I would like to go out for a very early morning run. Thinking 6:30 or 7:00 to beat the heat. Does anyone have recommendations on trails that are safe at that time? Parking tips would be great if you have them. TIA

What part of town are you in?

I will be in south Austin. Looking at running near Lady Bird Lake. Any tips on parking nearby?

Hello again. I checked several times yesterday afternoon and I didn't see where you are, I'm just seeing this now. I hope you found parking today near the trail around Lady Bird Lake. There are several parking garages on or near Caesar Chavez, there are also a few around Riverside and Barton Springs. You might get lucky and find a metered space.

I'm much more familiar with north Austin than south and I use a beautiful trail in Wells Branch with free parking galore. But I don't think you want to drive up here in morning traffic.

I'm a walker/hiker, not a runner, and check alltrails.com when I visit a new town.

You could also park anywhere in Zilker Park, for example near the Barton Springs pool. After your run you can cool off in the creek waters just below Barton Springs dam. You won't be the only one doing so.

There are also parking lots by the ball fields off Azie Morton Rd.

If you want flat, smooth path running then the Roy & Ann Butler hike & bike trail along the Colorado River is perfect - it goes for several miles, Some is nice gravel trail, other spots it's paved.
If you want trail running, then follow the Barton Creek greenbelt trail along the creek upstream from Zilker Park.