Check out the top hiking trails in Dallas in this guide! Find out nature’s beauty with scenic paths, wildlife, and outdoor adventures perfect for every hiker. Dallas is known for its vibrant city life, but its hidden gems are the hiking trails that offer a refreshing escape into nature. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to enjoy some time outdoors, Dallas has a trail for you. Here are 12 of the best hiking trails in and around Dallas that you must explore.
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12 Top Hiking Trails In Dallas
Dallas is home to amazing hiking trails that let you enjoy nature right in the city or nearby. From peaceful forests to lakeside paths, these trails are perfect for all levels of hikers. Discover beautiful views, fresh air, and exciting outdoor adventures on these top hiking trails in Dallas!
1. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Located in Plano, just 20 miles north of downtown Dallas, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. This 200-acre park features 3 miles of paved hiking trails, 3 miles of unpaved trails, and a 2.8-mile bike trail. It’s a favorite for families, casual walkers, and fitness enthusiasts.
The Outer Loop Trail offers stunning scenery as it winds through meadows and follows a clear tributary of Indian Creek. Don’t miss the observation tower for panoramic views. Arbor Hills is also dog-friendly, so bring your furry friends along!
Highlights:
- Location: Plano
- Trail Types: Paved and unpaved
- Best For: Scenic walks, family outings, and birdwatching
Also Read: Hiking with no toenail: Everything you need to know
2. Cedar Ridge Preserve
Cedar Ridge Preserve is a true slice of Texas Hill Country located just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. Formerly the Dallas Nature Center, this 600-acre preserve boasts 9 miles of hiking trails that vary from easy to challenging.
The trails are surrounded by beautiful wildflowers, butterfly gardens, and picnic areas. For a challenging hike, try the Cedar Break Trail, which features steep, rocky inclines.
Highlights:
- Location: Cedar Hill
- Trail Types: Varied difficulty levels
- Best For: Wildlife spotting and challenging hikes
3. Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center
Just a short drive southwest of downtown Dallas, Dogwood Canyon offers over 2 miles of trails that lead to some of the highest elevations in Dallas County. Spring is the best time to visit, as the trails are lined with blooming dogwood trees.
Guided hikes are available year-round, providing insights into the area’s biodiversity. Bring your camera to capture breathtaking views from the overlooks.
Highlights:
- Location: Cedar Hill
- Trail Types: Short and scenic
- Best For: Guided hikes and panoramic views
4. Eagle Mountain Park
Located near Fort Worth, Eagle Mountain Park offers 5 miles of well-maintained trails that range from easy to moderate difficulty. The trails provide excellent views of Eagle Mountain Lake and wind through peaceful forests filled with native plants and wildlife.
Highlights:
- Location: Fort Worth
- Trail Types: Easy to moderate
- Best For: Family-friendly hikes and lake views
5. Mineral Wells State Park
This 3,000-acre state park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Located about 1.5 hours from Dallas, it features trails for hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. The Penitentiary Hollow Trail is a must-visit, taking you through stunning sandstone formations.
Highlights:
- Location: Mineral Wells
- Trail Types: Varied, with unique white rock formations
- Best For: Rock climbing and shaded canyon hikes
6. North Shore Trail At Grapevine Lake
The North Shore Trail at Grapevine Lake offers 22.5 miles of hiking and biking trails. It’s moderately challenging but rewards hikers with spectacular views of the lake and refreshing breezes. Always check trail conditions before visiting, as parts can close during inclement weather.
Highlights:
- Location: Grapevine
- Trail Types: Moderately difficult
- Best For: Lake views and long hikes
7. Oak Cliff Nature Preserve
Nestled just 10 miles from downtown Dallas, the Oak Cliff Nature Preserve spans 121 acres with 8 miles of multi-use trails. This preserve is a great place to enjoy woodlands, prairies, and vibrant wildflowers.
Hikers must stick to marked paths, as some unofficial trails can be confusing. The preserve is dog-friendly but requires pets to be leashed.
Highlights:
- Location: Oak Cliff
- Trail Types: Multi-use
- Best For: Urban nature escape and wildflower viewing
Read More: 15 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiking Alone
8. River Legacy Parks
Located in Arlington, River Legacy Parks is a 1,300-acre park featuring over 8 miles of trails. The trails are mostly flat, making them ideal for beginners. The Science Learning Center within the park offers educational programs about local ecosystems.
Highlights:
- Location: Arlington
- Trail Types: Easy, family-friendly
- Best For: Nature education and casual walks
9. Spring Creek Nature Area
This 2.3-mile loop trail in Richardson is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. The all-paved path is great for jogging, walking, or biking. Along the trail, you can spot herons, hummingbirds, or even coyote tracks.
Highlights:
- Location: Richardson
- Trail Types: Paved
- Best For: Wildlife spotting and beginner hikers
10. Trinity River Audubon Center
The Trinity River Audubon Center, located within the 6,000-acre Great Trinity Forest, offers nearly 4 miles of trails. This site is perfect for a quick escape into nature with wetlands, bird habitats, and forested paths.
The educational center on-site provides detailed information about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts.
Highlights:
- Location: Dallas
- Trail Types: Short, scenic trails
- Best For: Birdwatching and educational hikes
Read More: How to Prevent & Treat Blisters while Hiking
11. Dinosaur Valley State Park
An hour and a half from Dallas, Dinosaur Valley State Park is famous for its preserved dinosaur tracks. This park features over 20 miles of trails, ranging from riverside paths to elevated overlooks. It’s also a great spot for swimming and picnicking.
Highlights:
- Location: Glen Rose
- Trail Types: Varied difficulty
- Best For: Family adventures and fossil exploration
12. Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
Spanning over 3,600 acres, the Fort Worth Nature Center offers 20 miles of trails. You can hike along lake shores, through prairies, and even visit a bison herd. The Canyon Ridge Trail is particularly popular for its stunning views.
Highlights:
- Location: Fort Worth
- Trail Types: Varied terrain
- Best For: Wildlife encounters and long hikes
Some Additional Mentionable Trails In Dallas
Dallas has even more great trails worth exploring! These additional paths offer unique experiences, from peaceful walks to scenic spots full of nature. Perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors, these trails provide extra ways to enjoy hiking, wildlife, and the beauty of the Dallas area.
Tyler State Park
Tyler State Park is a wonderful spot to enjoy nature, just 1.5 hours from Dallas. It has a beautiful spring-fed lake where you can swim, paddle, or relax by the water. The park has miles of hiking trails surrounded by tall pine and hardwood trees, making it a peaceful place to explore. One of the most popular trails is the Lakeshore Trail, a 2-mile loop that takes you all around the lake with lovely views. Tyler State Park is perfect for hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Daingerfield State Park
Daingerfield State Park is a peaceful place to enjoy nature, located about 2 hours from Dallas. The park has a calm lake where you can swim, paddle, or fish. There are two main hiking trails: the Rustling Leaves Trail, a 2.4-mile path around the lake, and the Mountain View Trail, which offers beautiful views from above. In the fall, the trees turn bright colors, making it an especially pretty time to visit. You can also enjoy picnics, birdwatching, or camping under the stars. Daingerfield State Park is a great spot to relax and explore the outdoors.
Eisenhower State Park
Eisenhower State Park is a fun outdoor spot located on the shores of Lake Texoma, about an hour from Dallas. The park has cool hiking trails like the Armadillo Hill Trail and Ike’s Hike and Bike Trail, which take you through rocky ledges and offer amazing views of the lake. You can also swim, fish, or go boating in the lake. There are even trails for riding ATVs if you enjoy adventure! With picnic spots and places to camp, Eisenhower State Park is perfect for spending a day or weekend exploring nature and having fun outdoors.
Cleburne State Park
Cleburne State Park is a great place to enjoy nature, located about an hour from Dallas. The park has a beautiful lake where you can kayak, fish, or relax by the water. For hikers, there’s the Fossil Ridge Loop Trail, a 4.1-mile path with lovely views and lots of trees. Another highlight is the CCC-built limestone spillway, a cool structure from the 1930s. When you like mountain biking, there are rocky trails through the woods to explore. With picnic spots and campsites, Cleburne State Park is perfect for outdoor fun with friends and family.
LBJ Grasslands
LBJ Grasslands is a huge natural area located north of Dallas, with over 70 miles of trails to explore. It’s perfect for hiking, horseback riding, or just enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. The trails take you through prairies, forests, and open spaces, where you can see birds, wildflowers, and even deer. Make sure to bring a map or GPS, as the area is very large, and some spots cannot have cell phone service. With so much to see, LBJ Grasslands is a great place to go for an outdoor adventure and connect with nature.
Cedar Hill State Park
Cedar Hill State Park is a beautiful outdoor spot near Joe Pool Lake, southwest of Dallas. It’s perfect for hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. The park has trails like the DORBA Trail, which is great for both hiking and mountain biking and peaceful areas to enjoy the lake. You can also explore an old farmstead that shows what life was like in the 1800s. The park is full of nature, with tall trees, open fields, and wildlife like birds and deer. Cedar Hill State Park is a fun place to spend time with family and friends in the great outdoors.
Do you have more queries about exploring nature’s beauty through the top hiking trails in Dallas? Check out the following questions and answers.
Frequently Asked Question
What Are The Difficult Hikes Near Dallas?
Cedar Ridge Preserve offers steep, rocky trails like the Cedar Break Trail, perfect for a challenge. North Shore Trail at Grapevine Lake provides a rugged 22.5-mile path with elevation changes. These trails test endurance while showcasing Dallas’s natural beauty.
What Is The Most Popular Hiking Trail?
The Katy Trail in Dallas is the most popular hiking trail, stretching 3.5 miles through the heart of the city. Loved for its paved paths, shaded areas, and easy access, it’s perfect for walking, jogging, and enjoying nature in a vibrant urban setting.
Is Dallas Good For Outdoorsy People?
Yes. Dallas is great for outdoorsy people! With trails like Cedar Ridge Preserve, White Rock Lake, and Trinity River Audubon Center, it offers scenic hiking, biking, and wildlife exploration. Parks and open spaces make it perfect for enjoying nature and outdoor activities year-round.
What are the top hiking trails On the Dallas map?
The top hiking trails in Dallas on a map include Cedar Ridge Preserve, Katy Trail, White Rock Lake, and Trinity River Audubon Center. These locations are well-marked on maps, showcasing trail paths, scenic spots, and nearby facilities for easy navigation.
What Is The Place For Best Hiking Within 2 Hours Of Dallas?
Cedar Ridge Preserve, just 20 minutes from Dallas, offers challenging trails with scenic views. For a longer trip, Dinosaur Valley State Park, 90 minutes away, features unique trails with dinosaur tracks and breathtaking views of the Paluxy River Valley.
Is Katy Trail Dallas Good For Hiking?
Yes. Katy Trail Dallas is excellent for hiking! This 3.5-mile paved trail runs through the city, offering a safe and scenic route for walking, jogging, and biking. With shaded areas and nearby amenities, it’s a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
Where Are The Hiking Trails Fort Worth?
Fort Worth offers great hiking trails like the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, with over 20 miles of trails through forests and wetlands. Another popular spot is Eagle Mountain Park, offering scenic lake views and peaceful paths for hiking near nature.
Is The Largest Urban Hardwood Forest Good For Hiking In Dallas?
Yes. The Great Trinity Forest, the largest urban hardwood forest in the U.S., is excellent for hiking. With trails at the Trinity River Audubon Center, it offers scenic paths through wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife habitats, making it a top choice for nature lovers.
Where Are The Bike Trails You’ll Find In Dallas For Hiking?
Dallas has several multi-use trails perfect for hiking and biking. Popular spots include the Katy Trail, White Rock Lake Trail, and Oak Cliff Nature Preserve. These trails offer scenic paths, open spaces, and well-maintained routes for outdoor adventures in nature.
What Is The Highest Hiking Trail In Dallas?
Cedar Ridge Preserve offers the highest hiking trails in Dallas, reaching elevations of over 700 feet. Its steep paths, like the Cedar Break Trail, provide stunning views of the surrounding area, making it a favorite for hikers seeking elevation and scenic beauty.
What Is The Longest Trail In Dallas?
The North Shore Trail at Grapevine Lake is the longest trail near Dallas, stretching 22.5 miles. It offers a mix of scenic lake views, challenging terrain, and peaceful natural surroundings, making it a top destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
What Is The Big Climb Dallas?
The Big Climb Dallas is an annual fundraising event where participants climb the stairs of a skyscraper to support cancer research. Hosted by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, it challenges participants while raising funds for lifesaving treatments and raising awareness for the cause.
Conclusion
Exploring nature’s beauty through the top hiking trails in Dallas is a rewarding experience. From the serene paths of Arbor Hills to the adventurous trails of Dinosaur Valley, Dallas has a variety of options for every hiker.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a challenging trek, these trails promise unforgettable moments surrounded by nature. So grab your hiking boots, pack some water, and start exploring today!
