Best 3-Mile Run in Austin Texas (or a Nice Walk)

I want to capture my favorite things to do in Austin for anyone who is planning a visit to my fair city. This post is dedicated to the 3-mile run in Austin Texas that I try to do every Saturday and Sunday morning (especially when I’m trying to get my health back on track!).

First of all, finding parking is not that fun around Lady Bird Lake. Editor’s Note: You will also hear locals refer to it as Town Lake.

Parking for Your 3-Mile Run or Walk in Austin Texas

Here’s a little pro-tip: enter “Austin Nature & Science Center” into your GPS. Right before you arrive at the Nature & Science Center entrance, you will find a free parking area under a bridge. It’s a bit of a “free for all” under there, but I have always been able to find free parking.

Once you settle in, make your way to the gravel trail. To follow my path, take a right once you hit the trail. This route will take you counter-clockwise around the trail.

The trail will take you up and down for a while. It will eventually curve to the right, and you just keep following it.

Turn One

When you hit the first footbridge, take a left.

Turn Two

Once you cross the tiny little bridge, take a left at the bottom. You will be heading directionally East.

Turn Three

Once you come to a set of concrete stairs right under a pedestrian bridge, head up them. Cross North over the pedestrian bridge. Enjoy the view!

Turn Four

You can take the spiral ramp at the end of the pedestrian bridge. It will dump you out onto the trail (stay on the ramp, not the stairs) and you will continue straight. You will now be heading West toward Mopac.

Turn Five

You will hit another pedestrian bridge. Take a left, heading South. This little bridge will take you right back to the parking lot.

Enjoy Your 3-Mile Run in Austin Texas

That’s not too complicated, is it? This trail is the perfect distance for a short run or a long walk. It meanders through shade and sun. There are definitely quieter trails deeper in nature, but this one is a great welcome to Austin!