Calming Commons Ford Park

     So summer's approaching and you want to impress your date with a trip to the great outdoors. Well, look no further and head out to one of the most serene and beautiful places Austin has to offer; Commons Ford Park.

Pecan Grove Trail (Austinparks.org)

     Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park is one of the best parks in Austin yet many people do not even know it exists. Because of this, many people find the park to be calming and very peaceful. The 215 acres of land is located right next to Lake Austin and has two scenic hiking trails. The first trail known as the Waterfall Trail is 1.25 miles long and features a number of small waterfalls along the wooded creek. The second trail, Pecan Grove Trail, is a bit shorter than the first and leads you straight to Lake Austin's shoreline. This trail is the one my boyfriend and I walk along on our date.
     Aside from the park's hiking trails, Commons Ford Park offers a number of amenities. The main hillside located next to the lake features a volleyball court and a picnic area (perfect for a fun game and lunch date). In addition, the park has several picnic benches located near the Lake Austin shoreline, ideal for taking in the view. There are also picnic benches and a gazebo on the west side of the park. Some of the most interesting features of the park is its historical structures and dwellings left from when it used to be a ranch (hence the name Commons Ford Ranch).

View of Lake Austin from the dock (Natasha Walker)   

     However, my favorite feature of the park is the dock on the lake. You can fish off the pier or even use the boat ramp (considering you have a boat) to take a trip on the lake. Now don't fret if you don't have fishing gear or a boat to impress your date, you can always treat your significant other to a simpler pleasure...cough cough SWIMMING! This is exactly what my boyfriend and I did on our visit and we had a blast. I must warn you though before you jump in, the water is a bit cold (but I'm sure you can handle it). 
     So whether you want to take a hike along one of the trails with your date, share a picnic on the hillside or just take in the beautiful view of the lake, there is a lot for you and your significant other to do together without the price! Yes, you heard me right. Commons Ford Park is free and open to the public.

Park's sign with the strangest hours (Localism.com)

     Commons Ford Park is opened Tuesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (yes, these are the strangest hours ever). Don't worry though if you lose track of time on your date, you can easily call the park's help center to get the code to open the park's gate which is what my boyfriend and I had to do.
     So how do you to get there exactly? Just take Mo-Pac and from there get on FM 2244 heading west. Continue on FM 2244, passing the Capital Texas Highway intersection. After about 3.5 miles, turn right on Commons Ford Road and the entrance to the park will be on the left-hand side. Or, just plug this address in your GPS: 614 N. Commons Ford Road. Either way you get there, you'll be sure to thank me!


XOXOXO


-Tasha