Hiking, Biking and Boating
Surrounded by lakes,
Austin offers a wide array of recreational water activities along with
hundreds of acres of public park land. Cycling and running are very
popular because cyclists have the rolling hills to test their endurance
and runners have the beautiful shores of Town Lake to tour. Much of
life in Austin is lived outdoors and the City works hard to preserve
it’s green, natural state. The city currently has approximately
62 miles of roadway with marked bicycle lanes. Helmets are required
for all riders under the age of 18 who ride on public property within
city limits, including streets, bike trails and parks. Skateboards are
prohibited on public property.
Austin Parks
Slaughter Creek
Metropolitan Park, located at Slaughter Creek north of San Leanna, approximately
where Slaughter Creek crosses Loop 1 (Northbound), consists of 546 acres
ideal for soccer, bicycling and rollerblading.
Commons Ford Metropolitan
Park, at 614 Commons Ford Road North, offers fishing, volleyball and
barbecues. The 215 acre park contains plenty of wide open spaces.
Emma Long Metropolitan
Park (City Park), located at 1600 City Park Road, has something for
everyone. With 1,147 acres of park featuring a shoreline along beautiful
Lake Austin, Emma Long offers lake swimming areas, fishing, boat ramps
and docks.
Lake Walter E. Long
Metropolitan Park, at 6614 Blue Bluff Road, is ideal for a "day
at the lake." With two large boat ramps and plenty of wide open
bank, Walter E. Long is an excellent place to fish and water ski. For
the land-lover, Walter E. Long offers 3,802 acres of park with large
shaded and open picnic areas.
Mary Moore Searight
Metropolitan Park, at 907 Slaughter Lane, offers 345 acres of land,
featuring a two mile equestrian trail, 1.5 miles of hike and bicycle
trails, and an 18 hole disc golf course
Town Lake Metropolitan
Park includes 509 acres of park land along the banks of the Colorado
River from the Tom Miller Dam to the Longhorn Dam. This giant park contains
over 10 miles of jogging and bicycle trails, surrounded by trees and
shrubs.
Walnut Creek Metropolitan
Park is an athlete's delight, at 12138 North Lamar Boulevard. With 294
acres of land, the park features three ballfields, a swimming pool and
bathhouse, volleyball, multi-use courts, basketball, a playscape, concessions
and hike and bike trails along the creek.
Zilker Metropolitan
Park, located at 2100 Barton Springs Road, is considered "Austin's
most loved park." For the swimmer, Zilker Park offers Barton Springs
Pool, a natural spring-fed pool with a year-round avearge temperature
of 68 degrees. The sports enthusiast will enjoy the sand volleyball
courts and wide open baseball, football, soccer and rugby fields. The
351-acre park is home to the Zilker Botanical Gardens.
Colorado River Park
is the newest metropolitan park and currently under development. It
is located west of Longhorn Dam along the south bank of the Colorado
River and consists of 545 acres.
Water Sports
Austin is a water
lover’s paradise! Town Lake is a favorite for canoeing and kayaking.
Lake Austin and Lake Travis are great for speed boating, water-skiing
and fishing.
Boating and Marina
Resources
