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Find Things to Do On The Trail

There is something for everyone along the 10-mile Butler Trail. Whether you are looking for community programming, a serene place to meditate, a place to put in your paddleboard or kayak, or just be one with nature.

Maudie's Moonlight Margarita Run

Registration is now open for the 20th Anniversary 5K Fun Run on June 8, 2023.

Love the Trail? Sign-up for our Newsletter

Be the first to know about our events, programming, volunteer opportunities, and capital projects. And don't forget to follow us on social media @thetrailconservancy!

Become a Member Today! Join Us!

We have a range of memberships to fit every budget – including our Redbud Circle, Cypress Circle, and Live Oak Circle levels.

Celebrate Your Mom, Dad, or Grad

Finding the perfect gift for the loved ones in your life isn't easy. This year, give the gift of the Trail Commemorative bricks are 20% off through June 25th.
ABOUT TTC

The Trail Conservancy

The Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, enhance, and connect the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail for the benefit of all. Established in 2003 as the Town Lake Trail Foundation, The Trail Conservancy furthers the historic efforts set forth by the Citizens Committee in 1971.

The Butler Trail will always be public parkland and will always belong to the people. To serve our city in all its diversity, the Trail must be a welcoming and engaging place for everyone. TTC is committed to improving, maintaining, and operating the Trail to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy one of our city’s most treasured attractions. 

The Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is a 10-mile Trail that wraps around Lady Bird Lake in the heart of downtown Austin. The Trail began as a vision by Lady Bird Johnson and Ann Butler in 1971.

Amenities

Features
of The Trail

With nearly 5 million visits annually, the Trail Conservancy continually enhances amenities and preserves points of interest so everyone can enjoy exploring the Trail. Visitors of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail can access bikeways, ADA-accessible trails, bathrooms, drinking fountains, as well as gardens, rest areas, and rotating art installations.

Drinking Fountains
Benches
Showers
Restrooms
Pedestrian Bridges
Bikeways
Parking
Boat Ramps
Tree Groves & Urban Forestry
Ecological Restoration
ADA Accessible Entrances
Installations
Ecology

Trail Ecosystem

Fishes Types
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Species
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Visitors per Year
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Trees

Bald Cypress, Taxodium distichum, is a tall, deciduous conifer that can reach over 75 feet in height. The tree has "knees" that project from submerged roots at the base and light airy foliage on the crown. Bald Cypress trees line the edges of the Trail and Lady Bird Lake and provide shade and cooling for the Trail users and wildlife.

Podilymbus Podiceps Duck
Birds

The pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) is a species of the grebe family of water birds. The pied-billed grebe is primarily found in ponds throughout the Americas.

Amphibians

Scincella lateralis, formerly Lygosoma laterale is a small species of skink found throughout much of the eastern half of the United States, and into northern Mexico. 

Large Mouth Bass
Fish

Fishing is a popular past-time on the Lake with anglers catching Largemouth Bass, Redbreast and Redear Sunfish, and Bluegills. And don’t forget their food! Invertebrates like Swallowtail Butterflies, various moths, spiders, beetles, and dragonflies can be found on Lady Bird Lake.

Corrells False Dragon Head
Plants

Correll's false dragonhead (Physostegia correllii) is a rare, flowering plant characterized by purple-pink flowers and dark green leaves. It belongs to the mint family and is found in forested and herbaceous wetland habitats.

Mexican Free Tail Bat
Mammals

What can we say, this is the iconic bat of Central Texas. The star of the show at Bracken Cave, Congress Avenue Bridge, and many other bat viewing sites in the Central Texas SBA (Significant Bat Area). 

Corrells False Dragon Head
Reptiles

Resting on logs and peeking from the Lake surface you can find Red-eared Slider turtles, Spiny Softshell turtles. Remember to give Cottonmouth Snakes a wide berth, and listen for Gulf Coast Toads.

Demoiselle
Invertebrates

Damselflies are flying insects and are similar to dragonflies. They  are smaller and have slimmer bodies. Most species fold the wings along the body when at rest, unlike dragonflies which hold the wings flat and away from the body.

Our Work

Trail
Projects

The Trail Conservancy is committed to Trail enhancements, responsible stewardship, and attracting philanthropic dollars to support the Trail as the demand and use of the Trail increases. 

Through community engagement and ecological demand, we identify projects each year to help enhance and improve the Trail experience. 

Maps

Trail Maps

Use an interactive map, download a map to your phone, or (coming soon!) use Google to embark on a journey unique to you. These maps help you learn about current and future projects, explore routes, spoke trails, and state-of-the-art amenities like drinking water fountains, restrooms, and parking lots.

Trail Stories

Your Stories of
and on the Trail.

"I love the Trail because it’s a place where people can come to better ourselves physically, spiritually, and mentally.”

Willard Davis, Ultra-marathoner

"I'd found a secret spot I could write and that's what I did many times. I have no clue if it's been found by others but I hope it's still hidden."

Donna Ellis-Cotten

"The Trail has been an important part of my life at every stage."

Lisa Fritsch, Board Member
Events

What's Coming Up?

Events

What's Coming Up?

Maudie’s Moonlight Margarita Run
Read More
Comprehensive Signage Plan Hike + Bike – West Side
Read More
Twilight on the Trail
Read More
Instagram

#trailLoveATX