One Of Texas' Best Urban Gems Is A Vibrant Hiking Area In Austin Full Of Trails, Waterfalls, And Swimming Spots

Less than 30 minutes from downtown Austin, Texas, a hidden forest lies tucked away, waiting for hikers to discover its untamed beauty. Dappled sunlight drifts through a thick canopy of leaves, spring wildflowers stretch across grassy fields, and small waterfalls cascade into pools and creeks, painting a vibrant picture. With miles of hiking trails and a swimming hole beloved by locals, the serene forests and winding, creekside paths of St. Edwards Greenbelt invite visitors to claim their own patch of wilderness to enjoy for a day.

Even though it's located just minutes outside of the city, St. Edwards Greenbelt (occasionally referred to as St. Edwards Park) somehow cultivates a rugged feel that summons adventure. The trails that wind through the lush fields and forests are subject to the whims of nature, including roots, rocks, and the occasional fallen tree blocking the way. Wet seasons add water crossings to that list, requiring hikers to splash through the overflowing Bull Creek to continue on their journey. The 3.6-mile St. Edwards Greenbelt Trail has flat portions that follow the creek as well as more challenging uphill sections with bluff views; while the trail is marked for both hiking and mountain biking, the narrow paths can make sharing the space difficult on particularly busy days.

Bull Creek is the centerpiece of the park, and when rain has been plentiful, the stream rushes over rocks and into dips, creating tiny waterfalls along its route. Portions of the greenbelt trail guide hikers right to the water, where they (and any canine companions) can splash along the creek bed to stay cool. The most well-known waterfall in the park, however, is at the decades-old dam created by a former owner of the land. While the falls there aren't one of the most breathtaking waterfall destinations in the Austin area, the way the water cascades over the old stone wall into a shallow pool below creates a picturesque, forest-framed landscape.

Behind the waterfall and stone dam lies another treasure: the swimming hole. The deep pool created by the dam is a popular spot to jump in and enjoy the water. At times there's even a rope swing for brave souls willing to dangle over the pool and then plunge in, but use caution: the swing is an informal feature added by visitors, so test it well and use it at your own risk. There are no lifeguards in this area, unlike at the giant, spring-fed Barton Springs Pool about 20 minutes to the south. 

While the park's off-the-beaten-path vibes provide a convenient escape from city life, there are downsides: for example, cell signal is weak, and visitors who are unfamiliar with the park may want to print a map ahead of time. With trail markings that are occasionally unclear and several spurs jutting off the main path, some hikers report getting lost and struggling to find the trail. 

Another serious concern is that the parking areas are frequently targeted by thieves who smash car windows and take whatever they can find inside vehicles. Official police advice is for visitors to take valuables with them and leave their cars locked, but some visitors prefer to leave their windows down to avoid smashed glass. 

St. Edwards Greenbelt is northwest of downtown Austin, and if you're traveling there from downtown or the trendy, eclectic neighborhood of East Austin, you'll probably want to take Interstate 35 up to Highway 183 (although Loop 1 — known to locals as MoPac — may be faster during rush hour). While St. Edwards Greenbelt offers a smorgasbord of scenery for nature lovers, it doesn't have it all: there are no bathrooms, for instance, or running water. Make any needed pit stops before arriving at the park, and take more than enough water for your planned time there (drinking from the creek is not advisable for people or pets). Arrive in the early morning for the best chance at snagging a spot in the parking lot, especially on weekends.