. AKA- not stroller friendly. There are a few detours on this path since the last time I've come here-- mainly due to the falling rocks. And when they mean falling rocks... they're not just little rocks... it's like HUGE CHUNKS of ROCK that can kill you. So... be smart & take the detours & stay alive. Great for cross-country running since a good portion is shaded & there are a few different areas/scenery which makes for a really pretty run. And yes, the green belt is currently dry-- so don't be fooled to bring a swimsuit. You won't need it. Dog-owners, please bring clean up after your dog. We like our paths clean ;) read more

Not going back to barton springs after this! You can park in the neighborhood near by, and it is a short walk to the spring. Be sure to being shoes, though because the whole trail is gravel, and the beach surrounding the water is all small pebbles that dig into your feet. The water is cool, but a lot more bearable than barton springs because it is a lot smaller. It has a great rope swing off a tree with wooden steps nailed into it so that you can jump in from a decent height. It also has some really nice areas where the stream is moving. The water is shallow enough that you can sit right where the water breaks over the rocks and feel like you are in a natural jaccuzi! Super dog and family friendly as well; though, there are no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk. Another plus is that you can bring coolers, food, drinks (even the alcoholic kind), as long as you are respectful and get rid of all your trash afterwards. read more

This spot was quite nice. Great for dogs, nice water temperature, and the crowd "seemed" to be pretty chill despite quite a few families. HOWEVER- I just want to point out that alcohol IS NOT allowed here, despite Laura S.'s claim. I received a Misdemeanor ticket here this past Sunday for "Alcohol in Park". Supposedly it was reported by people there rather than them asking us not to drink (which I totally would have been fine with had I known alcohol wasn't allowed). I didn't think to look for any signs prohibiting alcohol consumption after reading a review explicitly stating it was allowed. Lesson learned, I guess. read more

Lots of shade for most of the trail. The trail is wide in some spots and narrow in others. Very scenic in places. Nice for a first date. Bring your swimsuit and plan to get wet. In the summer it's hot hiking in Texas so plan to dip in on your hike!! read more

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Beautiful rushing rapids after spring rains. Gus Fruh (I was told it's pronouced "froo") is a great spot to check out while you're hiking the Greenbelt because it's somewhat secluded (usually less people), beautiful, and there are rocks to relax on while listening to the water and observing the surrounding glory. read more

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I wish I knew how to read maps better, because there is access to the Greenbelt trails right behind our apartment off of 360 and Mopac. I love coming here with our pups, especially when there is water in the creek. However, I think there has got to be a more convenient way to get to some of the trails vs. parking right off of the on-ramp to Mopac. It makes me so nervous, especially when we take the dogs. This place is beautiful though. Lots of rocks - so make sure to wear comfortable shoes or hiking shoes. It's usually packed, so I wish the trails were a little bigger at times to accommodate the heavy traffic on gorgeous weather days. But really, that's my only real beef. If anyone is an expert in Greenbelt adventures, please send me a direct message. read more

We decided one Saturday that we really wanted to get out and explore our city. So we hopped in the car and drove the Barton Creek Greenbelt trailhead located off Mopac. There was plenty of parking off the access road. The trail is nice, clean, and well marked. You can go as far as you would like, we chose to go for 3 miles and then turn around and go back to the car. The scenery is beautiful, especially after a rain when there is more water in the creek. Our only complaint is the number of bikers. They come through going very fast on this narrow trail and you have to jump out of the way to avoid a collision. Other than that, we loved it and we look forward to going back to the Greenbelt again soon. read more

Barton Creek Greenbelt - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

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With the recent rains, the water is high and clear, and moving at a perfect pace to do a lazy float down the creek. Decent spots to swim if you have little ones, but also some deep and swifter moving water if that's what you're looking for. Fun to post up and watch the rock climbers. The trails are nice and everyone is always very friendly. Not the most intense "hike" you will ever take, but good outdoors time nonetheless. read more

Barton Creek Greenbelt - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

Who doesn't love the greenbelt!? If you walk far enough you will find waterfalls! If you're not from here you'd probably never know where to even find this place. One minute you're on a major freeway and then bam in the middle of nowhere you pull over on the side of the road and find this magical rock bed stream that runs for miles. There are swimming holes and all sorts of Austinites running around and its dog friendly! Perfect place to go for a nice hike or a long walk in the wilderness in the middle of a huge city. read more

Hiking was great. We entered through twin falls and hiked for a few hours. Most of the falls were dry but one area had beautiful falls. The hiking toward the end was uphill and tough read more

Tips for enjoying Gus Fruh: bring sturdy shoes to get down to the creek (after rains the trail is muddy and slick!). The beach is all rocks so have something protective for your feetsies! Blankets/towels are good idea to spread over socks or bring a camping chair to sit in. (Don't bring your best blankets/towels as many dogs are "off leash" here and don't mind taking a minute to wipe their paws on your stuff). The rope swing looks promising (there's always a big line for it), kids seem to like to "ride the current" off to the side of the main body of water and be respectful of the kayakers who are coming down the creek. Lastly, pack your good natured Austinite attitude and have fun! read more

Walked the trails today. Sign at beginning requires dogs to be on leashes and to use waste receptacles. I was disgusted by all the dog poop we had to avoid. We saw filled waste bags just lying on the edges of the trails. 99% of the dogs were NOT on leashes. I was just standing when one came up to me and showed his teeth and barked. I told the owner to leash him but he didn't. read more

Most definitely a must when wanting to experience a beautiful summer day. Tucked in Austin near Barton Creek and Zilker park. Rope swing and a rocky beach. Truly beautiful! read more

Had no idea this place existed, and had an amazing day out there climbing. They've got a wide range of climbing levels set up, but the easier walls do seem to fill up more others, just FYI. Can't wait to go again! read more

Barton Creek Greenbelt - Up on a 9A (I think) at Gus Fruh. What a blast! - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

fun cuz it has so many spots to take a plunge into the water. simple, easy access, trickling waterfalls, and even some higher up elevated areas for decent views read more