The best park in Longview, Texas for a walk or run is the Paul G. Boorman Trail, about 2.9 miles of paved trail along Grace Creek with a dog park at its north end. For gardens, the Longview Arboretum downtown is the city's showpiece, and for a day on the water, Martin Creek Lake State Park is about 45 minutes south.
Here are the parks and trails worth knowing, with addresses and what each one has, from the city's own listings. Google ratings are as of October 2026.
1. Paul G. Boorman Trail
Trailheads: 919 W Marshall Ave (south) and 121 Summers Dr (north), Longview, TX Google rating: 4.6 stars from 836 reviews (Trail Park)
Longview's main trail. Visit Longview lists 2.9 miles of paved trail with restrooms, a playground, outdoor workout equipment, picnic tables and a dog park. Quarter-mile markers are set into the concrete, per the city's free-things list, so it's easy to track a run. The trail passes Lois Jackson Park, which has a shaded pavilion and a drinking fountain. It's free.
Getting there from Grace Pointe: about 5 to 10 minutes to the Summers Drive trailhead.
2. Stragent Dog Park
Address: 121 Summers Dr, Longview, TX Google rating: 4.5 stars from 236 reviews
At the north end of the Boorman Trail. Seven acres of off-leash space, with a fenced area for large dogs and a separate 2-acre fenced area for small dogs, per Visit Longview. Walk the trail, then let the dog run.
Getting there from Grace Pointe: about 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Longview Arboretum and Nature Center
Address: 706 W Cotton St, Longview, TX 75604
A 26-acre arboretum along Grace Creek, with about 11 acres open so far, per the Arboretum. Expect gardens, winding paths, concerts and seasonal events. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5. Admission is $5, and children 6 and under get in free. From late November through early January, it hosts Bright! A Season of Lights at night. See our Christmas events guide.
Getting there from Grace Pointe: about 10 minutes.
4. Lear Park
Address: 100 H.G. Mosley Pkwy, Longview, TX
Longview's big sports park, with softball, baseball and soccer fields, a walking trail, a fishing pier, a large playground and the Jack Mann Splash Pad, per Visit Longview. KidsView Playground, with large connected play structures and five pavilions, is at the same address.
Getting there from Grace Pointe: about 10 minutes.
5. Guthrie Park and Trail
Address: 301 Tupelo Dr, Longview, TX
An 18-hole disc golf course, tennis courts, a hike-and-bike trail and picnic areas. If you play disc golf, this is the course to know.
Getting there from Grace Pointe: about 10 minutes.
6. Cargill Long Trail
Address: 3112 N Fourth St, Longview, TX
A Certified National Recreation Trail, per Visit Longview, and one of the closest trails to Grace Pointe. Good for a short walk without driving across town.
Getting there from Grace Pointe: about 5 minutes.
7. The Green
Address: 207 S Spur 63, Longview, TX
A 9-acre park with a gathering pavilion, a half-mile walking trail, a music garden with outdoor instruments, sculptures and picnic tables, per Visit Longview. A good spot for a picnic lunch.
Getting there from Grace Pointe: about 10 minutes.
8. Teague Park and Veterans Plaza
Address: 415 American Legion Blvd, Longview, TX 75605
Veterans monuments, a pond, a playground, a pavilion and an amphitheater. Teague Park hosts the Strong Shall Stand 5K on Nov. 14, 2026, per the city calendar.
Getting there from Grace Pointe: about 10 minutes.
Splash pads and pools
The city's five splash pads, at Lear (Jack Mann), Broughton, Rotary, Spring Hill and Stamper parks, are free, but they are closed Nov. 1 through April 1, per the City of Longview. Stamper Park also has a new family aquatic center that opened July 18, 2026, with zero-depth entry and a slide, per KLTV. It's a summer pool, so look for it again next season.
Lakes near Longview
Martin Creek Lake State Park
Address: 9515 County Road 2181D, Tatum, TX 75691
The closest state park with a lake. Texas Parks and Wildlife says the power plant keeps the water warm year-round, and you don't need a fishing license to fish from the shore or pier inside the park. There are nearly 4 miles of trails, canoe rentals, camping and cabins. Entry is $4 for adults, and kids 12 and under are free. The park often fills up, so reserve day passes ahead.
Getting there from Grace Pointe: about 45 minutes.
Lake Cherokee
Lake Cherokee, southeast of town, is privately managed by the Cherokee Water Company and its shareholders. It isn't a public park, so check with the company about access rules before you go.
Getting there from Grace Pointe
Grace Pointe Apartments at 113 Magnolia Ln has its own dog park and pool on site, and the Boorman Trail and Stragent Dog Park are 5 to 10 minutes away. You can schedule a tour or call 903-414-6336.
For more ideas that cost nothing, see free things to do in Longview, and for bigger outdoor trips, our day trips from Longview guide.
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