The River Place Nature Trails offer one of Austin’s most intense hikes, with a six-mile round-trip trek featuring 2,763 stair steps one way and rugged elevation changes. This challenging trail system consists of three connected routes—Panther Hollow, Little Fern, and Canyon Trail—each weaving through dense woods, rocky canyons, and waterfall-fed creeks.

Managed by the River Place Limited District, the trails require a $10 fee per hiker on weekends and holidays to help maintain their natural beauty. The non-looped route demands stamina, and with no water stations along the way, hikers should come prepared for steep climbs and slippery paths after rain.

From its wooden bridges and lush creek beds to the constant elevation shifts, River Place is an endurance test disguised as a scenic escape, making it one of the most rewarding hikes in Austin.