Hiking with Kids Open
Barton Creek Wilderness Park
4.8(205)4.8 out of 5 stars, 205 reviews Austin, TX
About Barton Creek Wilderness Park
Barton Creek Wilderness Park is a 1,000-acre urban oasis offering over 12 miles of rugged hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing trails. It features natural swimming holes and a beautiful natural pool (though water levels vary seasonally), providing a physically challenging yet rewarding escape into nature close to the city.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Active families seeking a challenging outdoor adventure and a true wilderness experience.Hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbers looking for diverse terrain and natural features.Dog owners who want to bring their pets along for a hike with water access.Families wanting to escape into nature without driving far out of the city.Those seeking natural swimming opportunities, provided water levels are adequate and they don't mind natural water conditions.
Why families love it
- Extensive network of over 12 miles of rugged terrain for hiking and mountain biking.
- Features natural swimming holes like Sculpture Falls and a beautiful natural pool at the end of trails.
- Abundant opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering on amazing limestone formations.
- Dog-friendly with specific water access points for pets to enjoy.
- Conveniently located within the city, offering a quick nature escape without long drives.
- Vast natural space spanning 1,000 acres with extensive (12+ miles) rugged trails.
Insider tips
- Be prepared for rugged terrain; wear appropriate footwear with good support (flip-flops are not recommended for most, despite one reviewer's anecdotal success).
- Check recent weather and rainfall reports if visiting specifically for waterfalls or swimming, as water levels can fluctuate.
- Be aware of water snakes and actively watch your footing due to rocky sections and exposed roots on trails.
- Pack plenty of water and snacks, especially for longer hikes, as facilities are minimal.
- To reach the most beautiful natural pool, be prepared to hike 'all the way to the end' of the trail.
- Consider stopping at Tacodeli, located across from an entrance, for a highly recommended post-hike meal.
Good to know before you go
- Families with very young children or toddlers who are not accustomed to rugged, unsupervised terrain.
- Individuals seeking a completely silent and serene nature experience due to the audible freeway noise.
- People with a strong aversion to natural water conditions (algae/organisms) or snakes.
- Those expecting groomed, easily accessible, or paved trails throughout the park.
- If your primary goal is to see full waterfalls or deep rivers during extended dry seasons.
What parents say
"Be prepared for an extraordinary hike! This 1,000-acre urban oasis has over 12 miles of rugged terrain, mountain-biking & hiking trails, and creeks with swimming holes (although one of the two waterfalls has dried up because of lack of rain). Once you get to the second one, you're gonna want to take off your clothes and take a dip in the pool if you don't mind the algae and water-borne organisms. Barton Creek Greenbelt also features amazing rock formations made of limestone for rock-climbing and bouldering. Although this is a family-friendly adventure, it's not for the faint of heart. Young k"
a year ago
"Great green space in the city. Can hear the freeway from pretty much the whole trail, except when it's drowned out by the falls. Trail is easy to walk (I'm in poor shape and was able to get to Sculpture Falls in flip flops). Lots of rocky parts to watch your footing, and exposed roots to avoid stepping on for the sake of the roots. Great to get into nature workout driving an hour out of town"
3 years ago
"Snakes are there though it's just water snakes beware of it. And it's good trekking place I feel it's better than turkey creek. But it's not very good to enjoy with ur buddies and water is there so if you are bringing your dogs it will enjoy a lot."
2 years ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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