When we aren’t able to get away somewhere farther off the beaten path, we love to hike with our dogs closer to home in Central Texas. The city of Austin has many great places to take your dogs walking, yet trails can sometimes be almost too busy for a relaxing dog walk that doesn’t involve dodging runners and bikes.
The lengthy trails around Lady Bird Lake, Emma Long Metropolitan Park, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt are great, but if you’re looking for some less crowded places to take your pooch for a walk, you might want to try one of our favorite spots by taking a mini day trip up IH-35 to Georgetown.
In Georgetown, Texas you’ll find a number of less-crowded trails and parks for walking your dogs, including the Pickett Trail along the San Gabriel River, and the the Bark Park dog park, a six-acre area that’s partly shaded by tall pecan trees and features an agility course, drinking fountains for dogs, and benches for their humans. A total of more than ten miles of great dog walking trails can be found within the city limits of Georgetown.
Trails in Georgetown Texas:
- San Gabriel Park Loop – 1.6 mi. Granite surface, connects to north and south trails.
- San Gabriel River Trail – 0.45 mi. Concrete trail, leads from San Gabriel park along the river to the Katy Crossing neighborhood.
- South San Gabriel Trail – 2.0 mi, Concrete trail, runs from McMaster Athletic Complex to Blue hole and on to Chautauqua Park.
- Pickett Trail – 0.5 mi. Natural trail that follows the South San Gabriel River and connects Blue Hole Park with Chataqua Park.
- Randy Morrow Trail – 5.5 mi, Concrete trail, connects several city parks from San Gabriel Park to Booty’s Road Park. See city website for more info.
San Gabriel Park Feels Like Austin Circa 1985
San Gabriel Park is located just 32 miles north of downtown Austin, along IH-35. We’re showing our age here, but those of us who remember what Austin’s Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake Park) was like back in the 1980’s will appreciate the more laid-back pace found on the Georgetown’s trail system. While the city of Georgetown has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, the parks and trails still feel relaxing and relatively uncrowded – something we tend to seek out for our somewhat timid rescue pups who don’t always enjoy a crowd.
Places to Park When Walking Dogs in Georgetown, Texas
We often park at the San Gabriel Park, which is located at the confluence of the North and South San Gabriel rivers. Centuries-old oak and pecan trees offer lots of shade, and there are several covered areas with barbecue pits if you decide on having a picnic after your walk. Parking is free and there are normally lots of open parking spaces at the start of Randy Morrow Trail, located just off or East Morrow St (shown above).
Starting from here, you can choose to walk westward along the North San Gabriel River Trail for an out-and-back walk of more than six miles – passing under IH-35 and ending up at Chandler Park. This nice walk offers some shade and follows along the banks of peaceful North San Gabriel River where you’re likely to see grey herons and white egrets fishing for dinner.
Another good walk that starts from the Randy Morrow trailhead begins after you cross the footbridge, under which are “islands” that are home to a large population of ducks and geese, which provides some nice viewing for you and your dogs! After you cross the bridge, turn right and head westward along the South San Gabriel River and continue along this path to the Blue Hole.
At the beautiful Blue Hole swimming -which features tall limestone cliffs and ancient oak trees – you can either turn around and head back, or continue on the more rustic Pickett Trail and walk all the way to Chautauqua Park. From there you can then loop around on the South San Gabriel River trail and onto Blue Hole Park Rd back to the Blue Hole swimming area. It’s also an easy walk to the downtown shopping and dining area from the trails along the San Gabriel Rivers.
Caution – There are some very steep drop-offs along the Pickett Trail and no guard-rails. Be sure to keep your pet on a tight leash and keep them away from the edge for their safety.
Tips for Walking With Dogs in Georgetown Texas
You can easily make a day out of walking your dogs along Georgetown’s large trail system, if you and your pooch are up to it! Be sure to take along a water bowl and water since water fountains are not available in all trail areas. In areas without as many shade trees, the pavement can get way too hot for your dogs feet in summertime, so only hike these areas early in the morning or later in the evening.
Pet Pavement Heat Rule of Thumb: If you can’t hold the back of your hand against the pavement for more than 5 seconds, it’s far too hot for your dog’s feet and can burn their foot pads.
Poop bags are provided at some trailheads, including Randy Morrow trailhead at San Gabriel Park; however, the dispensers are sometimes empty, so be sure to bring a few of your own. Bike traffic here is much lighter than places like Lady Bird Lake in Austin, but still be sure to watch out for cyclists coming up from behind you. Most cyclists here are very courteous and will give you a friendly warning before they pass.
Dogs must be leashed on all of the Georgetown Texas trail system, as well as at Blue Hole swimming area. Alcohol and glass containers are not allowed at the swimming hole.
Garey Park – Lots of Wide Open Spaces For Dog Walking
If you’re looking for other good dog walking areas near Georgetown, you might want to also give Garey Park, a try. This 525 acre former ranch and estate was donated to the city of Georgetown by the Garey family and offers lots of room for dogs and their humans to roam around. At Garey Park you’ll find several miles of wide, maintained, shared-use hiking trails.
The park features hill country and river views, and is a great place to take timid rescue dogs who might need a gradual introduction to walking around other dogs and people.
Bikes aren’t allowed on the trails here, but you might encounter a few horseback riders, so just make sure your pets are leashed and under control so as not to spook the horses.
After Your Walk in Georgetown Texas
After a nice long walk with your dogs on the trail system in Georgetown, Texas, you might want to pay a visit to the quaint little downtown square area, located around the Williamson County Courthouse. There you’ll find some interesting shops, along with some nice restaurants and coffee shops, including our favorite – Lampost Coffee – where Tripp is wishing he was having some of our morning java.
For more information on the extensive trail system and about parks in Georgetown see Georgetown Texas Parks and Recreation.
Another nice park, located about the same distance as Georgetown from Austin is Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, located west of the city, along the shores of Lake Travis. There you’ll find several miles of hiking trails, along with camping spots and a spectacular display of bluebonnets in the springtime.
