Hiking

Emma Long Metropolitan Park: Summer Fun on Lake Austin

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | July 16, 2014

Emma Long Metropolitan Park is located on Lake Austin, right off 2222 (about a 10 minute drive down City Park Road). It’s one of the largest parks in Austin, complete with a boat dock, camping facilities, swimming areas, sand volleyball courts and more.

Turkey Creek trail, which offers 2.5 miles of shaded, scenic hiking, is nearby and a perfect spot to let your dog run and splash in the water. It’s an off-leash area, and a mini paradise for dogs that love to explore. They’ll be in heaven.

But of course Emma Long is a great place for humans, too. It’s inexpensive, especially if you can make it there during the week when it’s less crowded and admission is only $5 per car. Admission is $10 per car Friday through Sunday, but even that is a good deal for all the park has to offer.

Lake Travis Area Trails: Hamilton Greenbelt

Written by Mandy Spivey | July 14, 2014

Hamilton Greenbelt in Lakeway has been a mainstay of the hiking community since the early 90s.

Best known for the varied terrain, multiple loops, serene waterfalls and trails that lead right down to water level at Lake Travis, this is one of the more popular trails in Lakeway.

You can get in a good jog, take the dog out for a stroll, ride your bike, or just go to experience the marvelous scenery and explore the finer details of Hurst Creek and Lake Travis.

Tom Hughes Park on Lake Travis: A Hidden Gem

Written by Todd Hower | May 8, 2014

Here’s a secluded spot with beautiful views of Lake Travis that not many people know about. Tom Hughes is a Travis County Park tucked away between The Oasis and Mansfield Dam in the main basin of Lake Travis.

When you decide to go check out this hidden gem, head over to Marshall Ford Road located right across from the Randalls at Steiner Ranch. Shortly after turning off Ranch Road 620 is when you’ll notice a sign for Tom Hughes Park that will point you in the right direction. You’ll be on the same road that leads to the Marshall Ford Marina.

Mount Bonnell: A Short Hike to Spectacular Lake Austin Views

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | March 14, 2014

Most of us in the Lake Travis area are familiar with Austin’s Mount Bonnell, well-known for the spectacular view from the top, but there are plenty of locals who have never actually made the short hike to see it for themselves. If you’re in that category, put it on your springtime bucket list!

It’s a shorter hike than you might think, and is easily accessible via a scenic drive on Mt. Bonnell Road (map). There’s no cost, the parking is free, it’s not commercialized and doesn’t take long at all. You can pop by for a brisk 20-minute walk or bring a picnic and stay for hours. If you can, plan to catch the sunset from the top. Breathtaking. Just bring a flashlight for the trip down.

Once you park, there are two ways to make your way to the top. You can climb the long, steep staircase or opt for the path on the right side. I prefer the path because you get to enjoy the lake views on the way up. Either way, it’s a surprisingly quick walk and easily doable with young kids (just make sure you stay on the path and don’t let them get too close to the edge!).

Mayfield Park: A Hidden Gem in the Middle of Austin

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | March 3, 2014

Mayfield Park, widely known for the vibrant peacocks that roam the grounds, is a historic, public park in the city. It’s free to visit, easily accessible from the Lake Travis area and a fun place to take children or out-of-towners.

The first time we went with the family I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d heard of the peacocks, but have to admit I was skeptical as to whether we’d actually see one. I didn’t know if they were out all the time, how many we were talking (2 peacocks? 100?) or if you could even get close.

So I prepared the kids, telling them we might see a few at this park as we pulled up. As if they’d heard me, a peacock greeting crew met us in the parking lot. In fact, there were tons roaming the grounds. We even saw several in trees and a couple hanging out on the roof of a cottage. I didn’t even know they could climb. Clearly I have a lot to learn about peacocks.

Hiking

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