Onion Creek Metropolitan Park offers a 5.8-km loop trail where visitors can enjoy lots of fun activities. Generally, the route is easy and can be completed over 1 hour on average.
This largely undeveloped, flat, wooden regional park is a popular destination for running, horseback riding, and hiking. But those who prefer to unwind and feel nature can simply walk through the trail and enjoy quiet times.
The park is open year-round, allowing people to visit it anytime. There are also small ponds, in addition to trails. It features wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot. It is also kid-friendly, allowing them to explore nature at a young age. It is a perfect destination to play, relax, picnic, and take a break from the city’s bustle and hustle.
A Perfect Place for Relaxation or Adrenaline-Inducing Activities
People visit Onion Creek Metropolitan Park for different reasons. Some individuals enjoy meditation in a serene area or prefer casual strolls through nature, while others are excited about adrenaline-inducing activities. And this is one of the great things about this park; it gives every visitor a chance to choose how they want to spend their time.
Onion Creek is one of the largest metropolitan parks in Austin, Texas, at 390 acres. This park is an excellent place to bring kids and dogs with plenty of areas to explore and hoke.
While the creek is occasionally filled up with water, it is still a great spot to cool off as the temperature in Austin rises. Since there are plenty of pocket parks, the entire site never feels crowded.
The site’s wooded picnic areas are suitable for those who want to spend an afternoon lunch. Visitors also appreciate the on-site bathrooms for public use.
Onion Creek Metropolitan Park is conveniently located in South Austin, off South Pleasant Valley, just East of I-35. The surrounding neighborhoods include Perkins Valley, Franklin Park, South Creek, and Onion Creek.
This park also sits south of the Onion Creek Greenbelt area, offering a small playground. This means visitors can enjoy more beautiful nature scapes and hiking trails.
Speaking of trails, Onion Creek features a 5.8 km trail loop that is easy to walk on with gorgeous wildflowers and interesting plant species. While walking, visitors can do birdwatching, look for wildlife or simply glance at the surrounding nature.
The majority of the trails are found on the park’s west side. Traveling to and from the west or east sides of the park is accessible from four specific areas: the Center Pass Trail, Mustang Trail, Slider Hill, and Creek Crossing #1. Also, the majority of these trails have thick vegetation and are wooded, providing shade during the summer heat.
The elevation gain is a max of 75 feet, making it accessible for athletic levels. The park also features an open riding area, allowing people to try horseback riding. This area is taken care of by local Friends of Onion Creek.
The easy walking trails and safe spaces make Onion Creek Metropolitan Park a very kid-friendly destination. Although there are no on-site playgrounds, parents can bring sports equipment so that kids have something to play with. But if kids are really looking for a playground, the Onion Creek Greenbelt’s small playscape is just on the northern part.
Kids and adults will love not only exploring Onion Creek Metropolitan Park, but also our fur friends. This park is also very dog-friendly. Dog Park Blue is an area dedicated to dogs, located at Onion Creek’s northeast tip.
You can let your dogs run around but on a leash. This area is close to the creek where everyone can swim and is completely unfenced. Since the site has no water fountains, ensure to bring water for your fur best friend. What’s more, poop bags are available via dispensers throughout the trails and park.
Sports lovers are not left behind. Onion Creek Metropolitan Park’s northeast part is where Onion Creel Soccer Complex is situated. This area features 10 full-size soccer fields with goals. League games often take place on Saturdays and Sundays.
Important Information About Onion Creek Metropolitan Park
- Address: 8652 Nuckols Crossing Rd, Austin, TX 78744
- Phone: +1 512-974-2000
- Website: austintexas.gov
- Business Hours: Monday to Sunday – 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Length: 5.8 km
- Elevation Gain: 24 m
- Route Type: Loop