We tried to go here today at 4pm, but they were at capacity and wouldn't let in anyone in for another hour. Something to think about on weekends. We ended up going to RiverPlace again, which is nearby.

This is one of my very favorite hikes in Austin--the creek is beautiful, the woods smell of cedar (most of the time), there's an awesome wall of ferns, and because the trail's in a narrow little canyon, it's a few degrees cooler than most Austin hikes in the summer.

From a non-dog-owner perspective, the trail's leash-free status can be a drawback--sometimes the first quarter-mile of the trail reeks of dog urine, and I've had a couple of scary run-ins with dogs that really shouldn't be roaming freely around people or other animals.

OTOH, as you get further from the parking lot, things get a lot quieter, and the creek is so very pretty and cool.  The poster who recommended wearing water-friendly shoes was spot on--it's much easier (and more fun) to wade across the creek than to balance on those wobbly stepping stones.  

Be sure to visit in the autumn to see the beautyberries in bloom.

I've been hiking Turkey Creek with my dog for a while now, but this spring has been fantastic.  The frequent rains have made the creek nice and wet, and there are plenty of great doggie swimming holes.  I love that this trail has both a shady, flat section and a rocky section with some hills and open spaces.  Due to the water levels, I wear my Keen water shoes, and splash happily through the creek crossings while watching other people curse when they slip off a log and get their "real" shoes wet.

first time ever to hit this trail, fantastic

This was a great hike, especially for my dog! It's an off-leash trail with a lot of water, so we both had a wonderful time. Will definitely be visiting this one again!

HCO group, evening hike.

A nice hike through a mostly-wooded area (although it climbs up to a somewhat exposed meadow).

As we drove in, the sign at the entrance of the park says that it costs $5 per weekday and $8 per weekend or holiday... but, I wasn't able to read what that was for. In any case, there was no money-collection areas at the parking lot. The parking lot for the trail is after the Turkey Creek bridge by about 0.2 miles, not immediately afterwards as we thought.

Be warned if you don't like dogs (my wife does not care for dogs after a traumatic experience with a dog biting her as a child). There are PLENTY of unleashed dogs on this trail.

We counted 30 dogs on our hike today, compared to about 20-25 people. Although not a single one was either dry or leashed, most dogs did not bother us at all (most were too tired or distracted to care about us), but a couple barked playfully at us.

I've lived in Austin 15 years and this was my first time here. The creek was flowing and the weather was a perfect 73 degrees and sunny. (Although we're expecting SNOW tomorrow!) I took my 5 year old daughter and one of our dogs with me. The hike was moderate for the 5 year old, but the water crossings kept her very entertained. She did slip and get dunked once, but she thought that was fun! Wear Tevas or some other water shoe. This hike is not stroller friendly so don't try it. There are 13 water crossings total. Be careful before and after crossings as the mud is very slippery.

There were TONS of dogs, most off leash. The majority of them were friendly. We had three instances that could have turned ugly. My dog was on leash and I would suggest you do the same unless your dog is 100% on recalls and non-dog agressive to the extreme. We had two dogs gang up and start posturing. It would have turned into a fight if mine wasn't well socialized/trained. Another took a cheap shot and BIT my dog without warning. Just a snap and release as he was walking by. A third mounted my dog. All three cases were off leash dogs well ahead or behind their owners. Unless your pets are very well socialized and trained, I suggest leaving them at home. If they do listen and play well with others it's a BLAST for your four legged friends. Just keep an eye out for morons. And please pick up poop and PACK IT OUT! Leaving bags trailside is just gross.

It was hot, but nice trail with lots of trees and wide trail.  Missed the YL on the way up, but found it on the way back.  You'll miss the little "hill of life" if you stay on the left (crosses the creek at the YL).  There was a trail map on the right at the YL also. 

One thing, they are trying to mark the trail with rocks, but you don't know that until you pass a mess of rocks, so pick up a couple BEFORE you get to the picknic table and sign about marking the trail.

Lots of dogs that were well behaved and they found a pool of water (standing) up the top of the loop.