Emma Long is a popular park due to the variety of items available to you there. It is not far from Austin's greenbelt, so you have nice green space vibe. Emma Long Metropolitan Park is located on Lake Austin, thus, you have spectacular views from the park. The hubs and I were not here for walking today but have a table picnic. The park has a portfolio of activities to choose from...a sandy beach style swim area, big shady picnic areas, camping sites, and incredible Hill Country views. When we visit, we normally spend a few hours, however, you could easily spend a lot more. You might ask, "Who is Emma Long?" Emma Long was a pioneering Austin civic leader, journalist, and politician best known as the first woman elected to the Austin City Council and a major advocate for civil rights, public parks, and working class citizens. The large lakeside park on Lake Austin, Emma Long MetropolitanPark, was named in her honor. The swimming area has a gradient entry into the lake with plenty of room to relax. There are also boat ramps, fishing areas, volleyball nets, and open space that's wonderful for just chilling. For hikers, the Turkey Creek Trail nearby is a park bonus and does not require paying the park entry fee. Yes, there's a park car fee of $XX . If you family members, business groups or couples, this is a great park to satisfy diverse tastes. read more

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Beautiful spot for walk in river access with grills / picnic tables / parking! We went for the first time on Sunday and had to purchase tickets for entry online for the weekend dates - $10 per vehicle. Some piers to jump off and plenty of spots to walk in / stand. Dogs are allowed as well on leash! Food and drinks are allowed but make sure to clean up after yourself!! read more

Emma Long Metropolitan Park - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

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My dog and I had the best time camping here!! I highly recommend it. They have fire pits, grills, drive up camp sites, and you can drop your board in the lake and go paddleboarding. read more

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This is Mr go to place to decompress. It's a beautiful drive down to the park with amazing views and home. We've camped here for years but I truly enjoy coming during the week when no one is around. It's the best gem Austin has to offer. read more

Emma Long Metropolitan Park - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

Feb 2, 2025 review Turkey creek is a good trail but keep in mind that you DON'T have to pay or go to campsite to start this specific trail. There is a parking spot with about 15-20 parking spots and I saw people parking on the side of street as well. The trail is very rocky and can get slippery so make sure you get the hiking shoes. There are lot of dogs off leash on this trail and running around so if you are afraid of that,might want to be careful. Overall no great views as such but its pretty shady so good hike/run place overall. read more

Such a simple and beautiful park. Love how easy it is to camp. We enjoyed our trip very much and would absolutely come back! read more

Emma Long Metropolitan Park - Deer wandering all around in the evening! - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

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One of my favorite places to come just as a great Shoreline with plenty of picnic benches and grills and they've just added a new bathroom area and a new beach area that's much cleaned up and better love to come and walk my dog or bring some friends here to hang out and enjoy some peace and quiet and enjoy the river. Definitely a spot to hit read more

If you love being out by the water in Austin - but find yourself longing for a beach...this place is for you! Emma long is always a great place to go out and visit. $5 per vehicle M-F, then $10 on the weekends. Reservations are a good idea (but usually not needed). As you drive out there, you will see a lot of "Park at capacity" signs but just keep going. If you didn't reserve ahead, they have kiosk that accept cards there right at the entrance. There's always ample space for you to pick a spot to set up your chairs and things by the water. There are also restrooms out there which are convenient. Great place to bring friends and family! Tips: -$5-10 admission per car -Keep driving past all the "at capacity signs" -Make reservations if you can -There are grills to cook on spread out there -Lots of shallow areas to relax in the water -Sand Volleyball courts near entrance read more

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Although not as big as expected, it's exceedingly peaceful. We visit on select weekends when there is no parking fee. Fall is our favorite season to visit- check out the video for why. read more

I love Emma Long. I can spend forever here. I love coming after work on a Thursday. It's basically empty. The rate is only $5 and it is such a vibe. The sand makes it feel like a beach. And when the boats come through it's like scary fun because of how big the waves get. It's also nice to walk around. But the water always feels so nice. read more

To be totally honest, I have no idea how I went 9 years in Austin and never once visited Emma Long until now. This park is truly a hidden gem when it comes to Austin parks. It's not exactly "easy" to get to as you have to go down a nice long windy road off of 2222 for a good 20 mins. But as soon as you get pass the gate, you are welcomed to a massive, water front park with plenty of parking and sitting areas for all types of events. What I love most about the park is the beach walk in area. They have it setup that there is a sandy walk in area about 2-3 feet deep that extends nearly 20 yards out from the entrance. Such an amazing thing to have when you have a little one. A few comments: 1. Make sure to have a reservation BEFORE getting there, as they will most likely be sold out day of. 2. There are a lot of signs that say park is at capacity, do not enter. Ignore these as they are incredibly confusing, as long as you have a reservation, you are good. 3. Get there early. We arrived at 10:15 and had our choice of sitting area, short entrance line, and easy parking spot. When we left at 12, the place was packed, and there had to be at least 30 cars waiting to get in. read more

I LOVE EMMA LONG MÉTROPOLITAIN PARK!! HOWEVER, I don't love the grassy areas full of sand burr weed! My dog loves swimming around and chasing a duck or two but again, I don't like pulling the sand burr weed from his assaulted paws just trying to get back to the car. I wish this could be removed then City Park will get the 5 stars it deserves. read more

Emma Long Metropolitan Park - Wyatt loves swimming @ ELMP City Park - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

I always go there for Easter and is good for summer and Easter And is fun and go with your family read more

Wow! The paid part is Totally worth it. $5 M-FR (FR you need a day pass you get online) $10 sat and sun (also need a day pass) It gets crowded around 11-1 and then again at like 3-5. So get there early or late to get a spot on the water. There are tons of roots/branches that you can attached your dog's leash to if you're bringing one. They are pretty strict on keeping them on leashes. I love just siting isn't the water and relaxing. read more

Emma Long Metropolitan Park - Hanging out in the water - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

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The drive to Emma Long is a beauty. I love the scenic drive where you ascend up the hills. Emma Long Met Park has easily become one of our favorite parks to take our pups in Austin. I like the unleveled terrains and abundance of trees Emma Long has to offer. The most challenging part of the park is at the the beginning/end. If you have weak knees, ankles, and/or poor balance-- fair warning. Emma Long is an off-leash dog trail/park, so extra caution for those with limitations. Parking may run scarce depending on how busy the day/time you arrive. read more

Emma Long is the perfect park to get away from the city and enjoy one of Austin's amazing lakes. I've unfortunately only visited on holidays which I believe make the experience a little more difficult. There are tons of great shaded spots to set up and enjoy being waterside. The sandy area was not a good spot to lounge as there was way too much traffic and children throwing sand around. The bathrooms leave much to be desired but my expectations for public park bathrooms are pretty low so this isn't a dealbreaker for me. Wear shoes. Wear shoes. Wear shoes. The grassy areas are covered in stickers, do your feet a favor and wear shoes! On peak days you have to arrive painfully early to ensure you will be allowed in. Once the park is at capacity you will not be allowed to enter. Rules have changed and they will not allow anyone to pick you up at the entrance nor are you allowed to bring in anything once the park is full. There will be a line to enter. From what I gathered today, if you're in line you'll probably get in. They close the road off pretty far back so that people are aware when they are at capacity. Life tip: be prepared to freeze in the water. It's always so cold! Looking forward to hot summer days where this will feel pleasant! read more

Emma Long Metropolitan Park - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

My favorite park at Northwest Austin. Probably one of the few parks that is actually decently sized and doesn't require a drive to downtown Austin. The trails have plenty of running water and off-least dogs. The dogs are all well-behaved, so I'd encourage most people to bring their dogs. The trails are suitable for beginners. Experienced hikers may become bored if they decide to hike at Emma Long Metropolitan Park. There are many small bodies of flowing water, so regular sneakers won't cut it here. Unless you can be sure that you won't slip on the stones and fall into the running water. Trails are clean, but there are still some trails that have poison ivy growing at the side. A ton of hikers bring dogs, as I said before, and most of them have huge dogs. I counted multiple lab mixes and a Saint Bernard's when I walked today. Beware of bringing your dog here if they have a Napolean Complex like my small/medium terrier. Parking is limited. I was lucky enough to find free parking near the entrance of the hiking trail. You may not be so lucky if you're planning to visit the beach. Arrive at eight in the morning or earlier. People start flooding to the trails at around eleven. read more

I love this park so much, but the thorns are so bad. The sticker bushes have taken over the entire lawn and I had to stop every 5 seconds to pull thorns out of the tops and bottoms of my kids running shoes. They would get poked through their socks. My flipflops had the entire bottom covered in stickers, I cannot imagine trying to go barefoot. We were trying to avoid the sticker clumps but they are evil little suckers. The thorns have also made their way to the beach area and are all over the sand. My kids loved the beach but the stickers hurt so bad and don't want to go back. The grass has been replaced by these painful plants. I gave 3 stars because my kids love the beach... it would be a 5 without or even half as many thorns. Parks and Rec, PLEASE remove the thorns! They are ruining this beautiful park. read more

Went there today for the first time & it was so peaceful. You can swim and some kids were even diving from the small dock there. There is picnic tables and showers/clean restrooms/changing area. Will deff be going back! This is the info about price: Day entry Monday-Thursday is $5/vehicle. Friday-Sunday and Holliday's is $10/vehicle. Primitive camp sites $10/night. Utility camp sites are either waterfront for $25/night or cliff side for $20. MAKE SURE TO EITHER HAVE CARD OR CHANGE. No dollar bills will be accepted at the kiosk. read more

Emma Long Metropolitan Park - Clear water - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Always love it here!! Great place to bring the family - and leashed dogs. There is a large beached area between two docks that is great for swimming and easy on the feet. The docks go out quite a ways and are a nice addition. Of course there are boats out in the water, but they do not enter the swimming area. The water is cool and refreshing. You can walk out in the water quite a ways before it gets too deep. There are tons of picnic tables - but come early in the summer time as they go fast and as I mentioned, this is a great place to bring the family. There are restrooms with showers and an outdoor shower - when the water is turned on - which is nice to have. There is tons of parking as well. Camping areas are at the ready and there are numerous hiking trails to adventure on. The shade is perfect here and lends to cool the hot summer day down, some shade even hangs over the water. The grass is well kept up and trimmed. It costs only $10 for a day pass - coins are cards only! My family comes here often during the spring and summer, we love to bring our floats and enjoy a relaxing day by the water. Our dogs love it too!!! read more

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I went today with a friend and our two dogs. I walked towards the water from the parking lot with my dog behind me on a leash and only got a couple of steps on the grass before my dog stopped walking and froze up really weirdly. She had one of her feet picked up and when I went over, all of her paws were covered with tiny sticky burrs and were bleeding. I pulled them all out, cutting my fingers up too, and carried her back to the car, yelling to my friend to keep her dog in the dirt lot. The tiny sticky burrs were EVERYWHERE, no fault to the park but I wanted to post to warn others. Maybe they all just fell from the trees? There weren't any other people there, just some worker guys. The park is great but right now not so good for dogs or barefoot people. Be careful and check the grass before you bring your pups out there. read more

Very nice, family friendly spot. $10 per car. Stays open late. Lots of boats going by which is fun for the kids in the swimming area because it makes waves. Paddle boarders need to bring your "A" game. There are lots of boats around here. Bending your knees will help you keep your balance! The residual waves bouncing back from the shore is what will get you (intersecting waves). Paddle in front of it and you'll catch a pretty awesome ride. read more

Emma Long Metropolitan Park - Meditating on the water - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

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This is officially mine and Murph's Monday ritual! It's a gorgeous 3 mile hike with nicely stomped out trails from heavy use. The areas that cross water have large stepping stones that even my Golden can hit every time, while the paths that run along the street are fenced off so straying or inquisitive pups can't wander into the roads. It takes about 2 hours to experience the whole trail if your leader is quick on his/her paws, more if they move a bit slower. We come, we are leash-less, we are free. We may wander wherever we please as long as we don't defecate off the beaten path. And if we do defecate, we must clean up after ourselves- and that is A-OK by us. My only quip is that I'd love to seem more trash receptacles along the trail- they are pretty few and far between. More cans may help with the owners who ditch their pup's poop into the bushes. Not cool and doesn't smell too tasty either after heavy traffic weekends. We'll definitely be regulars as we live less than five minutes away now! read more

Emma Long Metropolitan Park - The man approves of the off-leash awesomeness - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

I really like this small park tucked away in the hills of Austin. It can be reached from 2222 and they have many trails outside of the park itself. This park does have a fee and they're often busy on the weekends. I've done camping here, boating, kayaking, and just regular day picnics. They're packed on holidays but people are usually pretty kind to one another. It does have restrooms, camping spots, RV spots, open picnic areas, boat dock, and various parking areas. The main road inside has a small loop at the end and is relatively a smaller park compared to most. It is off of Lake Austin and just a fun place to be the ones you love. read more

Word to the wise: do NOT take your shoes off when walking around the grass. There's hundreds of those prickly things laying around. My feet got destroyed read more

No boat, no problem! If you want a fun place for the family, pile up the car and head on down to Emma Long. It's $10/car on the weekends so if you have a full vehicle, that's a deal! Once you get into the park grounds, drive slowly! There are some really large potholes down there. During the summer the primo spots get picked over quickly, so if you need a large space for a party make sure you get there early. The water is cool and the views are lovely. There are grills onsite but be mindful of burn bans (we are in a drought, folks). read more

Our company rented Picnic Area A for a department outing and it was really lovely! We went on a Friday from 12:30p - 3:30p and it was very peaceful. Plenty of tables and benches, many of which were under the cool shade of some trees. There were 2 sand volleyball courts and the area is right next to the water. There is a big, open grassy area that people used to play frisbee. Super beautiful! There's a small beach area with two docks. The water was really clear and cold. Lots of pollen and bugs around, bring sunscreen and bug spray! Parking is $10/car on Friday-Sunday, and $5/car the other days. Huge parking area right next to the picnic area. The restrooms were very clean. read more

Emma Long Metropolitan park is an excellent place to spend a day, or a weekend (they have camping facilities available). There is a long stretch of Lake Austin with swimming and boat launch access. There are picnic tables, docks for jumping off of (for the kids or kids at heart) and there is even a small sandy beach. People bring grills and picnic all day long while enjoying the beautiful green scenery. There are plenty of picnic tables, but get there very early on weekends because the park gets quite crowded. On weekends, there is a $10 per car entry fee. Save some money by visiting on a weekday when the entrance fee is only $5 per car. I ALWAYS recommend wearing water shoes in ANY swimming holes in the Austin area, including Lake Austin, because people are always fishing & you never know when a hook may go astray. **LOOKOUT: Fire ants & burrs. As long as you're aware of your surroundings, these won't be a problem. read more

Emma Long Metropolitan Park - Dock at Emma Long Metropolitan Park: SO GOOD for jumping off of on a hot day! - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

Set your expectations at the right level, and this place can be very enjoyable. At peak times, it's going to be crowded. There will be a ton of kids running around and making noise, some without adequate supervision. Don't expect to lay on the sand unless you bring a chair because there are ants. The swimming area isn't huge but large enough. The bottom was pretty firm, but I always recommend water shoes. There were 'showers' to rinse your feet of sand, but they were broken. Life hack: fill your water bottle in the water fountain and make due. If you want to splash around and don't expect this to be some hidden relaxing tropical paradise on the outskirts of Austin, you can enjoy it for what it is, and that's a nice and fun body of water for swimming! read more

We came on a weekend, paid $10. We are early risers, so we arrived right at 9. It was perfect! Our sole intention was to visit the beach area. It's small and shallow, but perfect for us since we had it to ourselves for over an hour. The park and beach area starts to get crowded around 11. The "waves" created by the boats and jetskis were great for the little ones! A few items to consider. There were soooo many bees in the sand area in the morning. Closer to 11 or 12, the bees disapppeared and we were able to finally play in the sand. Red ant hills are everywhere on the way to the sand area. People do not read signs. There were clear notices stating no dogs in the beach area. People still brought their dogs in. All in all, it was a fun experience and we will be back. Probably during the week. read more

Park Ranger was awesome on getting out the crack heads out. Also didn't know there was a festival of some sort going on that brought on these odd people. But after they were kicked out, the park took on a whole different vibe. Felt so much safer and had a overall great time camping. FYI there are tons of sand spurs everywhere so beware if you have small children or dogs! We will definitely be coming back. read more

Trip 1: Got as far as the gates of the camping/lake area before looking after a lovable but clumsy friend who tripped at the parking lot to the hiking trail and got a nice-sized gash. The nice guys in the entry booth kindly gave us bandages and a hose to mend my broken friend. Trip 2: No gashes this time. Off to a better start. Middle of Texas summer, but after some heavy rains there was a large-enough pool to cool off in, right next to your average Austin dog. I will miss you Emma Long, but I'm sure we'll meet again one day. read more

I love this city park. It's lake front, and there's plenty of space for everyone to squeeze in and go swimming. If you're not getting an RV campsite and you don't have one of those big pop up covers, make sure you look at the map to see if your camp spot is shaded because not all of them are. They also don't all have fire rings, but I think they all have grills. If you're looking to come here for a holiday, definitely try to get a campsite even if you're not staying. It's just easier that way. There's a couple of bathrooms, one with showers, a some port-a-potties scattered throughout. Drive back a short ways, and there's some good hiking trails. Also, pet friendly. Highly recommend. read more

Booked a primitive tent campsite here, as I knew I was coming to town, had other friends meeting up there, but lodging was in flux. GLAD I did. GREAT park, WAY in the middle of nowhere, though officially IN Austin. I car-camped, and was in the MOST base and primitive camp area they offered. STILL was great. I was maybe 100 yards from the beach, meaning I was less than that from 2 sand pit volleyball courts, a basketball court, countless picnic tables (okay, they could have been counted, but my shoes were on-the point is, there were LOTS), and the main bathroom, which had showers. There was also one outdoor shower just off the beach. Water spigots were every 2-3 campgrounds, and porta-potties as well in this area. The campsites are nestled right up under some trees and hills, looking toward the lake (more like a river at this point, but whaddev!). When arriving at night, it was VERY hard to figure out exactly where my camp site was-not very well marked, but I eventually got it. I was in space Bluff 09. I would say it was possibly the WORST site in that group, as it had one scraggly tree offering little shade, but I had picked it as it was CLOSEST to the bathrooms and the beach on the map when I made the rezzie. The showers were NOT active during my visit (mid-late April), having no handles to turn them on, which didn't bother me (ahhh, bachelorhood!), as there IS the lake/river! In retrospect, my friends may not have appreciated it when they first showed up (we then got a place with a shower, and the memory of my "manliness" eventually faded from their memory-I hope!). Most sites had a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill for cooking out. At night, the sun set across the lake and hills for a nice view from the campsites, as fireflies began frolicking down the other hills behind the site and into the campground (yeah, they frolic!). Mosquitos were present, but not bad at this time of year, and there were some butterflies during the day as well. LOTS of hiking trails, dogs allowed, though supposed to be leashed. During this time of year, when it is not too full, the policing seemed kind of loose and this was nice. I observed several people with their dogs loose, but they were all very well-behaved dogs that deserved to be able to walk around a bit. My pathologically over-friendly dogs would NOT be like that, so I WOULD keep them leashed if I were there! Please do the same if you do not have very well-behaved dogs! The park is one of those oddly long drives in Austin-up a hill with very windy roads, so it takes 10 minutes to get there when you turn off the main drag and are only 2-3 miles away, but WELL worth the drive! Had a GREAT visit and will stop there again if on the way through. Thanks, Emma! read more

I was so pleasantly surprised with this park. We drove from out of town, and being in the Austin Hills is already such a beautiful experience. When I heard my girlfriend booked a "Metropolitan Park," I sighed and expected an experience of cars driving by and the lights of restaurants clouding my camping excursion. Instead, we saw nature, hiked, and it was as if we weren't near the middle of Austin at all. The check in process could have been way better. We were so confused the entire time on how to book a camping site, if parking was included, and where exactly we could camp on the premises. The signs weren't extremely helpful. We did ask cashiers at the front, but they told us to go online and book the camping site since the register was closed at 5pm. The numbers of the sites on the webpage didn't match the physical numbers at the sites. We just paid $10 for day parking and $10 for a primitive site and hoped for the best. The primitive sites (not lake front) are lined up in a mostly straight line. You're pretty nearby others, so you can try avoid neighbors that party and play music until 1am. A lot of people bring their dogs, so there's a chance they can wander over to your site as well. This gave me a little anxiety, as I prefer camping where I have some breathing room. It wound up not bothering me all that badly. Grills are plentiful and for a Satuday, we were happy to have one entirely to ourselves. Our site even had a circular barbeque pit where we roasted marshmellows later in the evening. We woke up extremely early to a gorgeous fog over the lake, and 8 or 9 deer running around the camp sites before people woke up and scared them away. The bathrooms here are a little gross, but you are in the middle of nature and it's part of the process. There are bugs and little to no maintenance, but if you're a good squatter, it shouldn't bother you too much. We decided to hike the Turkey Creek trail around 7am. I nicknamed it the "Smell of Dung" trail, because the dog poop receptacles all over made a pungent smell of feces throughout the hike. Almost every hiker brought their dog(s), so we got to see a lot of cute faces on our way. The trail is a little difficult for beginners. Lots of rocks and chances to slip and fall. But it's absolutely gorgeous. There are many pathways with bending canopy trees and small little streams to cross over. We only made it about a mile in, but I loved it. The lake has "stickers," (I'm just really sure what to call them) in the grass right before you walk onto the sand. Needless to say, my feet were bloody. I didn't expect for there to be sharp plant life right before you walk onto the beach of the lake. I'm warning you now so you don't make the same mistake! Overall, I love this park. It was a last minute decision and we were really pleased. It's just a short drive outside of Austin but you feel like you're in the wilderness. The view when driving up/down to the park entrance is amazing, too. read more

Just finished a night camping at City Park. It's true that you're not very secluded and no one is going to mistake this for camping at a big national park, but for how close it is to the city, it's pretty difficult to beat the convenience. If you're up for enjoying a beautiful day in Austin in a beautiful setting, combined with the fact that it is Texas so it might downpour at any minute, combined with the fact that you own a $30 tent that you bought at Wal Mart 10 years ago, this is a fantastic urban camping experience. Again, I wouldn't recommend anyone coming in from out of town strictly for a camping trip to Emma Long, but if you live in Austin and want to get out for a day or two, you will have a really nice time. read more

This is for Turkey Creek Trail specifically. I can't believe I just discovered this trail. It is a really gorgeous trail and an amazing spot. ( Actually, I can, because for a while I really wasn't investigating much.) My girls and I went yesterday for a NYE hike. The trail, about 2.75 miles long, spends its first mile and a half or so criss-crossing the creek, or creek bed, depending on how dry it is. It then goes through a pretty short stint of elevation to the ridge above the trail, where at least at this time of year, you're afforded some pretty decent views. At about two miles or so, it winds back down into the canyon next to the creek and joins the original trail. On the hill up and down, there are some spots where the limestone has been pretty pockmarked, so if you have pups, watch your pups feet in these places. I can see how this would be an idyllic place in the summer. It is very shaded, even with the non-evergreens having lost their leaves. Right now it is bone-dry (which is disconcerting seeing that it is spring fed?!) but with water in the creek, it looks like there will be some great swimming holes. Also, the vegitation is really varied...I am no tree expert but I noticed what seemed to be many species of trees along this trail. One thing I found really odd about this place is that it is a leash-free park, yet it is also an endangered species habitat. All along the beginning of the trail are reminders to stay on the trail and keep pets on the trail. It just seems it would make more sense to have it be leashed (not that I complain) if there is a concern about surrounding endangered species... To get to the trail, act as if you are going to Emma Long Park itself. About a half-mile before the park official entrance (where you have to pay) there is a lot at the trail head on the right hand side...it is almost immediately after a bridge. read more

This too is more a review of Turkey Creek Hiking Trail than the whole park. Turkey Creek is an off-leash 2mi hike along a creek, I guess Turkey Creek. Although the creek is completely dried-up in some areas, other areas are deep enough for your four-legged friend to swim around, steal another dog's toy, and ignore your calls as it goes to the other side of the creek and sits a bit before coming back. The path is mostly shaded and really helps you avoid the onslaught of melanoma. The terrain is also fairly easy with the hike taking up less than an hour with plenty of socializing time for your pooch. The trail also crosses the creek several times, making for good splashing fun. The trail is also very clean and well-maintained despite being absolutely overrun with dogs and their owners. But even on the busiest of weekends, you will still find pockets of solitude between hikers. Just try and get there early, parking can be a real female dog, RDRR! read more

Turkey Creek for non-dog-people: Don't sit down. Dogs will jump on you. Don't raise your hands up when you're around a dog. Dogs will jump on you. Also, I think they can smell fear or something. Dogs *will* jump on you. Okay, Turkey Creek isn't too bad, but really--don't sit unless you find a random bench that's not at doggie height. Dogs will freakin' jump ON you. It's a great off-leash trail where you can let your furry things wander around to their hearts' content and splash in the creek, and really, most of them are well behaved and don't actually jump on you unless they think you have treats or you're sitting on the ground. But sitting on the ground? Never again. Must keep walking. It's such a pretty trail for the most part--tons of shade, trees, and a lovely creek going through the middle of it. My only complaint with the trail is that atop the hill can be a little dull--there's not really a view off into anywhere and there isn't much shade. There are some neato wildflowers up there at some times of the year, but that's about it. At least you get a little elevation change with the uphill and downhill, but on top of the hill, it's sunny and hot. Best of all, this trail is really, really well-maintained. Trails are wide and easy enough for the n00biest of n00b hikers to enjoy. There's clear routes across the creek (read: a good line of stable rocks or concrete blobs). And it's such a pretty trail. The road in and out of the park ain't bad, either! Tons of twisty bits and a faaaabulous view. read more

The fun of going to Emma Long starts with the drive there. The road leading up to and into the park is windy with ever so conveniently banked curves. Shoulders are narrow or non-existent. You will routinely see people with very nice cars driving in and then driving out. There is a reason for this. I wouldn't recommend going fast because 1) there's too much stuff (slow cars, animals, debris from cars going off) out there and 2) it's illegal. But, it's a fun place to practice hitting apexes and practicing smooth power-on, power-off through turns. Once you get there, your dog will quickly jump out of the car-turned-deathtrap and run happily for hours. The main trail is mostly flat with several creek crossings. The sides trails have some elevation and make it into a real workout. There's no real way you can get lost so run free! It's also a great place to people watch or check out dogs. The people are fit and the dogs are happy - just the way Nature intended them to be. Careful observation will reveal a bunch of stuff that most people don't take advantage of: a nice two-person perch overlooking the river from the other side, some fun bouldering, and more. Take your time - you're in one of the prettiest places in Austin. If you're still not done by the end of the day, 2222 will take your straight to Mount Bonnell where you can get your stair climb on. You animal. read more