Top Central Texas hikes for National Hiking Day

It’s National Hiking Day, and you don’t have to travel far to hit the trails.

We’ve rounded up some loops, out-and-backs and winding routes that don’t require too much of a drive.

• Pace Bend Park: An 11.6 mile-trail with Lake Travis views. (One of Nicole’s favorites.)
• Turkey Creek Trail at Emma Long Metropolitan Park: An easy 2.8-mile out-and-back trail.
• Commons Ford Waterfall Trail: A quick and quiet loop with great spots for bird watching.
• Shoal Creek Trail: Following Shoal Creek for 4 miles, start at 38th Street, and you’ll feel like you’re in a canyon far from the city.
• Southern Walnut Creek Trail: 7.3 miles of wide, multi-use trail in East Austin.
• Milton Reimers Ranch Park: 13.2 mile-loop near Dripping Springs.
• McKinney Falls State Park: 9 miles of trails just 13 miles from the Capitol.
• Barton Creek Greenbelt: Roughly 12 miles of trails with several access points.