Looking for the best hiking trails in Dallas?
Because of the vast woodlands and forests surrounding the city as well as the natural areas on the banks of the Trinity River, Dallas has several hiking trails within close proximity to the city.
These hiking trails offer an excellent break from the city’s museums, zoos, and other urban attractions.
From boardwalk hikes and accessible paved paths to strenuous scrambles in the woods and wetlands trails, outdoor nature lovers and hikers can enjoy a variety of nature trails and hikes near Dallas.
The many hiking trails in Dallas are a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature in North Texas.
Also Read: Best hiking trails in Texas
Best Hiking Trails in Dallas
The best hiking trails in Dallas are located in the city’s parks, nature reserves, as well as in hidden locations near downtown.
On the Downtown Dallas area trails, you can enjoy panoramic views of the skyline, waterways, and lush scenery while still within arm’s reach of the hustle and bustle of downtown.
Craving solitude and quiet?
Visit the state parks and natural areas hiking trails near Dallas for a great day trip.
Also Read: 20 Romantic Date Ideas in Dallas
These Dallas hiking trails are perfect for any age or ability and a great way to spend a day outdoors with the family.
Discover the best hiking trails in Dallas now!
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Loop Trail
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is located in Plano, Texas.
The Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Trail is a 3 miles long paved trail that is perfect for families.
For a shorter 1.5 mile hike, explore just the loop trail.
The longer three-mile hike continues along the Tower loop trail at the pond and takes hikers to an observation tower with great views of the city.
The nice and easy trail is great for strollers, wheelchairs, kid’s bikes as well as scooters.
The paved hiking trail has great views of the wildflowers during spring and is also good for bird watching.
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve also has designated mountain biking trails as well as unpaved trails, making the natural habitat an excellent place to go hiking in Dallas.
Trinity River Audubon Center
The Trinity River Audubon Center, located in the Great Trinity Forest, is a beautiful destination to enjoy hiking in Dallas.
Located just 10 miles south of Dallas, the Great Trinity Forest is the largest urban hardwood forest in America.
Trinity River Audubon Center has several dirt trails with features such as butterfly gardens, bird blinds, and overlooks.
Find the Trinity River Audobon Center trail map here.
The Trinity Forest also has paved trails including the 8 miles long Trinity Forest and AT&T trail that are popular with nature lovers for the views of lush bottomland forest.
Cedar Ridge Preserve
Looking for spectacular views while hiking near Dallas?
Visit Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve.
Here you will find over nine miles of hiking and walking trails.
The landscape at Cedar Ridge Nature Center will remind you of the Texas Hill Country with the many streams, wildlife sightings, wildflowers, and limestone bluffs.
For a moderate scramble, take the 2.2 mile Cedar Brake Trail which has amazing views of Dallas.
Or hike along the easy and kid-friendly Cat Tail Pond Trail.
Also Read: Best Texas Hill Country hiking trails
Cedar Hill State Park
Cedar Hill State Park is located just 20 miles southwest of Dallas and home to several great hikes, Dallas.
This state park is located on the shores of Joe Pool Lake and offers plenty of activities for outdoor lovers.
The Cedar Hill State Park trails are perfect for bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, and biking.
The Penn Farm Trail and Duck Pond Trail are easy trails that are great for kids.
Dallas Off-Road Biking Association or DORBA trails are more challenging trails and are great for bikers as well as experienced hikers.
After hiking in the park, you can also enjoy swimming or boating on the lake.
Katy Trail
The Katy Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Dallas.
This 7 miles long urban paved trail is located in downtown Dallas and passes through the neighborhoods of Oak Lawn and Uptown.
The Katy Trail follows the old MKT railroad line and is perfect for jogging as well as biking and is even accessible for strollers.
White Rock Lake Trail
A must-do hike near Dallas is a walk around White Rock Lake in East Dallas.
White Rock Lake is one of the most well-known outdoor recreation areas in Dallas with a 9.5 miles trail around its shoreline and several other trails to explore.
You can enjoy beautiful views of both nature and the Dallas skyline on the trail.
This is definitely one of the best hikes in DFW area.
White Rock Creek Trail
Also located near White Rock Lake, the White Rock Creek Trail is 7.6 miles long.
Bikers often love to combine the lake loop with the Creek Trail for a longer ride of over 17 miles.
Spring Creek Forest Preserve
The Spring Creek Forest Nature Area Trail is a 2 mile long easy, paved trail.
The trail is popular with bikers, runners, walkers, as well as families.
This Trail is popular with those living in North Dallas.
The North Shore Trail, Lake Grapevine
The North Shore Trail is an 18-mile trail that follows the shoreline around Lake Grapevine and makes a perfect trail for hiking in Dallas.
Because of its distance, the trail is more popular with mountain bikers than hikers.
The trail has several trailheads around the lake and is one of the best things to do in Grapevine.
The trailhead at Rockledge Park is a great place to start your ride.
River Legacy Park Trails
River Legacy Park is a large urban park located on the banks of the Trinity River.
The park has several trails which are popular for walking, hiking, jogging, and biking.
The eight miles long River Legacy Trail is the most popular trail in the park.
Besides the trails, the park also has many other amenities including picnic tables, play areas, and more.
Oak Cliff Nature Preserve Outer Loop Trail
Oak Cliff Nature Preserve is a beautiful and vast green belt located in the center of Dallas.
The Oak Cliff Nature Preserve has several miles of trails that meander around the woods.
The White Loop Trail is over 2 miles long and is the most popular Trail in The Preserve.
The Texas Buckeye Trail
The Texas Buckeye Trail is named after the beautiful flowering buckeye trees.
The trees blossom in March making this the best time to hike the trail.
The trail is 2 miles long and located on the banks of the Trinity River.
The Buckeye Trail is great for birding, wildlife viewing, and also has several points with views of Downtown Dallas.
Use caution while hiking this trail as it is often overgrown, muddy, and not clearly marked.
Piedmont Ridge Trail
The Piedmont Ridge Trails is a short 1.5 miles trail that is popular for its stunning views.
From The Overlook at the end of the trail, you will have amazing views of the city as well as the surrounding trees.
This Trail is especially popular during fall when the leaves change color.
Goat Island Preserve Trail
Goat Island Preserve Trail is a 4.5 miles trail that is great for history lovers.
On the trail, you can see the historic and now abandoned locks and dam built on the Trinity River.
You can also enjoy amazing views of the river on this trail.
Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Trail
Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center is an urban wildlife habitat and sanctuary with two miles of trails.
This is a hidden gem when it comes to the best hiking trails in Dallas.
The trail is located in Cedar Hill but visitors often overlook it for the more popular Cedar Ridge Preserve or Cedar Hill State Park.
The Dogwood Canyon Trail leads to beautiful blooming dogwood trees in spring.
The trail also offers scenic views of Joe Pool Lake, seasonal waterfalls, and wildlife.
If you’re looking for a new hiking trail to explore, don’t overlook these hidden gems just outside of Dallas.
These Dallas hiking trails are the perfect way to enjoy nature and get in some outdoor exercise without traveling too far from home.
Which one of these have you explored?
Let us know your favorite hiking trail in Dallas, Texas!