One of the great things about the DFW area is the diversity of offerings, from excellent shopping and eats to cultural arts and beautiful nature. No matter what part of the city you live in, outdoor escapes are within reach.
Here are some of our favorite trails for hiking and biking in Dallas:
Katy Trail
Unarguably one of the most popular hike and bike trails in Dallas, the historic Katy Trail spans 3.5 miles and is built over an old railroad line. You’ll have to share the trail with walkers and runners, but this paved trail is wide enough to withstand the one million-plus visitors it receives per year.
This trail is popular for its multiple entry points and ample amenities. While riding this trail you can enjoy the convenience of lighting, water fountains, restrooms, landscaping, and formal entrances and plazas. There are also mile markers every quarter mile to help you keep your pace. Open 5 a.m. to midnight.
White Rock Creek Trail
White Rock Creek Trail is one of Dallas’ greenest, with connections to several city parks. This trail is paved but feels like an escape from the city thanks to the surrounding trees and foliage.
People love the fact that White Rock Creek Trail is almost 10 miles long and links up to the popular White Rock Lake, which has another 10-mile trail around it. All in all, an almost 20-mile bike ride in nature. You can’t get much better than that in the big city! The popular trail welcomes bikers, runners, walkers, and even a few horseback riders.
Preston Ridge Trail
This 6.3-mile path runs north and south between Coit and Preston Roads, with plans for expansion into Collin County. The Preston Ridge Trail connects North Dallas with Plano and also links to a number of other area trails and parks, making it a great choice for a long ride or stopping off for a picnic.
With only moderate traffic, you won’t feel crowded on this trail. It does have a more urban feel with some power lines overhead but is also nicely landscaped and manicured to provide some shade and natural beauty.
The paved and mostly straight trail includes some nice inclines and declines. Preston Ridge Trail regulars love the close and communal feeling of this trail, which has signage indicating crossing points, dog waste stations equipped with bags, and engraved bricks paid for by community donations.
Trinity Strand Trail
The Trinity Strand Trail is part of an exciting new development taking shape in Central Dallas. This new urban trail offers an escape to nature, right in the middle of the Dallas Design District. To date, only the first 2.5 miles of the trail is open, but the Friends of the Trinity Strand intends to expand the trail to almost eight miles, plus a connection to the Katy Trail.
In addition, a portion of Turtle Creek winds through the park. This natural creek is a small tributary of the Trinity River. Between the trail’s sleek design, the natural beauty of the creek, and a prime location in the center of town, the Trinity Strand Trail has much to offer Dallas residents.
Santa Fe Trail
The Santa Fe Trail is a favorite for East Dallas residents, as it connects White Rock Lake to the Deep Ellum and Fair Park neighborhoods. The 4.5-mile linear path starts near the DART green line and traverses some of Dallas’ most popular architectural districts.
The trail was instated by the City of Dallas and TxDOT and is further maintained by the Friends of Santa Fe Trail organization. This awesome community asset includes all the quirks you’d expect from an East Dallas trail — you can see graffiti under bridges and ride with beautiful monarch butterflies.