In response to COVID-19, as of April 13, 2020 the Butler Trail is now one-way. The Trail should be traveled clockwise until further notice.

The City of Austin and the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) ended the closure of all parks and trails on April 13, 2020 at sunrise. However, in an attempt to increase physical distancing by trail and park users, PARD has decreased parking access for the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail to discourage crowding the Trail.

PARD has also converted the Butler Trail to “one-way” traffic and asks Trail users to go clockwise when on the Trail.

The Trail Foundation is encouraging that you stay home, but if you do go to the Trail, follow the social distancing etiquette as well as use the Trail clockwise as our map above indicates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s your recommendation for using the Trail?
We encourage you to stay home, but if you do go out on the Trail, we ask that you follow social distancing etiquette and stay 6 FT apart and wear a face mask.

Who’s in charge of the Trail?
We are a non-profit that supports the Trail, the City of Austin and Austin Parks and Recreation Department set the rules.

Who is enforcing the rules? Are there any repercussions?
We don’t have the authority to enforce. APD is responsible for any and all enforcement. There will be fines up to $1,000.

What exactly do you mean by “one-way”?
The Trail is temporarily one-way traffic and clockwise, think water on your right! When South of the Lady Bird Lake, Trail users should travel from East to West. When North of Lady Bird Lake, people should travel from West to East.

Individuals with mobility impairments may have multi-directional use of the Ann and Butler Hike and Bike Trail. 

Why did you choose clockwise?
The City of Austin chose clockwise because of the flow of the mile markers, which start at mile one at Auditorium Shores and move west towards MoPac.

How are you going to inform Trail users about this change?
We are putting in directional signage to help with traffic flow.

What about masks? Didn’t the Mayor make those mandatory?
Face masks are mandatory on the Trail and in all Texas state and city parks. This is an update from Governor Abbott’s press conference 4.17.20.

Does that mean I have to do the full 10 miles if I want to use the Trail?
Bridges are open: deemed transportation zones such as the Crenshaw Bridge, Pfluger (South First) Bridge, South Congress, and i35 Bridge are not regulated to one-way. Use these bridges to make smaller loops along the Trail as needed.

I have more concerns, where should I send them?
If you would like to make an official complaint or comment we encourage you to contact 311 or your City Council elected official. To find your council district and elected official click here.

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