Hidden Gem Running Routes in North and South Austin

Another training run, another lap of the same route? Give yourself somewhere different to go.

North and South Austin have running options beyond your usual downtown circuit: the Northern Walnut Creek Trail, Dick Nichols District Park, Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park, and Stephenson Nature Preserve. These are public parks and trails, not secret spots. The appeal is finding one that fits your run without defaulting to the same starting line every week.

Where Should You Run in North and South Austin?

For a paved North Austin run, try the Northern Walnut Creek Trail from Balcones District Park or Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park. In South Austin, Dick Nichols offers a short, repeatable loop; Mary Moore Searight has varied trail terrain; and Stephenson Nature Preserve is another option for a mapped outing on foot.

Start with the workout you have planned. Need a straightforward mileage target? Choose a loop or out-and-back. Want a trail day? Check the terrain and navigation before you go.

North Austin: Northern Walnut Creek Trail and Balcones District Park

Starting points: Balcones District Park, 12017 Amherst Drive, or Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, 12138 North Lamar Boulevard.

The Northern Walnut Creek Trail gives you a paved option with room to adjust your distance. The City of Austin lists 3.5 miles of completed trail between Balcones District Park and Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park. A further 1.3-mile concrete section continues east from Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park to Oakbrook Drive.

For a simple four-mile outing, follow the paved corridor for two miles from your chosen access point, then return the same way, provided the route is open. That is a suggested workout, not a separately marked four-mile route.

Looking for something shorter? The city also lists a 1.3-mile Balcones District Park Trail. Check the park map before starting: that listing is separate from the longer regional trail, and it does not mean every path through the park forms a 1.3-mile loop.

When searching for Walnut Creek running trails, pay attention to the specific trail name. This recommendation is for the paved Northern Walnut Creek corridor, not every trail within the metropolitan park.

Bring a running buddy, agree on the turnaround point, and leave room for walkers and cyclists.

South Austin: Dick Nichols District Park

Starting point: 8011 Beckett Road.

Listed loop distance: 1.08 miles.

Dick Nichols is the pick when you want to spend less time planning and more time running. The park’s loop makes it easy to repeat the same route without adding unfamiliar turns.

Two laps total approximately 2.16 miles; three total approximately 3.24 miles, using the city’s listed distance. Your recorded mileage may differ with your starting point and any extra distance to or from the trail.

For a run-walk session, choose your intervals before you start and repeat them around the loop. For an easy run, keep the effort conversational. Either way, remember that this is a shared-use trail, not a track reserved for workouts.

Among these South Austin running routes, Dick Nichols has the clearest short-loop option.

South Austin: Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park

Starting point: 907 West Slaughter Lane.

Distance: Depends on the trails you select.

Mary Moore Searight is worth a look when your training week needs a change in terrain. Local running group Trail Roots describes open, flatter sections alongside rocky singletrack and short, steep climbs.

That mix matters more than your usual pace target. Let your effort guide the run, watch your footing, and walk sections that feel too technical.

Choose a mapped route before heading out. The city lists several trails within the park, so there is no single distance that applies to every “Mary Moore Searight loop.” A trail-network total should not be treated as one continuous, clearly marked circuit.

Make your first visit about learning the route. You can decide afterward whether it belongs in your regular training rotation.

South Austin: Stephenson Nature Preserve

City-listed trail address: 7009 Stage Coach Trail.

Distance: Plan around your selected route, not the preserve’s total listed trail mileage.

Stephenson is another place to consider when you want to explore on foot rather than repeat a park loop. The city lists its trails for hiking use, and local running group Trail Roots includes the preserve in its Austin running-route guide.

Save your route before starting and pay attention at junctions. Do not assume that following the next path will bring you back to your starting point.

For a first visit, choose a short route you can retrace. Leave the pace goal for another day, follow posted rules, and give other trail users room.

How to Choose Austin Marathon Training Paths

Choose Austin Marathon training paths by the session you need, not just the scenery. The Northern Walnut Creek corridor offers paved mileage. Dick Nichols gives you repeatable laps. Mary Moore Searight and Stephenson offer trail outings that require more attention to route choice and footing.

Keep road running in your training mix for a road race. Treat a trail outing as its own workout rather than expecting your road pace to translate directly.

Before leaving, check park notices and the weather, carry water, and confirm your route. Do not enter flooded crossings or use closed trails. If natural-surface trails are muddy, choose another route rather than leaving ruts.

Want people to share the miles with? Browse the RUN AUSTIN running groups and training resources for options around town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which South Austin route is a good starting point for run-walk sessions?

Dick Nichols District Park is a practical option because its listed 1.08-mile loop lets you repeat a known route. Start with a distance that fits your current training rather than committing to extra laps.

How long is the Northern Walnut Creek Trail section between Balcones and Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park?

The City of Austin lists that completed section at 3.5 miles. Running the full section out and back would be approximately seven miles, excluding extra distance between your starting point and the trail.

Do these routes follow the Austin Marathon course?

These are training suggestions, not directions for following the race course. Use official Austin Marathon course information when planning a course-specific run.

Are these trails guaranteed to be quiet?

No. Shared parks and trails can be busy, and conditions vary. Choose them for their location and route options, not a promise of an empty path.

Pick a Route. Bring a Friend.

Try one new starting point for your next easy run. Keep the route manageable, compare notes afterward, and see whether it earns a spot in next week’s plan.

Training for the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K? Choose your distance and register. We’ll see you at the start.