While downtown has the social life, the South Austin area has plenty of green, open space. South Austin is famous for the Barton Creek Greenbelt, which runs 7 miles along Barton Creek south of downtown Austin from Zilker Park in Central Austin around a system of creeks and continuing on into the Hill Country along Lost Creek. This Greenbelt is one of the top ten trails in the state and a leisurely hike or bike excursion through the winding trails during the fall months is one of the best ways to enjoy a brisk Austin morning or evening. The main trailhead for the hike and bike trails can be accessed at the southwest corner of the Mopac/Hwy 360 intersection. If you manage to make it down to Zilker Park, don’t hesitate to stop by the Trail of Lights closer to the holidays.