Field guide
The Lady Bird Lake Trail for runners and hikers
Get official information for running or hiking the 10-mile Lady Bird Lake Trail in Austin. Find details on the route, parking, and facilities.
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is a lush, urban path in the heart of Austin. It follows the water’s edge and passes by downtown, neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks.
This guide provides official information for runners and hikers about the trail route, access points, and on-site facilities.
Official facts at a glance
- Trail description
- A lush, urban path that meanders along the water’s edge, passing by a bustling downtown, peaceful neighborhoods, playing fields, and cultural landmarks.
- Location
- In the heart of Austin
- Trail length
- 10-mile
- Trail type and length
- 10-mile loop trail
- Boardwalk hours
- 5am to midnight each day, with a curfew between midnight and 5am
- Street parking
- Available along S. Lakeshore Blvd. between Pleasant Valley Road and Riverside
- Other parking options
- At Festival Beach across the river, or at any of the parking areas near the trail
- Restrooms availability
- Available
- Boardwalk trailhead restroom
- A new trailhead restroom along the 7,250 feet boardwalk
- Drinking water availability
- Drinking fountains available
- Boardwalk lighting
- 13,000 LED lights
- Fishing rules
- Allowed on the rest areas but not along the main trail
- Boardwalk art installation
- Belting It Out, an installation of 36 cast bronze, western-style belts with song lyrics integrated into the railings on both sides of the Boardwalk
Sources: Visit The Butler Trail at Lady Bird Lake (thetrailconservancy.org), Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake (austintexas.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The trail route and features
The trail is a 10-mile loop in the center of Austin. The path follows the water’s edge through urban and residential areas, passing playing fields and cultural landmarks.
A 7,250 feet boardwalk is part of the trail. It features an art installation of 36 bronze belts with song lyrics in the railings and is lit by 13,000 LED lights.
Trail access and parking
Street parking is available along S. Lakeshore Blvd. between Pleasant Valley Road and Riverside. Other parking areas are located near the trail, including at Festival Beach across the river.
Hours, rules, and facilities
The boardwalk portion of the trail is open from 5am to midnight daily, with a curfew in effect between midnight and 5am.
Restrooms and drinking fountains are available. A new restroom is located at a boardwalk trailhead. Fishing is permitted on rest areas but not along the main trail.
Before you go
- The boardwalk has specific hours from 5am to midnight, with a curfew overnight.
- Restrooms and drinking fountains are available along the trail.
- Parking is available on S. Lakeshore Blvd. and at Festival Beach, among other areas.
- Fishing is not permitted along the main trail path, only on rest areas.
- The boardwalk section of the trail is lit by LED lights.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Austin. All cities: City running and hiking guides.