15 Best Georgetown Hiking Trails

Georgetown, Texas is a quaint community of residents who enjoy exploring the outdoors and who appreciate good food. There are many delicious restaurant options in the historic downtown area and plenty of small shops to visit if you're looking for the perfect gift. Georgetown is also home to Southwestern University, which draws in a younger crowd during the school year.

If you're searching for some prime hiking opportunities within the city limits, there are plenty of lake views waiting to be discovered. There are several long out-and-back options for those trying to condition themselves for longer hikes. For those hiking with their family, many of the trails have amenities such as restrooms and picnic tables.

When you're looking for a workout, nothing beats heading outdoors and getting your heart rate up. Keep in mind that Texas gets brutally hot during the summer so sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and protective layers are recommended.

1. Good Water Loop

Credit: Christopher Peoples / Flickr

This loop hiking trail is ideal for backpacking and camping, though day hikers also hike it by segment. You may also see some birders out and about, as there is an abundance of native species that live within the area.

Dogs are welcome on a leash, so you can feel free to bring your furry friend along for the adventure. Cedar Breaks Park is a popular spot for Georgetown residents. The area is well-maintained and there are great views of the lake.

Some sections of the trail can be rocky, so hikers are encouraged to wear protective footwear with sturdy soles. There are several creek crossings as well, so waterproof hiking shoes would be suitable.

If you do the loop clockwise, you'll encounter fewer sections of rocks at the beginning and end of the trail. Downloading an offline map is recommended, as some sections of the trail don't have a great connection.

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 26.9 Miles

Total Elevation Gain: 1,519 Feet

2. Crockett Garden Falls

This out-and-back trail is popular with hikers and mountain bikers, so practicing trail etiquette is required. When a biker comes up on you, the proper form is to step aside so they have room to pass.

This is one of the best hikes in Texas with access to a waterfall. On holiday weeks and during the summer months, this is a well-traversed hike as everyone wants to check out the flowing water.

There are several segments with a moderate to a steep incline, so be prepared for a workout! Some areas have tree cover, which provides shade, while other sections are open to the sun. Pack a lot of water, as the hot Texas sun can quickly get to anybody.

You can feel free to bring your pup but they must be kept on a leash. Not everyone follows this rule, so be aware if your dog is reactive to other canines running around freely. Along the trail, you'll find great views of Georgetown Lake, as well as outlook spots that make for great photos.

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 7.6 Miles

Total Elevation Gain: 498 Feet

3. Pickett Trail

Pickett Trail is located in Blue Hole Park and you'll often find other hikers enjoying this short trail. Birders also enjoy bringing their binoculars to spot some of the wildlife in the area.

Dogs are encouraged to be kept on their leash, as there are some areas with broken glass that could hurt their paws. Wearing sturdy hiking shoes is recommended for pedestrians.

While the trail doesn't have any steep inclines, there are some downhill sections where trekking poles may stabilize hikers. Many younger children can handle this hike and there's a playground near the end for them to enjoy.

If you're planning on hiking this trail during the summer, bring more water than you think you'll drink. With so much sun exposure, dehydration can be a real danger.

On the trail, there are rocky sections that may become slippery after rainfall. There are also some sharper drop-offs, so hikers should stay aware and be careful.

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 1.3 Miles

Total Elevation Gain: 85 Feet

Related Read: 20 Best State Parks In Texas

4. San Gabriel River from Blue Hole

This out-and-back trail is perfect for birders, road bikers, and hikers of all levels. With such a significant mileage, there are plenty of segments to explore.

There are two river crossings, so be prepared to get your feet wet if you didn't opt for waterproof boots. Most sections of the trail are cement, making it a suitable option for strollers and wheelchair users.

While there isn't any intense elevation gain, there are some hilly spots that provide a good workout. If you head out in the morning or around dusk, you're likely to see deer and other local wildlife.

Dogs are welcome but they must be on a leash. This is a suburban hike, so there may be cars nearby.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 10.4 Miles

Total Elevation Gain: 380 Feet

5. Tejas Trail

Tejas Trail is an out-and-back route that is open all year round. When it gets plenty hot in the summer, it's beautiful during the cooler months and may be more enjoyable then as well.

You'll often find birders, campers, and hikers traversing this route. While some sections are okay for younger kids, some may get too steep.

If you're braving the summer heat, you'll want to pack the proper supplies. Extra water, protective clothing, and a hat are all strongly encouraged.

After rainfall, the path can get muddy and may become slippery. Most of the terrain is soft dirt or rocks. Bug spray is also recommended, as the mosquitoes can get bad.

There are several inclines, which can provide a tough workout for hikers. If you're hiking in the summer, make sure to fuel up with healthy snacks and extra fluids before you attempt to wear your body out.

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 14.3 Miles

Total Elevation Gain: 1,624 Feet

6. Good Water Trail to Lake Georgetown

Credit: allysonrice / Flickr

This out-and-back trail is near Cedar Breaks Park. It takes most hikers under an hour to complete, making it a great option for a quick morning hike or a leisurely evening hike before the sun sets.

This is a shorter segment of the Good Water Loop and it provides a particularly beautiful view of the lake. You can hike down to the water for a quick and refreshing dip.

If you extend this hike for a few miles, you can make it to Crockett Falls. This is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Texas.

Parking is easy if you arrive early but it may get a bit busier later in the day. On the weekends, expect moderate crowds. The trail is okay for older kids but the younger ones may get worn out before they make it back to the car.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 2.3 Miles

Total Elevation Gain: 229 Feet

Related Read: 30 Top Treehouse Rentals in Texas

7. Russell Park to Walnut Spring Park

This out-and-back route takes hikers an average of 1-1.5 hours to complete. This makes for a great mid-morning hike, especially if you have other things planned for the day.

You're likely to come across other hikers, as well as trail runners and bird enthusiasts. You'll also run into plenty of dogs, as there are off-leash designated areas for the pups to run around and play.

Though the trail is considered kid-friendly, it's not ideal for strollers. It's recommended that parents wear or hold their smaller children.

There are some nice shaded areas, which makes for a welcome reprieve from the hot Texas sun. There are also great views of the lake, which are especially beautiful around sunset.

The first mile or so of the trail is rocky, so sturdy footwear is encouraged. You'll want to bring plenty of water, as well as bug spray if you're hiking during the warm months.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3.9 Miles

Total Elevation Gain: 187 Feet

8. Jim Hogg and San Gabriel River Trail

The Jim Hogg and San Gabriel River Trail is an out-and-back route that's perfect for hiking and trail running. If you want to spot some native bird species, bring a pair of binoculars along with you.

Due to the significant length of this trail, you can easily make it a day outing. If you start early, it should take you until late afternoon to finish the hike.

Some sections get relatively rocky, so sturdy hiking boots are recommended. It can be easy to roll your ankle on uneven terrain, making ankle support an important consideration.

The trail surface ranges from pavement, rocks, and dirt. There are some technical areas, which beginners may struggle with.

You may come across bicyclists now and again. Trail etiquette encourages pedestrians to step aside for them to pass by.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 14.1 Miles

Total Elevation Gain: 790 Feet

9. Booty Road Park Trail

This trail is located in Booty’s Road Park, which is a small recreational area in Georgetown. Here, you'll often find birders, road bikers, trail runners, and other hikers.

Some sections of the trail are wheelchair friendly, which allows everyone the opportunity to enjoy the views of the river. During the mornings, the trail can get busy. Showing up early is the best bet for finding easy parking and cooler temperatures.

There is an area of water for the dogs to wade into and cool off. This is especially nice during the heat of the summer, as the pups often get overheated.

This trail is a great option for kids and families of all sizes. There is a diversity of views and the terrain stays even and manageable. There are also areas with plenty of tree cover, which can make for a prime picnic spot.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 2.4 Miles

Total Elevation Gain: 49 Feet

Related Read: Best Time to Visit Austin, TX

10. Muy Grande Loop Trail

This loop trail is located within Berry Springs County Park. It often takes hikers under an hour to complete, making it an easy addition to most days.

If you're looking for a quick adventure into nature, this is a great option. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.

Near the trail, there is a historic pecan grove. There is also a pond with beautiful overlooks for visitors to enjoy. For a fee, primitive camping sites are available as well.

For hikers who wish to bring a picnic lunch, there are tables. There are no particularly difficult sections of incline, so this trail is suitable for young kids.

Birders often come to this area to look for any number of the native species that call this area home. If you're interested, you can pack a pair of binoculars and join in on the fun!

The trail is partially paved, allowing wheelchair-users access to some segments of the trail. Parents with strollers may want to reconsider bringing them along, as they may become unmanageable over certain areas.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 2.1 Miles

Total Elevation Gain: 42 Feet

11. Garey Park Meadow Trail Loop

This loop trail is located in Garey Park and takes hikers well under an hour to complete. You can do the loop several times if you're looking to increase your mileage.

There is a small fee for entrance, which is $4 for non-residents and $2 for Georgetown residents. You'll have access to not only the trail but to the splash pad, the restrooms, and the playground.

While there is no biking allowed on the trail, you may run across a horseback rider. Dogs are welcome but should be kept leashed for this reason, as well as the number of children in the area.

There are a few fishing areas, so bring along your pole if you want to kick back and cast a line after your hike. You'll have access to the water fountain, so you don't have to worry about carrying a lot of water in.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1.3 Miles

Total Elevation Gain: 39 Feet

12. Cedar Breaks to Tejas Camp

Credit: d s / Flickr

This out-and-back trail is great for backpacking, hiking, and trail running. You don't have to commit to hiking the entire trail, as it can be easily broken up into segments instead.

Dogs are more than welcome to come along but they should be kept leashed for the duration of the hike. There is some fairly significant elevation change near the middle portion of the trail, with the beginning and end staying relatively flat.

Large portions of this trail are shaded, making it a reasonable option on a hot summer day in Texas. There are even streams and a waterfall, so you can cool off a bit if you get overheated.

Heading out early is key to beating the midday heat wave. You'll be able to beat the majority of the crowds and you'll be able to make some good distance between the afternoon. The trail can get a bit crowded during the afternoon hours.

Hikers may spot nearby longhorns, though they're on somebody's property so it's not recommended to get too close to them. You'll find a variety of wildlife species out and about during the dawn and dusk periods.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 21.7 Miles

Total Elevation Gain: 1,368 Feet

Related Read: 15 Best Texas Waterfalls

13. San Gabriel Park Loop

This loop trail is great for trail running, hiking, and walking. If you want to bring your pup along, there are areas where they can be off-leash.

Most of the trail surface is crushed granite, so it's not ideal for wheelchair users or families with strollers. For older kiddos, this trail is perfectly manageable and they'll love spotting the waterfowl on the water.

There are benches for quick breaks, as well as adequate parking. If you want to avoid any crowds, head out in the morning.

Some areas are shaded but some are open to the sun. Bring along a wide-brimmed hat and layer up with some sunscreen before heading out. There are several intersecting trails, so you could easily add to the mileage if you want a longer hike.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1.7 Miles

Total Elevation Gain: 65 Feet

14. Good Water Trail from Cedar Breaks

This loop trail takes hikers anywhere from 3-3.5 hours to complete. However, if you plan to stop for a picnic then it can end up taking the whole afternoon.

The route is great for those who enjoy fishing, as there are several fishing spots to stop at. You may also come across campers and backpackers, as this trail is a great way to practice longer mileage hikes.

Some areas are challenging and have a rocky surface. Wearing sturdy footwear with a firm sole is recommended. There is plenty of shade during the summer months. Sunscreen and protective clothing are still recommended.

The trail can get busy on the weekends, so head out early if you want to find parking. Dogs are welcome but they should be kept on a leash. There are spots near the lake for pups to cool off in.

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 9.5 Miles

Total Elevation Gain: 639 Feet

15. Discovery Trail

Discovery Trail is a short out-and-back route that provides hikers an opportunity to get a breath of fresh air. If you're working from home and want a quick outdoor excursion on your lunch break, this is a great option.

You're unlikely to encounter too many other people, as this is a fairly quiet area. The pathways are paved, making them accessible by wheelchair.

If you want to add on mileage, there are several offshoot trails that you can hop onto. The main path follows a creek bed, which may be dry during a drought.

To find parking, you may need to park in the Wolf Ranch shopping center lot, which is right by the trail itself.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 0.9 Miles

Total Elevation Gain: 55 Feet