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Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 4,190 Google reviews · Running trail in Austin, Texas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This large public park known for its system of hiking & biking trails also has a playground & pool.
What runners say about Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
“There are well-maintained paths for both bikers and walkers, and they weave through some of the prettiest parts of the park.”
“Bikers will love the variety in the trails, while walkers can enjoy a more relaxed pace with plenty of shady spots and scenic views.”
“Long story short, this is great place to escape with the family, and to get some solid walking/hiking in, but if you're wanting solitude and quiet peaceful nature, this isn't that.”
“There's a park nearby for the little ones and the main creek itself, is great if you have dogs with you on your walk (which we saw quiet a few).”
Wanted to do an easy hike late evening last week, and my son suggested this place. The scenery is beautiful and doesn't involve too much undulation on the many trail choices. There's a park nearby for the little ones and the main creek itself, is great if you have dogs with you on your walk (which we saw quiet a few).
Pretty great park for kids. I had three with me (ages 9-11) and they all had fun. Pretty good playscape and the pool was very inviting (we didn't swim this time). The hiking trail was pretty fun as well. Didn't seem like too much of a challenge for any of us, and plenty of shade.
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is a wonderful spot for anyone looking to get outdoors and enjoy a bit of nature without leaving the city. It’s one of those places where you can truly unwind, whether you’re walking, biking, or just soaking up the scenery.
A lot of different trails with varying lengths and difficulties. It is a large park which is nice, but if you stick to the shorter, easier loops there will be more people. It is an interesting intersection of nature and man-made infrastructure, especially with the power lines and towers that run through it.
Trail conditions & character
“There's a park nearby for the little ones and the main creek itself, is great if you have dogs with you on your walk (which we saw quiet a few).”
“Bikers will love the variety in the trails, while walkers can enjoy a more relaxed pace with plenty of shady spots and scenic views.”
“The parking lot is well-designed and spacious, making it easy to find a spot early in the morning.”
“Long story short, this is great place to escape with the family, and to get some solid walking/hiking in, but if you're wanting solitude and quiet peaceful nature, this isn't that.”
Plan your run at Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone(512) 974-6700
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Austin
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Hiking Trail Walnut Creek Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 156 reviews
Kid-friendly park with a playground and a network of trails that's open to hikers and bikers.
Lincolnshire Trailhead 1
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North Star Greenbelt
4.6 ★★★★★ 172 reviews
Quiet ribbon park with a partially shaded walking & jogging path amid blooming trees & flowers.
Walnut Creek Greenbelt
4.6 ★★★★★ 319 reviews
Wide paved & unpaved pathways cut through this rugged creekside area that links 2 parks.
Wildflower Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 16 reviews
Stoney Creek Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 700 reviews
Large open space offering a dog park, a soccer field, disc golf, a playground & exercise equipment.