Austin has a few great rope swings, and Gus Fruh on the Barton Creek Greenbelt is one of them. We had a fun afternoon swimming, swinging, and splashing around at Gus Fruh!
Parking at Gus Fruh on the Barton Creek Greenbelt
There is street parking in front of the trailhead at the Gus Fruh entrance to the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Even when crowded, we’ve always been able to find a spot.
The Hike Down to Gus Fruh on the Barton Creek Greenbelt
The hike down to the water is really short! You can keep left at the fork for a steeper, stair-like way down, or keep right for a more level, ramp-like hike. Both ways lead to the same place: Gus Fruh!
The Water at Gus Fruh
If there has been recent rains in Austin, the greenbelt will be flowing! This means there will be enough water to swim in and jump into at Gus Fruh. Please make sure you do your own research on the current water quality and swim at your own risk!
The Rope Swing at Gus Fruh
When you find the water, there will be a rope swing attached to a tree across the way. You will probably have to have a buddy help you reach it and hand it over to you. You will also need to climb a ways up the tree to get a good jump! Make sure the water is deep enough to make it safe to jump in. There are lots of random rock in that area, so be sure you jump far enough out so that you don’t land on a rock!
The Caves at Gus Fruh
Gus Fruh also has a couple of caves! There is a bigger one along the trail and another smaller one along the trail on the other side.
Austin Active Kids Opinion
We love hanging out at Gus Fruh! There is a shallow section that’s perfect for toddlers to wade into and throw rocks into. Bigger kids will love swimming and rope swinging here. And everyone loves a good cave!
Outing Time
We spent a couple of hours here. Once the kids were tired of swinging, we all sat on a blanket and shared some snacks.
Reminders
Wear good water hiking shoes (like Keens) since it is very rocky. Bring drinking water, snacks, towels, sunscreen, bug spray, and swim suits. Make sure you spray yourself with bug spray before you hike and stick to the trail here. We have seen poison ivy in some spots and have also gotten chigger bites here because we forgot to bug spray. Also, please remember to clean up all your trash! Also, just incase you didn’t know: Gus Fruh is pronounced “froo”!
Location
2642 Barton Hills Dr, Austin
Hours
6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
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