In various examples, a deep learning solution for path detection is implemented to generate a more abstract definition of a drivable path without reliance on explicit lane-markings—by using a detection-based approach. Using approaches of the present disclosure, the identification of drivable paths may be possible in environments where conventional approaches are unreliable, or fail—such as where lane markings do not exist or are occluded. The deep learning solution may generate outputs that represent geometries for one or more drivable paths in an environment and confidence values corresponding to path types or classes that the geometries correspond. These outputs may be directly useable by an autonomous vehicle—such as an autonomous driving software stack—with minimal post-processing.