Barton Hills is a residential neighborhood in south-central Austin, best known to visitors for Barton Creek Greenbelt access at the Gus Fruh trailhead (2642 Barton Hills Dr.). The Greenbelt offers 12-plus miles of trail; Visit Austin notes that swimming holes depend on recent rainfall. Go for hiking and swimming; do not expect a visitor district.
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best for | Hiking, mountain biking and swimming on the Greenbelt |
| Trade-offs | Residential with limited parking; swimming depends on rainfall; trails can be rocky and crowded on nice days |
| Key facts | Barton Creek Greenbelt has 12-plus miles of trail; Gus Fruh access at 2642 Barton Hills Dr. (Visit Austin) |
| Getting around | Car or rideshare is most practical |
| Nearby | Zilker Park, South Lamar |
What to see and do
The City of Austin says the Barton Creek Greenbelt has over 12 miles of trails for hiking, biking and wading in swimming holes along limestone cliffs. Visit Austin says Gus Fruh offers a sometimes deep swimming hole and a limestone wall used by climbers, and that swimming at Campbell's Hole depends on recent rainfall.
Practical notes
Wear sturdy shoes, carry water and check recent rainfall before planning to swim. Respect residents: Visit Austin notes that some access points sit in residential streets with limited parking. See Zilker for the park-side trailhead.
Our assessment
Use Barton Hills as a hiking stop rather than a base for a visit.