Sometimes it can be hard for a dog-owner to find a place to let their canine friend roam free. If you live in the Austin area, here are the seven best off-leash parks for you and your dog to enjoy!
1. Shoal Creek Greenbelt
With nearly 81 acres of park territory, the Shoal Creek Greenbelt has a lot to offer. It has a large variety of trails winding through the forest and even a creek that you and your best friend can relax in. Additionally, most trails are wheelchair accessible. Dog owners should note that not all of the park is leash-off, though a large portion of it allows owners to let their pets run wild.
2. Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park
With around 300 acres of land, Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park is a great place not only for dogs but also for horses. It has a loop trail that is a little over a mile long, and the park has many great places for picnics.
3. Red Bud Isle
Red Bud Isle is situated right on the shores of a lake, just below the Lake Austin dam. Not only is it leash-free, but the park also has five miles of trails, a spot for picnics, and canoeing and kayaking opportunities for its human visitors.
4. Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park has a variety of trails, many of which follow the creek that the park is named after. There parts of this park that your dog can enjoy leash-free. Additionally, Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park features a pool and playground and is ideal for biking.
5. West Austin Neighborhood Park
West Austin Neighborhood Park is a fenced-off urban park that allows dogs to run around within its borders. The fence around the park ensures that your beloved pet won’t get itself hurt by running off into the street, so even the most unruly of dogs should be safe here. The park also features a pool, picnic areas, and a playground.
6. Auditorium Shores
Featuring a wide-open field, this large urban park has a great view of a nearby lake and is perhaps most famous for being the scene of a variety of music concerts. Go on the Fourth of July to see the fireworks display, and feel free to bring your dog with you if she won’t be frightened by all the commotion. On days when some exciting new event isn’t going on, the park serves as a great place for both humans and dogs to simply relax and enjoy their day within the bustling heart of Austin.
7. Bull Creek District Park
This park features a variety of trails along the sides of a creek. Let your dogs loose here on a hot day and watch as they swim laps in the gentle waters. The park has a lot to explore. Walk far enough, and you will get a glimpse of some stunning waterfalls.
