Stephenson Nature Preserve

I have rated this place one star because I don’t want you to come. It’s too awesome. And it’s all mine because fools are saying ticks and other bad things exist there.
You must have large balls to travel these woods. There’s larger things to deal with like wild pigs.

160 acres of woodlands. With mostly unmarked entrance trails, this place is largely undiscovered, even by some nearby neighbors. I enjoyed the quietude, dense woods, and drystone walls.
The only downside I encountered was barbed wire strewn about the ground in several places. It was rusted out, so not very sharp, but that does knock my star rating down. Aside from that, though, I enjoyed everything about this preserve.

Soo sorry about Samantha. Not my experience at all. I live near the preserve and walk there regularly. It is usually quiet and little used. I have no doubt that there are homeless living there, but they seem to be unpbtrusive. I haven’t seen ticks, but have experienced chiggers; wear long pants and stay on the trails. The only snakes I’ve seen are harmless kinds and they want to get away from where you are. The yard art is great and makes for landmarks so you can tell where you’ve been, want to go. Dogs are prohibited, although there is no enforcement and lots of folks bring them. With the chiggers and maybe ticks, I’d keep my dog on a leash if I brought it in. And, please pick up after your animals. If you don’t, we’ll have enforcement and some of the pleasure will be gone.
P. S. If you see a motorbike or cycle, call the plate # in to 311.

Since Claire W. has let the dog out on SNP I might as well elaborate and add photos…
I am a Horticulturist and can affirm that the definition of a Preserve is a sanctuary to «preserve» the native Flora and Fauna. Dogs and Bikes are not allowed in Preserves as it messes with nature. That said City of Austin does not do any patrolling or maintaining of this trail system that used to be a ranch with remains in the form of stone walls and old hog pens.
This is all a bit confusing because if you hit the trail from Longview Park there are numerous dog poop stations with poop bags and along the SE paved trail there are several off-​road trails with no signs. However, all the trail entrances on the west side where the multipurpose field is there are numerous No Pets signs,
This morning at 7AM there was one guy who was playing with his off leash Doberman in the multipurpose field and another couple exited the «no pet» trail with 3 off leash dogs. If you have a dog that does not do well when approached by off leash dogs this is not the trail for you.
I like to respect rules but since this trail is less than 10 minutes from my house and there is already lots of dogs there anyway I just keep my dog leashed and make her Heel to my hip and do not let her sniff.

I love this nature preserve. I have lived in the William Cannon/​Brodie area for several years and never knew this place existed. I recently got a dog and ventured over to Longview Park, which hosts the entrance to this nature preserve.
There are seemingly a few miles of trails, where people walk their dogs and ride their bikes through. I almost hate to write a review for this place because I am often the only person back there. I’d say it’s just as good as several of the other well known hiking and biking trails around Austin but much less well known.
I now take my dog back there every day, and he’s the happiest pup I ever did see. :)