The best road cycling routes around Austin

Austin offers a wide variety of road cycling routes, with over 300 options available on komoot. These routes range from urban trails with skyline views to the rolling terrain of the Texas Hill Country, providing diverse experiences for all cyclists.

You'll find a mix of terrains. Many routes feature smooth, paved paths like the Southern Walnut Creek and Austin to Manor Trail Loop, which offers verdant canopies. Other routes, particularly in the Texas Hill Country, present rolling hills and challenging climbs, such as the Mount Bonnell & rolling northwest hills loop. The city is continually expanding its network of bike-friendly infrastructure.

Yes, Austin has 84 easy road cycling routes. A great option is the Southern Walnut Creek and Austin to Manor Trail Loop, an easy 26.3-mile (42.3 km) path that follows a paved trail through natural landscapes. The Veloway in South Austin also offers a 3.1-mile paved, exclusive path for bicycles.

For more challenging rides, explore routes in the Texas Hill Country. The Mount Bonnell & rolling northwest hills loop, for instance, features over 1,700 feet (525 meters) of elevation gain over 28.3 miles (45.6 km), offering excellent climbs and scenic views.

Many routes offer stunning views and pass by notable landmarks. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake provides views of the downtown Austin skyline and landmarks like the Congress Avenue Bridge. You might also encounter natural features such as McKinney Lower Falls or Sculpture Falls in the Barton Creek Greenbelt area, or even peacocks at Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve.

Absolutely. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake is renowned for its stunning views of the downtown Austin skyline, especially at sunset. Routes through the Texas Hill Country, like the "North West Hills" and Mount Bonnell & rolling northwest hills loop, also provide scenic vistas and relatively smooth roads.

The road cycling routes in Austin are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from urban trails to challenging Hill Country climbs, and the city's commitment to expanding its bike-friendly network.

Yes, many of Austin's road cycling routes are designed as loops. For example, the Mellow Johnny's Early Morning Tuesday loop is a popular 29.9-mile (48.1 km) moderate route. Another option is the South Austin loop via the Butler District Park Trail, which incorporates sections near Lady Bird Lake.

Austin's mild winters make it an excellent destination for cycling during the cooler months. Spring and fall also offer pleasant temperatures. Summers can be hot, so early morning or late evening rides are often preferred during those months.

For families, paved multi-use trails are ideal. The Southern Walnut Creek Trail offers 7.3 miles of lush landscapes, and the Veloway in South Austin is a dedicated 3.1-mile paved path perfect for bicycles and rollerblades, providing a safe and enjoyable experience through natural beauty.

Yes, many of Austin's trails pass through natural areas where you might spot local wildlife. The Southern Walnut Creek Trail, for instance, is known for its verdant canopies and opportunities for wildlife sightings. The Veloway also offers a chance to see local flora and fauna.