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 60 miles.

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, Texas
⌖ 4.03 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Manor, Texas

Manor, Texas is a calm hill country town with easy access to hiking, biking, and paddling. Close to Austin, it offers peaceful trails, wetlands, and lakes for fishing and birding—ideal for outdoor lovers seeking a quiet, nature-filled escape.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Austin, Texas
⌖ 8.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas merges rich cultural experiences with an abundance of outdoor activities. From hiking and paddling to exploring urban green spaces, it's a dynamic destination for adventurers.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Austin, Texas
⌖ 8.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas merges rich cultural experiences with an abundance of outdoor activities. From hiking and paddling to exploring urban green spaces, it's a dynamic destination for adventurers.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Pflugerville, Texas
⌖ 8.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pflugerville, Texas

Pflugerville offers easy access to lakeside hiking, biking, and paddling adventures just outside Austin. With family-friendly parks and scenic trails, it’s a great spot to explore Texas Hill Country’s outdoor beauty year-round.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Del Valle, Texas
⌖ 10.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Del Valle, Texas

Del Valle is a growing Texas town near Austin with access to hill country trails, birding spots, and paddling opportunities. It’s a laid-back base for mountain biking, hiking, and off-road adventures with quick city access.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Rollingwood, Texas
⌖ 10.36 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rollingwood, Texas

Rollingwood, Texas is a peaceful town on the edge of Austin offering easy access to hiking, biking, and paddling adventures. Explore Barton Creek Greenbelt trails, paddle on Lady Bird Lake, and spot local wildlife in scenic Hill Country surroundings.

Spring and Fall
Explore 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.

Pedal & Plate: Austin’s Vegan Foodie E‑Bike Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Austin, Texas
Bike TourADV Bookable

Pedal & Plate: Austin’s Vegan Foodie E‑Bike Tour

A leisurely, up-to-4-hour e-bike exploration of Austin’s plant-based scene that pairs two generous tastings with scenic rides through neighborhoods, Ladybird Lake, and downtown.

Bike TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip