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Town Lake Metropolitan Parks
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
65 reviews for Town Lake Metropolitan Parks
Dear Miss Manners,
I have been a cycling enthusiast for half my life. I particularly enjoy the trails at Lady Bird Lake. It is an idyllic setting in which I have always found peace -- until recently.
On a lovely afternoon, I was making my usual loop. I looked ahead and noticed another cyclist careening toward me, his head turned backward so that he could leer at a shapely jogger. Despite my warning calls and attempts to steer clear, he slammed into me -- knocking me from my bike. Several good samaritans came to my aid. Meanwhile, the perpetrator picked himself up, and with nary a word to acknowledge his knavish behavior, mounted his bike and sped off.
I wanted to come up swinging. But I didn't. I wanted to hurl expletives at him. But I didn't. (Although one of the good samaritans did give the lout a tongue-lashing on my behalf.)
Did I do the right thing?
Sincerely,
Two tire-d of boorish behavior
************************************************** *************************
Dear Two Tire-d,
Miss Manners commends your self-control and condemns the lecher's lack thereof.
In fact, Miss Manners would like to teach him a thing or two about civility. For instance:
1. A gentleman never ogles a lady. Rather, an interested gentleman casts furtive glances in a lady's direction.
2. A gentleman who has injured a lady should prostrate himself before her and beg forgiveness.
Miss Manners joins you in the hope that this troglodyte has returned to his cave where he should stay until he learns a little gentility.
The trail at Town Lake is definitely my favorite place to run. The gravel is much softer on your legs than running on the road, and the people watching is always interesting.
There are a few things that can get annoying such as: people in a group who refuse to move over, people that don't clean up after their dog, and smokers. Of course you're much more likely to step in dog poop than actually see the person not cleaning up after their dog so you can yell at them. Oh well. It can also be a bit frustrating if you're making the loop around the congress bridge at sunset when there are hoards of people going to see the bats.
On another note, proceed with caution if you will be offended by an older man riding his bike in a bright red g-string, because that sort of thing happens. But if you get a giggle out of those sort of antics, like I do, then you'll enjoy it here.
This is also the best place to run during the summer because it provides a bit of shade and breeze, making a mid-afternoon run in 100+ degrees bearable and even a bit enjoyable, especially because you practically have the trail to yourself!
Dirt trail that loops around the river that runs through downtown. The trail can be run on a 2 mile, 4 mile or a 10 mile. There are various paths that take you to Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Park, Deep Eddy Pool etc.
This is my favorite thing about Austin. It is a nice slice of nature, and offers a feel of community. This trail gets USED, so beware during peak times, busy busy busy. Usually 5pm.
I great place to get your run on.
I love going here to run and even get a smoothie and sit by the water. The trails are clean and theres plenty for your eyes to feast on.
I am from California and I have not seen a trail so beautifully designed. It is definately a treasure of Austin.
Water stations are ready for those working out and need replenishing.
Overall:
Love it! I go run every weekend and weekdays whenever I can.,
Amazing!!!! It runs through a lot of Austin and is beautiful. Great, cheap date place. Pretty clean. I don't mind the bikers. I feel as if people who do not bike do not understand that bikers will go around you. So don't stop in the middle of a road just because you see a biker. That probably will make them run into you more. Just saying.
One of my favorite places to go running because I 'learned' to run there and there are so many people there who also love to run.
Try any loop on Lady Bird Lake (formerly known as Town Lake). The most popular place to start is at he MoPac bridge (aka 'The Rock') and you can go for loops of 3,4, 4.5, 6.5 or 10 miles.
Good Local Post-run Eats: Magnolia Cafe (or any TexMex place)
This is certainly one of my most favorite places in the world...walking the trail at Town Lake. I have many good memories from here...and it's always the place I can go when I need to just walk and think ~ sort out my life.
I love the proximity to the city, the duck/geese area, the guitar player on the rock wall, the cool little over-look area, the bluebonnets and indian paintbrushes in the Spring, the people out enjoying nature and getting exercise...just love it all! : )
Town Lake Metropolitan Park isn't just a park, it is an outdoor museum showcasing Austin's culture and values. I don't need to tell you about Austin's culture or Austin's values...you can walk the trail yourself. On Sunday, I walked 4 miles of the 10 mile loop with the world's best Irish Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier, Finian, We stopped at the beginning of the loop to help ourselves to ice cold water from the containers provided at stopping points along the trail. Finian enjoyed a good half hour of "off the leash" play and swimming with his doggie friends before we started on our trail walk. We stopped along the way to contemplate the giant "Scoop the Poop" sculpture, a family in a canoe photographing swans, a man passing us on a Unicycle, drummers in a drum circle and two women belly dancing, Barton Springs Pool, bricks with names written on them, a man putting a big green caterpillar gently back on a tree, a bridge designed for travelers or bikers resting on benches overlooking the water, and biodegradable poo-poo bags. Check it out. Open 365 days of the year. Admission is free.
I run the lake three times a week. Can't find a better place to run!
This trail and Zilker Park/Barton Creek/the greenbelt are the most precious treasures of Austin. I hope the city never forgets this.
1. If you are thinking about running, try it here first. All the people will inspire you. And if you hurt yourself, there are plenty of good samaritans around to help you out.
2. the people watching is excellent. You just feel like you belong.
3. If you are a mommy trying to start a run/walk regimen, you can cruise around http://seemommyrun.com or sites like that and you always can find a group to run with.
4. You can take a detour near the RR bridge and run over to Butler Park and run through the fountain on hot days.
5. It's a great place to start or end your day - there are restaurants nearby, plenty of places to park, running stores, etc.
Special thanks to RunTex & Rogue for those water stations!
Now for the downside:
1. poison ivy
2. people don't always play nice and share the trail - this goes for bicyclists not being kind, meandering moms pushing strollers, herds of walkers/runners who insist upon moving in a single, shoulder-to-shoulder line which does not facilitate passing, people who insist upon standing in the middle of the trail to have a conversation, bad dog owners. we're in this together - be aware of others in front/behind/next to you!
3. that said, I believe two groups should not be allowed on the trail - segways and smokers.
4. that stretch of the trail where you have to run across i-35 and the south bit just east of the highway sucks.
I am an urban dweller. I have lived in downtown high-rises in Sacramento, San Francisco, Cleveland, Houston and Austin. So I will say how truly rare it is to find such a great hike and bike trail so close to home. And I do love this trail, but I think the reviews below are too generous or are overlooking a good many flaws.
THE BAD
In no particular order, here are the problems with the Town Lake trail:
1. Bikes. I understand they have the same rights to the trail that I do but I'm tired of being almost run over at every turn by someone biking too fast and without the courtesy to announce their presence. Is ,"on the left" really too much to ask? I simply wish there was a bike lane. And the bikers do too. I'm sure they've been challenged trying to get around those groups of people who insist on walking side-by-side, blocking the whole trail.
2. Water stops. Thank you, thank you, thank you Run Tex for providing water. If only the city had thought this through and put in some fountains. For those areas not serviced by Run Tex (i.e. I-35 to MoPac) it is a long, dry stretch
3. Bathrooms. This one doesn't warrant discussion. The lack of restrooms and the abysmal conditions of the few are explanation enough.
4. Condition of the water. If you only look at the trail ahead or the opposite bank, the view is breathtaking. If you look down the slope to the water you see litter, everywhere, every season, and it's awful.
THE GOOD
1. Distance. There are nice loops of varying lengths
2. Views in spring are beautiful (minus the water mentioned above)
3. Location. Any thought to outdoors and activity in an urban setting is tops in my book.
4. Great people watching
5. Area for dogs. I'm not even a dog owner but I think it's a great idea.
Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake) is my favorite running trail in Austin.
I run about 4 days during the week and 1 day on Sundays at Town Lake. I usually run 4 to 6 miles and change up my running routine around the trail. I like mixing it up a bit. I think it's great Austinites are into fitness.
We love the lake. I take the dogs for a healthy walk every chance I get. Usually January is fairly quiet, but since it is near 80 degrees today, it was BUSY!.
Bad news. They are still working on the irrigation installation for Zilker Park, so the water fountain on the south side near the kid's train tracks is dry, and the dogs have no water at that spot. Make sure your dogs get there H2O either at the dog park or under the bridge near Austin HS.
Just piling on at this point - easily the best running trail in TX. Clean water (seriously), kayaking, off leash dog parks, and pretty much anything else.
I think some lights on the trail are about 5 yrs overdue - can't we get some solar array set up to power some LEDs along the trail.?
Everyone in Austin loves the trails around Town Lake. So much so, that they may overlook its many flaws.
In my time running around town lake, I've become irked by quite a few things. The first, and most annoying, has to be the bikes. Getting run over by a yuppie in $1000+ worth of biking gear while you are struggling on one of those runs just isn't fun. But, I understand that everybody has to share the trail, so I overlook it.
The next thing that started to bother me about the trail is the smells. Has anyone else noticed that some parts of this trail (to be fair, most of south Austin) smells like strait sewage? There is nothing better than enjoying a beautiful day and having your nostrils assaulted by the smell of thousands of other Austinites waste. It isn't fun to take a full breath of ass in the middle of a run! But again, in fairness, South Austin is the lowest point of the city. Its fairly normal for sewage issues like this to occur in these areas, so again, I overlook it.
The final thing that started to bother me is the absolute lack of other places to run in Austin than Town Lake and the Greenbelt. Saturday is a run at Town Lake, Sunday is a run in the Greenbelt. Now it's tuesday, and I want to run again. Where shall I go? Back to Town Lake or the Greenbelt! Austin is heralded as a great outdoorsy, active, city. Yet I find myself thinking about how other cities I have lived in (such as Seattle, and even San Antonio) have such a greater variety of outdoors locations to run that aren't on the side of a road.
While all of those complaints, separately, may not seem like a valid mark against the Town Lake trails, when you put them together I think they expose the flaws in the Austin Parks System. But, I still find myself running here at least once a week. Why? Because it isn't all bad.
For example, there is live entertainment on every run. A combination of the dogs, middle aged women that are trying to look way too young (who are those rocks bolted onto your chest kidding?!), the extremely fit runners, and the hippies provide endless enjoyment for my wife and I while we run.
With the right weather, the right people, on the right day, the Lake can be downright gorgeous. Plus, even after you take away from the lake with the complaints I list above, it's still a pretty darn cool place to run. I just don't think that it compares to some of my other favorite running trails.
Just went here for the first time this past weekend, and I now see the error of my ways. How had I lived here for a year and a half and not yet experienced this? I started at Zilker and did about a 3-mile loop back to the park.
Ok, so to be honest, there are more beautiful places in the world than Town Lake (it's actually kinda ugly, especially when there are no leaves on the trees), but the trail is GREAT! It's nice and wide, which is good, because it's also pretty crowded. I actually like the fact that it's busy, though, because then I don't feel like I have to bring my pepper spray along on my walks.
Coming here made me want to get a dog, but that kinda doesn't fit in with the whole "no responsibility" lifestyle I have goin' on. So yeah, it's dog-friendly, kid friendly, and there are lots of ducks and turtles.
I'll be returning this Saturday to give jogging a whirl . . . cross your fingers for me! I highly recommend this place!
I loved this trail.
I mean, as I was huffing along, I saw things like dogs frolicking in the water along the banks, free COLD water supplied by who knows who, such a sense of community.
You have to keep in mind that living in Chicago, we can choose between a river that is SO polluted it can LITERALLY kill you if you fall in and a lake that is so cold and filled with garbage (literally and people wise) that you just don't want to bother.
I vote yes for this Lake/Park/Trail.
Although my love for Town Lake and the hike and bike trails surrounding it might even outstrip my love of pellet ice and miniature donkeys, I made the awful mistake of walking here last Saturday around 1:30 when it was nearly 100 degrees on a late May day without a cloud in the sky.
Tired of being "weak" and staying indoors in the arctic blast of my AC, I opted to bravely venture out into the heat for a nice long walk.
It's easy to get lost, if you're people watching and scenery-ogling, on the various circuitous paths and trails, which is exactly what happened to me. I accidentally missed my usual bridge to loop around the lake and somehow took a detour into Mystery Magical Pothead Land, aka, near Zilker Park where the running trail ends and the launchpad for kayaks and canoes begins. I started to wonder where the hell I was when I began seeing more hemp and piercings and less spandex and Nikes.
Then, like the Mad Hatter, two out-of-their-everlovin'-gourd hippies appeared in my path, sitting smack dab in the middle of the trail. Looking up from his cigarette, one of them managed to lazily proposition this delightfully incomprehensible quandry to me:
"Heeeeyyy. Wannna slither with me and go watch the Chipmunks?" He seemed fairly sincere, given the fact that he might have mistaken me for a forest animal or a light prism.
Looking back, I have no idea whether he was referring to the classic Saturday morning cartoon, a platoon of invisible chipmunks in a nearby tree or cove, or if this was some "insider" drug platitude I was unfamiliar with, like "tossing the lettuce" or "riding the white pony." Either way, I power walked my ass off as quickly as possible. Soon I found my way back into Fitness Land, and made a mental note to stop watching cute dogs go by when my turnoff was looming next time.
My walk, though literally resulting in a dive into my complex's pool immediately afterwards, and a little frightening in the style of a trippy Alice in Wonderland, reminded me why I love Town Lake so much - it takes all types.
Runners, walkers, bikers, perambulators, bongo players, kayakers, canoers, potheads and sundry druggies unite here in the remarkable beauty of shaded green and lapping water. And the good thing is, no matter your healthy (or um, not so healthy) poison, there's miles and miles for everyone to spread out and enjoy.
Hey, even chipmunk watchers gotta have some downtime, right?
This is one of the places that brought me back to Austin for the third time. I usually do the 3.47 mile loop from the Mopac Bridge to the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, but there is plenty more to explore on this trail.
Along the way, you will most surely find a slice of Austin. The people, the views and the growth that is now defining the city.
I come to this park religiously for my dog. They have everything that my dog wants -- water to swim in, a dog park to run around on and dog friendly people. Can't get any better than that!
They have cups of water for runners and the scenery of downtown is beautiful!
I'm quite sad how it's been cluttered by messes recently, but I think it's the people going there more than those who reserve it. So if you come by, please pick up your trash and keep Austin beautiful! :)
I absolutely love the outdoors I love to hike, walk or run with the pup preferably places with water for the pup to swim in. So, I am a bit embarrassed to admit I have lived in Austin for 7 years had never gone for a run here before today. I spent a good 3 hours running or walking and exploring the trails today and what a beautiful day it was.
I usually prefer the less populated more scenic hiking trails; but, I think the Pup and I have found a new lover closer to home. We will definitely be back for more fun soon or at least once a week for an after work run.
Thank you Austin for being so outdoor exercise and dog friendly - we love you!
Update: I forgot to add cute girls riding their bikes in bikinis.
I'm so glad someone told me about this place when I moved to Austin. In Chicago I used to run on Lake Michigan and now I run on town lake! I must admit the weather is much better here. I'm still figuring out some of the longer routes but I love running here! It's so pretty and there are tons of people out exercising and it makes you feel inspired. My favorite part is the dog park- I run through there and check out all the cute pups. Since I'm training for my 1st 1/2 marathon, I will be here a lot, and I don't even mind!
I like to go to town lake to run and run and run. I'm very happy when I'm there. 'Nuff said.
*Update* ...I just re-read this and realize some of you may read this review and think it was written by a dog (one who can type, no less) --so, just to set the record straight -- I wrote it...and...no...I am not a dog. ..Ok. Just saying.
I really don't remember what I did before I started to run Town Lake. I think I went home and watched endless hours of crap TV and ate. I'm sad that I wasted hours of my life when I could of been running out side and enjoying one of the best things about Austin.
About 3 times a wk I drive down to TL just to spend a little less than an hour running and getting fresh air. The 4.28 is the best run in the city and I'm starting to go even further. RunTex supplies water stops around the trail and there are fountains in between. most of the trial is in the shade and gravel. The soft gravel is great for my feet and I can run more often and further. Nothing makes my day like setting my Ipod to shuffle and seeing if I can beat my own time at a run. This is what makes Austin, AUSTIN!
I love, love, love running at Town Lake. I love all the different trails available. I love seeing all the different kinds of people who are out there exercising, running, biking, walking their dogs, playing with their kids, doing yoga, and any number of other activities. I get inspired by seeing how active Austin is and how diverse the people out there are. Town Lake and the experience of being down there is one of my favorite things about Austin.
I'm pretty sure this is going to be the easiest review I ever write, as the Town Lake Hike & Bike Trail is, without a doubt, one of the three things that make downtown Austin the greatest place on earth (the other two being live music and, of course, me.)
You see, I used to be a lazy piece of shit. I remember running a mile in jr. high once, but now that I think about it, I might have just watched Chariots Of Fire on a rainy day in P.E. Not long after moving downtown, I took a walk down to Auditorium Shores and was blown away: lush green trees, a beautiful lake, little kids flying kites, dogs and cats slow dancing with one another... And I haven't even told you the best part - an immaculate trail of decomposed granite that forms a 4.5 mile loop from South 1st to Mopac with coolers of ice cold water on either end (RunTex - you rock. I'l get to you one of these days). I decided that day to take up running, and have been hitting a 5-10 mile run at least twice a week now for the last 2 years. It's my happy place.
Now to the people who live within a mile of this wonderland who neither use nor appreciate it: You need to move. Go up to Round Rock. Go out the Arboretum. Go somewhere, anywhere, else. Do you know many starving kids there are in Africa that would love a nice trail to run on? Stop taking up space that could be filled by someone who understands what an asset this place is. You should be ashamed.
UPDATE: In case you're interested, you can map out your run distance with GoogleMaps Pedometer (http://www.gmap-pedome...). Mad props to Justin B. for turning me on to this thing - I've had it for 1 hour and its already changed my life...
This is so proverbial Austin.
I love running, I love Austin, and I love the views of downtown along the lake. OOOps - did I say 'downtown'?
I meant PEOPLE. OK, let's start over...
I love running in Austin with lots of people! What a GREAT PLACE for iCandy!!
It's really interesting to see the demographics and scenery change as I head towards Congress Ave and I-35. Though I love running with the crowds, it is also a nice change to see the slices of Austin life as I run east. It's less-traveled, though I see more families with bikes and more people fishing. I also notice the die-hard runners who also do the entire LBL.
I really enjoy watching the row teams on the lake - they're a mainstay, and so proverbial Austin.
To see so much use out of this trail system is a testament to the success in urban planning and the jewel that Austin has. I live near San Jose, CA, where they have attempted to accomplished something similar, yet the formula hasn't quite worked yet.
Yes, I live in Denver now, "the outdoor capital of the world". But I miss and heart Austin's Town Lake, there's just something special about it. Back in the day, I loved jogging around that lake and for someone who hates jogging, that's saying a lot. It was my happy place. I loved how cold water was provided and sometimes those rubbermaid coolers would be filled with delightful Gatorade- it was like discovering liquid gold on those hot Austin days.
This review refers to the Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail, a 10.1-mi loop around Town Lake (part of the Colorado River) from Longhorn Dam to Mopac.
The trail is mostly crushed gravel that is easy on the knees during running or walking. Some stretches are concrete just because the trail might have cut through a part of the urban area or the trail was renovated. It is an excellent place to run, walk, or meditate. The beauty of the water and the greenery, especially on a cloudless day, is mesmerizing! Seeing the other runners and walkers compels one to be part of the healthy Austinite population.
The trail doesn't have enough long stretches of uphill to train decently for uphill running. Most of the inclines are not very steep.
There are a few water fountain areas (some with dog bowls even) scattered along the trail. RunTex generously provides many coolers of cold water at the Rock (north shore under Mopac) and under the South 1st St. bridge (south shore under South 1st at Auditorium Shores).
Places to park are: Austin High School Tennis Center area under Mopac on the north shore, the west end of Riverside Dr. (west of the Lamar Blvd intersection) sort of behind Zach Scott Theater, the NE corner of Riverside and Lamar, under the South 1st St Bridge (SW corner of South 1st St and Riverside, under I-35, the NE intersection of I-35 and Riverside, on the south side of Caesar Chavez a little east of the Lamar "intersection."
I don't consider myself well-traveled, but the Town Lake trail is the nicest one I've ever seen. The south shore of the part west of I-35 makes you forget you are in the center of a city.
The only thing I dislike about this trail is the risk of inhaling small insects in the summer evenings while running. They're harmless, but it's annoying. Another obvious thing is to watch out for large rocks or grooves if you're walking or running on the edge of the trail, but one should always watch where they're going or stepping anyway.
The Town Lake trail also connects to other major trail systems like Shoal Creek or the Barton Creek Greenbelt so there's quite a bit of distance to explore. Check the map for the connections.
If you ride a bike along the trail, consider wearing a helmet since it's possible for your tires to slide on the gravel while making sharp turns to avoid pedestrians.
8 YR OLD GIRL, with zero confidence problem, walks up to LARRY, a strapping buck, and his DOG, Charlie.
GIRL: Can I pet your dog?
LARRY: Sure can.
She pets him, looks at me, squints.
GIRL: What's his name?
LARRY: Charlie.
GIRL: My dog's name is Charlie!
LARRY: Seems like every dog's name is Charlie.
GIRL: I know, right?
She skips back to her father, who smiles as she screams "HIS dog's name is Charlie!" and Charlie and I walk on...the trees' greenest of greens, swaying in the breeze, as rowers whiz by on the lake.
Charlie stops, mounts (here goes), and poops. I pick it up with a park-provided poop mitt, and two different groups of joggers cheer me or thank me for doing that.
I walk proudly with my bag of Charlie's shit. Dump it, he says thanks (I think), and we continue.
We stop at the water station under Mopac. Charlie's a hit with the kids as they run over to him and he revels in it, knocking over half of them with his wagging tail.
We venture forward, past the rowing center where folks are getting instructed, as the adorable GM smiles and waves as we go by...
....while we eavesdrop on quick successions of people's cel phone conversations...
"...I'm going to take the Tour Guide test...no the TOUR guide test...THE TOUR GUIDE TEST...yeah, that's what I said....you wanna go?"
"...NASA loved your project..."
"...yeah, you have to MEET the fuck buddy first.."
6 Stars.
If you're looking for evidence that Austin's development and rapid population growth is being closely monitored for its long-term impact on the city, look no further.
Town Lake and the parks that surround it are one of the many signs that Austin residents care about their city and are personally invested in its upkeep. This relatively crime-free recreational area is a haven for runners and cyclists alike (mountain bikes or hybrids only) as well as recreation go-ers in general.
With enough space to host large events like Austin City Limits it is surprising that The Town Lake Train Foundation has time to label each and every vine of poison ivy on the Town Lake trail to keep Austin's kiddos out of trouble.
As a runner, I know the value of a safe and well-maintained trail. The 10 mile loop around the lake, particularly the Western half which runs between Congress Ave. and the Mopac bridge is particularly lovely with water stops (ice water and sometimes Gatorade) ever few miles. For running or walking the trail, I recommend parking under either the Mopac or first street bridges. The trail has numerous information signs and mile-markers to help you keep your bearings.
This area offers an abundance of recreations options for visitors and locals alike. Rock climbing, canoe rental, Barton Springs (our large natural Spring-fed pool), Volleyball courts, soccer fields, and a mini site-seeing train for the kids are among some of its best features.
Also, the nearby Botanical Gardens, a gift to the city, and the adjacent butterfly garden and some of Austin's best kept secrets.
Happy Trails!
I love the Town Lake (now Lady Bird Lake) trails!! I run the trails there to train for races about 3 times a week, with long runs on Saturdays. I usually do the 10.1 mile loop from Mopac to Longhorn Dam and back. The trails are kept so clean and lovely, there are so many people to see while running, if I had to name one thing I am the most grateful for here in Austin, Town Lake Hike and Bike Trails is it.
Running, jogging, walking, dog-walking, meandering, and baby-stroller-pushing are all great activities for the trail. But as for riding your bike...you might as well get off and walk. I do like the trail but it is so well-loved by our city that it has nearly has freeway-style congestion. I do love the little pockets of wildlife along the lake.
Dislike carrying water yet need to pee every couple of miles or so? Town Lake is for you. Or, if you are never without your Camelback and have an iron bladder Town Lake is for you too! Town Lake for everyone, yeah!
And, at times, seems like everyone in Austin is walking/jogging/biking around Town Lake. Completing the popular three mile loop can seem like some of obstacle course, or maybe a slalom if you're moving pretty fast.
If you've never done it before, try walking/jogging/biking the full 10 mile loop. The farther east you go the fewer people you see...
Pardon the redundancy redundancy, or if I already said that, let me say it again: what's not to like?
Austin happens to be blessed with some seriously Prozac-like outdoor gorgeous-ness, and it only makes sense that the local culture has managed to bloom around its gaze: rolling hills, rock enclaves, miles of semi-secluded and foot-traffic friendly pathways, most pet friendly and encouraging to the outdoor mob. It can make for a chill afterwork jog, some great sightseeing, and comes guaranteed to ratchet your blood pressure down a notch while quickening your step. Add to this the regular and semi-regular event schedule, and these parks aren't merely convenient timekillers.
They're lifesavers, the finger on the pulse of a city that prides itself on being in the now while never dispossessing its roots. And at these parks, the roots are out in the open for all to see.
Beautiful. Simply beautiful. This is what Austin's about.
I came here one sunset with my folks after we took a tour of UT. The weather was perfect, there were nice people everywhere, and it was gorgeous. The park's really clean, and I love how, unlike other parks, people share the path with walkers, bikers, and runners, and nobody gets pissed off. Only is Austin can you find a place like that. And everyone's outside, chilling, moving around, whatever.
The lake is beautful as wll, and the defining moment came when I walked past the Texas Rowing Center. Ohhhh, that sealed the deal. It's such a nice place to be. And the sunset just added to the feeling.
One of the reasons I want to go to UT so much!
Another fine review by S.G.
Whoop, whoop, whoop!
My friends decided that after watching The Biggest Loser on TV, we should try a little weight loss challenge of our own. We met at the hike and bike trail for a little weigh and measure and a looooong walk. The trail is beautiful. Good parts of it are shaded, and if you can make it under the bridge ,Run Tex ( I think thats it) provides water and cups for all of you thirsty folks.
The only problem is that its easy to get lost there. My friend knew a short cut to make the 5 mile walk into 3 miles, but I think we ended up with 4 miles and it was really possible to get lost, end up doing 10 miles and never finding our car.
We didn't really stick to the weight loss challenge after that week however , I keep wanting to get back there now that the weather has cooled down. Its a beautiful place filled with people of all fitness levels, and you wont stick out if you are jogging, biking or trudging along . Check this one out.
While training for a 60 mile walk (yes, for real, 60 miles. In 3 Days!) last October, I walked many, many miles on Town Lake (old habits die hard...I know it's Lady Bird Lake). Believe me,I've done the whole thing...From Randall's on 35th to Town Lake and then around the entire Lake.
It's beautiful. What else can I say?! It's beautiful! Austinites care about it, and it always looks well-maintained. I've seen all forms on the trails--in wheelchairs, on bikes, with dogs, with one leg... all sorts! That's what I love.
I will say, though, that the bike traffic bothers me. I feel like there are better places to bike in Austin, and I feel like the foot traffic and the two-wheel traffic get in the way of each other. It's not the Hike-N-Bike anymore.
It's fun to walk and see events getting set up on Auditorium Shores--concerts, flugtag...
I love bringing out of town guests here for many views of Austin--the people, Stevie, restaurants, the town.
What can I say? I love this town!
This beautiful well-maintained park is a must-see for Austin's residents AND visitors! We had a lovely 2 hour walk around half of the lake, where we saw many runners, happy families, and pooches. The water is clear and sustains many beautiful birds and turtles--wow!
Every city in America should be so lucky as Austin to have a place like this!
I feel so lucky that we live within walking distance from here. I'm embarrassed that we visited here for the first time this weekend, when we took our friends who were visiting from out of town.
The hiking/biking/walking trail that runs between the Mopac and the Congress Ave. bridge is particularly great. There are water stops, parallel bars if you want to do your Rocky-style training, a large gazebo-ish structure where you can hang out if you get tired, and lots of people. For some reason, I thought the park bordering Town Lake would be a tiny trail with a slope on one side and the water on the other. I was SO wrong. Huge expanses of lawn where people hang out and have picnics run the length of the south side of the park, making for great people watching while you're walking the trail.
When we were there on Saturday, many of the pets who participated in the Jo's Easter Pet Parade were hanging out there later in the day, catching balls and lolling in the grass. It made for a great Saturday afternoon.
