Quarry Lake — Attraction in Austin

This is a beautiful place for a circular walk or run. It is largely a dirt trail with some occasional roots and rocks to negotiate. Trees provide shade for much of the circuit, but not enough to keep from feeling exposed on the hottest days. The trail is not easily accessible to the public, as there is a fence outside the perimeter of the trail. There are combination lock gates for the adjoining apartment complex, gym, and office park. There is a further fence blocking access from the trail to the lake's only substantial dock, which I think is only accessible to gym members. Some mornings you can see triathletes...

I used to go to the Rock quarry as a teen. Many of the local young people would frequent the quarry all summer long. There was a huge oak at the top of one of the high cliffs with a rope swing hung in it. It was a tricky launch, but so fun to swing out and fall to the water in the Texas summers. No where near as cold as the springs but very refreshing. It's almost a completely different place these days. No rope swing and a fence surrounding all the way round near as...

Pros and cons! Pro: This is a great swimming hole. The water is cool (especially a few feet down), and there is virtually no bottom so you can't stop for a rest -- great workout. Con: It is owned by the Life Time gym next to it, so you'll have to pay $40 (per person) to swim. It is really really really...