The Outdoors in Longview, Texas
City & County Parks
Municipal and county parks, greenspaces, and recreation areas in and around Longview.
- Flewellen Park
- Rotary/AMBUCS Park
- Lois Jackson Park
- Stragent Dog Park
- Heritage Plaza
- Magrill Plaza
- Akin Park
- Cargill Long Park
- Ingram Park
- Longview Fairgrounds, Rodeo and Exhibit Building
- Stamper Park
- Longview Arboretum and Nature Center
- Julieanna Park
- Ward Park
- Birdie Park
- Pelaia Plaza
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Lakes Near Longview
Lakes and reservoirs within about 30 miles of Longview, by approximate straight-line distance. Access, boating rules and camping vary by lake, so check with the operator before you go.
- Lake Gladewater · ~12 mi
- Lake Cherokee · ~14 mi
- Martin Creek Lake · ~22 mi
- Lake o' the Pines · ~23 mi
- Lake Tyler · ~29 mi
- Lake Hawkins · ~30 mi
State Parks & Natural Areas Near Longview
Public lands within reach of Longview — state parks, natural areas, and historic sites managed by Texas Parks & Wildlife — with approximate straight-line distance from town.
- Martin Creek Lake State Park · Rusk County ~20 mi
- Tyler State Park · Smith County ~30 mi
- Daingerfield State Park · Morris County ~34 mi
- Caddo Lake State Park · Harrison County ~36 mi
- Lake Bob Sandlin State Park · Titus County ~42 mi
- Atlanta State Park · Cass County ~58 mi
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from Longview. Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department — park locations
Longview sits in the heart of the Piney Woods, and the outdoors here is built around two things: an unusually good urban trail network and easy access to some of the best lakes in Northeast Texas. You can get a ten-mile walk or ride without leaving the city, then drive twenty to thirty-five minutes in almost any direction to find open water.
The terrain is classic East Texas — tall pines, hardwood bottoms along the creeks, and a mild climate that keeps the trails usable most of the year. Here's how to get outside in and around Longview.
The Trail System
Longview's connected trail system is the standout feature of its outdoor scene. The Paul G. Boorman Trail runs about three miles along Grace Creek, passing Boorman Trail Park and Lois Jackson Park with its playground. From there, trail users can link the Boorman Trail with the Guthrie Trail and the Cargill Long Park Trail to make a continuous route of more than ten miles that winds through the city.
Cargill Long Park, near Longview Regional Medical Center, is recognized as a Certified National Recreation Trail and is a longtime community favorite. The trails are well maintained and landscaped, with benches, exercise stations, and a fenced dog park along the way. They're heavily used by walkers, runners, and road cyclists, so you'll rarely have them entirely to yourself — which is part of their appeal.
Parks and the Arboretum
The Longview Arboretum and Nature Center, opened in 2019 on 26 acres, is the city's showcase green space, with themed gardens, water features, and walking paths. It's a relaxing spot for a stroll and hosts educational and community programming throughout the year.
Longview's broader park system includes neighborhood and community parks like Teague Park and Guthrie Park, with playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. Between the parks and the trail network, the city has invested heavily in everyday outdoor recreation, and it shows.
The Lakes
For water recreation, Longview is well positioned. Lake O' the Pines, northeast of the city, is a large Corps of Engineers reservoir known for excellent fishing — especially bass and crappie — along with boating, swimming, camping, and several parks and marinas around its shoreline. Lake Cherokee, to the south, is a private recreational lake popular for fishing and boating.
A bit farther out, the big Northeast Texas reservoirs — Lake Fork to the west (one of the top trophy bass lakes in the country), Caddo Lake to the east with its cypress sloughs, and Lake Gilmer and others — put a remarkable concentration of fishing and paddling within an hour of Longview. For anglers and boaters, the city is one of the better-located bases in East Texas.
FAQ: Outdoors in Longview
Longview has a connected urban trail system of more than ten miles (the Paul Boorman, Guthrie, and Cargill Long Park trails), the 26-acre Longview Arboretum and Nature Center, and easy access to nearby lakes for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Lake O' the Pines (northeast) and the private Lake Cherokee (south, members only) are closest, both good for fishing and boating. Within about an hour you can also reach Lake Fork, one of the country's top trophy bass lakes, and the cypress-lined Caddo Lake.
Yes. Cargill Long Park is a Certified National Recreation Trail and one of Longview's most popular spots for walking, running, and cycling. It connects to the wider trail system and has a pavilion, playground, benches, and workout stations.
The Longview Arboretum and Nature Center is a 26-acre public garden and nature center that opened in 2019, with themed gardens, water features, walking paths, and educational programming.
East Texas guides
Region-wide guides that put Longview in context — where to go, what things cost, and how people actually live here.
Best Lakes in East Texas
A fact-checked guide to 17 East Texas lakes, from Lake Fork's trophy bass and Caddo Lake to Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn and Lake Tawakoni. Sizes, species, access and rules come from TPWD.
Read Guide →Best Hiking Trails in East Texas
East Texas hiking trails checked against park and Forest Service sources: Tyler, Daingerfield, Mission Tejas and Martin Creek Lake state parks, the Four C Trail and the Sawmill Trail.
Read Guide →East Texas State Parks Guide
Twelve East Texas state parks from TPWD: Tyler, Caddo Lake, Atlanta, Lake Bob Sandlin, Tawakoni, Purtis Creek, Cooper, Martin Dies Jr. and more. Camping, cabins and passes.
Read Guide →Fishing in East Texas: Complete Guide
A sourced guide to fishing Lake Fork, Lake Palestine, Cedar Creek and Lake Athens: bass slot limits, where TPWD says the fish are, and Texas license rules.
Read Guide →Business Owner?
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