The Roy and Ann Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, a beloved Austin landmark, offers residents and visitors alike a stunning urban escape. Among its many attractions, the Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake stands out as a modern marvel, seamlessly extending the trail over the water and providing breathtaking views. This impressive structure, completed in June 2014, is a testament to community collaboration and a highlight for anyone exploring the hike and bike trail.
Funded through a combination of city council appropriations, voter-approved bonds, and generous donations coordinated by the Trail Conservancy, the $28 million Boardwalk project significantly enhanced the Roy and Ann Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail experience. Spanning 7,250 feet, the boardwalk is constructed with over 300 piers and 2,200 pre-cast concrete deck planks, ensuring a stable and enjoyable path for walkers, runners, and cyclists. For evening strolls or early morning jogs, 13,000 LED lights illuminate the way, creating a safe and inviting atmosphere. The structure also incorporates 1.3 million pounds of structural steel, seven scenic viewing areas, and an ADA-accessible pier, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and quality design. Conveniently located along the path is a new trailhead restroom, further adding to the visitor amenities.
Adding an artistic dimension to the experience, the Boardwalk features Belting It Out, a unique public art installation by Ken Little. This artwork, commissioned by the City of Austin’s Art in Public Places program, integrates 36 cast bronze, western-style belts into the boardwalk railings. Each belt is embossed with song lyrics from renowned Texas singers and songwriters, celebrating the state’s rich musical heritage and adding a cultural layer to your walk or ride along the Roy and Ann Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
Plan Your Visit to the Boardwalk on the Roy and Ann Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail:
- Opening Hours: The Boardwalk welcomes visitors from 5am to midnight daily. Please note the curfew between midnight and 5am.
- Access Points: Easily access the Boardwalk from multiple points along the Roy and Ann Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. Entry points include the northeast corner of the American-Statesman parking lot, from the Riverside Drive sidewalk at Blunn Creek, the northeast corner of Riverside and IH35, and at International Shores Park, located at 1820 S. Lakeshore Blvd.
- Parking Options: Street parking is available on S. Lakeshore Blvd. between Pleasant Valley Road and Riverside. For those exploring the full Roy and Ann Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail loop, parking is also accessible at Festival Beach across the river and in various parking areas near the trail.
- Fishing Information: Fishing is permitted from the designated rest areas along the Boardwalk, offering a relaxing pastime with scenic views, but is not allowed directly on the main trail to ensure smooth passage for other trail users.
- Trail Maintenance: To report any maintenance concerns on the Boardwalk or the Roy and Ann Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, please contact 311 for prompt assistance.
- Contact Information: For further inquiries about the Boardwalk project or the Roy and Ann Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, reach out to Manuel Soza at 512-495-9163.
Download a detailed map of the Boardwalk section and embark on your adventure on the Roy and Ann Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, experiencing the beauty of the Boardwalk firsthand.
