Tom Hughes Park

Tom Hughes Park is a scenic public park located in Austin, Texas, near Mansfield Dam in the basin area of Lake Travis. Spanning approximately 5 acres, the park offers visitors a glimpse of the beautiful Texas Hill Country landscape. The lower section of the park features steep limestone outcroppings and boulders along the shoreline of Lake Travis, while the upper elevations are characterized by thick juniper and oak woodlands.

The park is known for its rugged terrain and primitive trails with steep inclines that lead down to the water's edge. These trails provide visitors with close-up views of the diverse Hill Country flora. Due to its challenging landscape, Tom Hughes Park is less heavily visited compared to other parks in the area, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a more secluded nature experience.

Tom Hughes Park is particularly popular for swimming, sunbathing, and watching sunsets over Lake Travis. The park's location offers excellent vantage points for taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape and the lake. However, visitors should be aware that the park's rugged terrain and variable lake levels require caution, especially for families with young children.

It's worth noting that the park frequently closes during hazardous trail conditions, typically caused by rain events. Visitors are strongly encouraged to avoid park trails during and after periods of rainfall. Additionally, the presence of zebra mussels along the shoreline requires swimmers and water recreation enthusiasts to exercise caution when in or near the water.