Tucked into northeast Austin, Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is a 293-acre outdoor haven packed with hiking and biking trails, shaded picnic areas, and scenic creekside spots. One of the city’s most popular green spaces, it’s a go-to destination for hikers, mountain bikers, dog owners, and nature lovers alike.

The park features 15 miles of multi-use trails, winding through dense woodlands, limestone bluffs, and open fields. Mountain bikers flock here for its mix of beginner-friendly loops and technical singletrack, while hikers enjoy shaded pathways that follow the Walnut Creek greenbelt. In the summer, the seasonal swimming pool and natural creek crossings offer a refreshing break from the Texas heat.

A major draw for dog owners is the park’s off-leash areas, where pups can roam freely along the trails and splash in the creek. With playgrounds, sports fields, and plenty of space to explore, Walnut Creek is one of Austin’s best all-purpose parks—where adventure and relaxation meet under the canopy of Texas oaks.