Austin, Texas
The best dog walks in Austin
The Austin board is just getting started. Be one of the first dogs on it.
See where your dog ranks in the free Doggy Doo app. The board resets every Monday.
Where to walk
Dog-friendly walks in Austin
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
On leashLady Bird Lake, downtown
Austin’s classic walk: about 10 miles around Lady Bird Lake, with bridges that let you cut it into shorter loops. Busy on weekends, so keep it short and leashed.
Red Bud Isle
Off-leash area3401 Red Bud Trl.
A small island park with a loop trail and water access. A favorite with dogs who love to swim.
Auditorium Shores
Off-leash areaTown Lake Metro Park, 800 W. Riverside Dr.
Big open lawn on the south shore of Lady Bird Lake, right next to the Butler Trail.
Shoal Creek Greenbelt
Off-leash area2600 N. Lamar Blvd.
A shady creekside stretch in central Austin with an off-leash section.
Walnut Creek Metro Park
Off-leash area12138 N. Lamar Blvd.
North Austin’s big park, with an off-leash area and miles of wooded trails.
Off-leash areas are from the City of Austin's Dog Off-Leash Area list. Everywhere else, Austin requires dogs to be on a leash. Rules and hours change, so check Austin Parks and Recreation before you go.
Austin summers are hard on paws
On a hot afternoon, pavement can be far hotter than the air. Press the back of your hand to it for 7 seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for paws. Walk at sunrise or after dark, stick to grass and shade, and bring water. Doggy Doo shows a paw-safety alert for the weather where you are before you head out.
FAQ
Walking your dog in Austin
Where can I walk my dog off leash in Austin?+
The City of Austin has designated off-leash areas, including Red Bud Isle, Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metro Park, Shoal Creek Greenbelt and Walnut Creek Metro Park. Everywhere else, Austin requires dogs to be on a leash. Rules can change, so check Austin Parks and Recreation before you go.
Is the Lady Bird Lake trail dog friendly?+
Yes. Dogs are welcome on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail on a leash. The full loop is about 10 miles, and the bridges let you make shorter loops.
When is it too hot to walk a dog in Austin?+
Austin pavement gets hot enough to burn paws on summer afternoons. Press the back of your hand to the pavement for 7 seconds; if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for paws. Walk early in the morning or after sunset, and stick to grass and shade. Doggy Doo shows a paw-safety alert based on the weather where you are.
Is there a dog walking leaderboard in Austin?+
Yes. Doggy Doo is made in Austin, and its free iPhone app has a weekly leaderboard of dog steps that resets every Monday.
Get on the Austin leaderboard.
Free on iPhone. Made in Austin. No collar needed.