Our resident trying-to-be-a-hiker, Katie, is checking out all the great hiking spots and marvelous views in Austin. This week’s adventure included both outdoor exercise equipment and roots growing over paths. Sign me up.
This post was first published in 2016 and updated in February 2021.]
Seclusion really is the most amazing thing in moderation. Even introverts, like myself, need their people and need company a lot of the time. But seclusion on morning walks is about the closest thing to heaven on earth that I can imagine. This week I headed out to Great Hills Park a little ways up north and found exactly that: the perfect amount of seclusion.
I love that there are so many hiking trails in this city. Let’s all congratulate and thank our city officials who made that possible in the first place, because Austin really is a rarity in its love for the outdoors.
Right off the bat, you should know that this spot is great for kids and gym rats. Best of both worlds.
Remember to grab your phone and take a picture of the trail map to use throughout your hike!
Said exercise equipment. This is the coolest thing, you guys.
There are a few of trails to explore at Great Hills Park and they’re all laid out clearly. This made for an easy, second nature hike.
Trail markers are my dear, dear friends.
There are steps headed down towards a little river that runs through this park. The day I went, there was the perfect amount of shade and cool, crisp air. I recommend going early in the morning to get the same experience!
This place is beautiful, you guys. Have you called and thanked our city officials yet? Let’s all do that soon. It is simply not lost on me in this moment that great hiking trails are more numerous than 50 story buildings in our city. That’s a definite win!
All in all, this perfect, miniature hike was exactly what I was looking for this week. Not strenuous in the least, but gave me a work out. Also ready and willing to give me a workout? That exercise equipment. Imagine doing pull-ups while squirrels are running past you and birds are chirping above you. That beats a gym membership!
Great Hills Park Quick Facts:
- Address: 10801 Sierra Oaks
- Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Trail Miles : 1.70
- Cost: Free
- Exercise equipment: Yes
- For more information, check out the Great Hills Park website.
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