Parks and Nature Preserves
Town Lake Metropolitan Parks | Austin, TX 78701
Download the trail map here!
"I LOVE this park. I come here to run. I like to park at the east end of the park and run west. I've only come here on the weekdays and in my experience the east end has a lot less people than the west end. The trail runs along the lake offering gorgeous views of the lake and the shore. They have easy to spot mile makers at 1/4 miles all along the trail. This is great if you are training or trying to time your MPH. The trails are very well maintained and are easy to run/walk/bike on. There are least six miles of marked trails.
I always see canoes, turtles and a variety of duck species as I run along the lake. There are a lot of interesting features along the trail. From rustic bridges, cool lookouts to statuesque bathrooms made from reclaimed materials. These things really add to the charm of the park. The trail runs just east of I-35, through downtown, all the way past Lamar. The only thing I have found unpleasant is running past the bat caves, just don't inhale and you'll be fine. (:
This park is one of the things that I love about living in Austin." -Michelle D. Austin, TX
Barton Creek Greenbelt | 2201 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78746
"I first went here in the early 90's to the first stretch after Barton Springs. 10 years later a friend took me to the Twin Falls entrance off the south access road of mopac just past 360. Why did I dismiss this place, by taking road trips to all the cool towns, rivers and parks outside of Austin. The upper stretch of the Barton Greenbelt is a crystal clear river with little waterfalls and plenty of space for blissful privacy. If you havnt gone on a swim here, do. Get there early during the week to indulge in a secluded spot. Where you will feel in the middle of nowhere. Lots of cute Austinites respectfully hang out here together, this place is almost litter free. Special place." - Scott L. Dallas, TX
Barton Springs Pool | 2101 Barton Springs Road Austin, TX 78704
"OK so how could I write a review about Barton Springs and not give it 5 stars? Maybe if I didn't like cold water I guess. This is one of the quintessential Austin hotspots. If you live in or around Austin and you haven't been here, you should probably go within 5 minutes of reading this.
What could be better then an enormous swimming hole? The water is pretty cold but nothing feels better on a 100 degree summer day. It is also cheap, so you can't complain that it's too expensive. And if you go early or late it's free.
I think what i underrated about Barton Springs Pool is the people-watching. Last time I went there were a few guys with freakishly long beards, a few guys wearing swimsuits they should not be wearing, and 2 large groups, one sort of dancing and the other doing yoga. So even if swimming isn't your thing, go take in all of the Austin-ness at this wonderful place." -Troy G. Austin, TX
Mayfield Park | 3505 W. 35th St. Austin, TX 78704
"This parks fills me with happiness. For those who don't feel like hiking, there's the peacock area in front.... and for the more adventurous there are trails in the back with rivers and cliffs and gorgeous colors in the fall - so get your tuckus out there while you can.
Mayfield Park is one of my favorite places to take out-of-town guests, especially during the peacock mating season. One of the peacocks was twice as tall feather-wise when we went last time and it was amusing to watch him pwn the other males.
I've had friends do their bridal shoots here and the pictures are always stunning! Keep in mind there's a photographer's fee, though." -Katherine C. Austin, TX
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park | 1101 Walnut Creek Park Rd Austin, TX 78758
"Holy awesome! Up until this morning, my definition of "off-leash dog park" was "fenced-in school yard." So, I wasn't quite ready for the sprawling trails and creeks of Walnut. I'm definitely wearing running shoes and leaving my coffee at home next time. My dog LOOOOVED it. It was our first time to any off-leash area and I was a little nervous, but it was perfect. If there were other people around we couldn't tell... the place is huge, but trails are well marked so I didn't get lost and I think my pup could've sniffed around there all day." -Kaitlin B. Austin, TX
Butler District Park | 1000 Barton Springs Rd Austin, TX 78701
"This beautiful park is where my Urban Animal boot camp class meets three times a week. It's nice to be out exercising in the fresh air and sunshine, and in such a gorgeous setting, too. Usually, there is a pleasant breeze blowing off Town Lake.
Butler Park, both pretty and functional, is our outdoor gym. The big hill, lamp posts, benches, trees... everything here does double duty as counter weights, step stools, markers, etc. during our workouts.
And then there are the real urban animals to look forward to. There are always turtles walking to and from the lovely pond. Last week, two mama turtles were laying their eggs just off the main path. Once, I dropped to the ground for a push-up and came face to face with a teensy weensy baby turtle, all covered in mud. Another time, I jogged over a small hole in the ground, doubled back, looked in it and saw a snake's head and eye looking back at me! There are lots of birds and butterflies around, too.
Free parking is available on lots off Riverside Drive as well as off Barton Springs Road. And the Butler Park restrooms are awesome, just about the cleanest of all the Austin parks." -Felecia I. Austin, TX
Bull Creek District Park | 6701 Lakewood Drive Austin, TX 78758
"I love Bull Creek! It is a great place to bring your dogs (always plenty of dogs there). There are picnic benches, volleyball, BBQs, bathrooms, and the creek is so fun to wade around in. The kids love to slide down the little natural water slides. Be careful of slippery rocks. (wish someone would have told me that!.ouch!)" -Brenda D. Austin, TX
Emma Long Metropolitan Park | 1706 City Park Rd. Austin, TX 78730
"It's a bt of a drive from my neck of the woods but I absolutely love the nature trail at Emma Long Metropolitan Park. I went with my boyfriend and dog and we didn't know what to expect...it was awesome! The trails are gorgeous and fun and there are tons of fun things to see, including a cactus in a tree! My dog loved it too, there were tons of stepping stones over the water that he got to hop across, it was really exciting for him. It's an absolutely beautiful park!" -Erin K. Austin, TX
For a complete list of Austin area parks, go here.
