Attraction of the Week: Lady Bird Hike-and-Bike Trail in Austin, Texas
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Austin is a very beautiful city with lots of great activities for fitness buffs. Mike and I recently stopped here for a few days on a longer roadtrip to Flagstaff. We only had time to check a few things off our bucket list, the top being the city’s wonderful lake lined biking path.
Lady Bird Lake is a gorgeous downtown lake which provides numerous recreational opportunities for locals and visitors. Whether you feel like taking a scenic bike ride or jog around the lake, rowing, or fishing, you will enjoy the beautiful green scenery, sunny skies, and pretty lake and skyline views.
It’s the best place in the city to get in a fabulous workout while surrounded by pretty greenery. We could easily tell that this was the go-to spot for race training, walking, biking, and dog walking. Everyone was out enjoying the cooler morning summer temps before that dreadful Texas afternoon heat came through limiting any outdoor pursuits.
The gem of the city
Biking this path is a great way to get out and explore this beautiful city. Taking a long walk or bike ride on this trail is the best way to get out and get in some healthy exercise while soaking in some vitamin D. The trail is 10 miles long, which I think is a great length for cycling and race training. I would definitely be using this trail daily while getting ready for my half marathons. What a beautiful path; I loved the lush greenery along the route.
If a short workout is more your style, then you can simply turn around when you feel like it. The trail is paved and mostly flat, although there are a few small hills, so you will definitely get in a decent leg workout.
The sheer amount of energy on the trail is sure to put you in a great mood. On any given day, you will see so many enthusiastic runners, bikers, and dog walkers out enjoying the beautiful scenery. It sure is motivating to see so many people out exercising. After just a few miles on the trail, you will quickly notice that many of the city’s residents are very healthy and fitness focused. I would imagine you can’t help becoming a bit more fitness oriented yourself if you relocate to a city like this.
A nice escape from the neverending Texas sunshine!
Most of the trail is lined with beautiful trees, providing great shade for those unbearably hot and sunny 100+ degree days which seem to go on forever. Because of the dense tree coverage, you can enjoy this trail year-round. Although summertime, you will still want to get out here early to beat the heat.
Gorgeous lake and skyline views
The best part of the trail is the beautiful lake and skyline views, which are abundant throughout. There are plenty of benches along the way to take a recovery break while you soak in the gorgeous scenery. In addition, you will find several restaurants and coffee shops if you need a refueling break.
If you want to avoid the crowds, be sure to get up as early as possible or preferably visit on a weekday. Note that this trail is very popular, and thus, gets crowded, especially on the weekends. Our visit fell on a weekday and it was not all too crowded as you can see by our pics. There was a steady amount of traffic but it never felt like too much, rather just enough to be motivating and have good people watching opportunities.
So if you find yourself visiting or passing through the city, be sure to take advantage of this wonderful trail. It is one of the best urban trails in the country: active, beautiful, and the perfect distance for a long run or leisurely bike ride.
Location: First Street Bridge at Lady Bird Lake
For more info and a map of the trail, visit the official tourist website.
Cool off after your fitness session
Morning temps will be much more tolerable, typically in the 70’s or so. Obviously, spring and fall would be the ideal months weatherwise to enjoy the trail any time of day.
If you need a place to cool down afterwards, you can always head over to Barton Springs. The temp of this natural city springs stays a cool 68-70 degrees all year. We visited on a cool night and were absolutely freezing, so I imagine it would be a treat after a hot bike ride.
Fueling up pre activity
I recommend stopping by Mozart’s Coffee Roasters before or after your ride for a cup of joe and a pastry or breakfast entree. This is one of the best local coffeehouses I have been to in a while. I loved the views and the coffee and food we tried were both excellent. It’s so nice to have a gorgeous patio overlooking the lake; I would be here everyday if I lived in the city!
