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Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park wilderness guide
Metropolitan Park · TX

Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park

Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park is a popular recreational area located in Austin, Texas, offering a wide range of outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Metropolitan Park1,2691+ Trails

Designation

Metropolitan Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,269

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park

Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park is a popular recreational area located in Austin, Texas, offering a wide range of outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park, situated in northeast Austin, Texas, is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Spanning over 1,200 acres, the park features the expansive Walter E. Long Lake, ideal for boating, fishing, and other water sports. The lake is stocked with fish such as bass, catfish, and sunfish, making it a prime location for anglers. The surrounding parkland offers open spaces for picnicking, hiking, and bird watching. The diverse flora and fauna in this metropolitan park provide an excellent opportunity for nature enthusiasts to explore the local ecosystem. As a metropolitan park, it serves not only as a natural retreat but also as a venue for local events and family gatherings, offering both ramadas and larger event facilities. Established in the 1960s, the park continues to evolve, incorporating modern amenities while preserving its natural charm.

Field Guide · Metropolitan Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Family Fishing at Lake Walter E. Long in Austin★ 6.5⌖ 3 miFamily Fishing
Austin

Family Fishing at Lake Walter E. Long in Austin

Enjoy family fishing at Lake Walter E. Long in Austin, Texas. Easy access and family-friendly amenities make this a great spot for bonding over fishing. Best visited in spring and fall, the park offers opportunities for boating and picnicking.

Family FishingView Details→
Mountain Biking at Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park★ 7.0⌖ 7 miMountain Biking
Austin

Mountain Biking at Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

Explore 15 miles of mountain bike trails at Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, just 20 minutes from downtown Austin. Suitable for a range of skill levels with exciting flow and technical sections. Popular year-round with a high visitation in summer.

Mountain BikingView Details→
Explore Austin’s Best Moderate Mountain Biking Trails★ 7.0⌖ 7 miMountain Biking
Walnut Creek Metro Trail

Explore Austin’s Best Moderate Mountain Biking Trails

Explore Austin's moderate 11-mile trail at Walnut Creek Metro Trail. Ideal for mountain biking, the trail features various terrains and is a favored spot for adventure seekers. Visit in spring or fall for the best experience.

Mountain BikingView Details→
Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake in Austin★ 7.5⌖ 8 miPaddleboarding
Austin

Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake in Austin

Explore paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas. This easy water activity offers skyline views and encounters with local wildlife. Rowing Dock and Zilker Boat Rentals provide easy access. Avoid crowds by visiting during early mornings and enjoy a relaxing time on the water.

PaddleboardingView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Walter E. Long Lake and its fishing opportunities✦ Picnic areas with wide open spaces for relaxation✦ Bird watching for a variety of native species✦ Boating ramps offering easy access to the lake
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fees are required, with passes available for frequent visitors.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Manor
⌖ 4.03 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Manor, Texas

A quiet, rapidly growing Texas town close to Austin, offering easy access to rolling hill country landscapes and water activities along nearby lakes and parks.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Austin
⌖ 8.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Austin, Texas

A vibrant city that combines a lively arts and music scene with fantastic access to outdoor adventures and natural beauty.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Austin
⌖ 8.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Austin, Texas

A vibrant city that combines a lively arts and music scene with fantastic access to outdoor adventures and natural beauty.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Pflugerville
⌖ 8.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pflugerville, Texas

A growing suburban town with easy access to scenic lakes, well-maintained park trails, and family-friendly outdoor recreation along the Texas Hill Country’s edge.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Del Valle
⌖ 10.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Del Valle, Texas

A rapidly growing community near Austin offering access to wide-open spaces for biking, hiking, and watersports with an easygoing outdoor lifestyle.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Rollingwood
⌖ 10.36 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rollingwood, Texas

A quiet and upscale leafy residential town offering easy access to outdoor recreation and scenic natural areas bordering Austin.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.