Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is a north Austin trail anchor

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is north Austin's big green anchor. The City of Austin lists it at 12138 North Lamar Boulevard as one of the city's large metropolitan park sites — a different category from the small pocket parks scattered through the neighborhoods.

The city's trail directory shows shared-use hike-and-bike trails at the same address, winding along the creek and into the wooded back of the park. Mountain bikers know it for that singletrack, and the park also has a swimming pool, sports fields, and a dog-friendly area.

For anyone looking around north Austin, Walnut Creek is the place to picture when a home, apartment, or commute mentions quick trail or park access. The city page has current maps, hours, and amenities.