Posted: Sat, 1 May 2010 06:38 AM - 8,356 Readers

By: KVUE News

Commons Ford Park is known as one of Austin's best kept secrets. Formerly a working ranch, this park was recommended by group member Russ Hatch, and I've heard nothing but great things about it since.

Technically, this park is not designated as "leash free" by the city. But according to Russ: "in the 3 years or so that I've been going there it seems that everyone brings their dogs there for that sole purpose and to my knowledge nobody has ever had a problem." Keep a leash handy just in case we run into any issues.

There are lots of picnic areas here, so feel free to bring a picnic lunch (and hope one of our GSDs doesn't eat it.) Located on Lake Austin, 215-acre Commons Ford Park features opportunities for boating, fishing, nature study, picnicking, swimming and wildlife observation. Approximately 2.4 miles of hiking trails are located in the park. The Waterfall Trail is a 1.25-mile round trip and takes visitors along a wooded creek to several small waterfalls, while the slightly shorter Pecan Grove Loop includes access to Lake Austin.