Hiking Trails in Dallas

Whether you have lived in Dallas all your life or you are new here, it is so easy to overlook the large amount of amenities the city has to offer. Not only is there an abundance of great shopping and good eats, there are so many places to go out and explore nature. 

If you’re looking for a good way to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air without spending a penny then you don’t want to miss out on the many hiking trails in Dallas. Most trails are easy to moderate and can be done with the whole family or your pups. 

All Dallas hiking trails listed below are in Dallas proper. They are listed in no particular order. If you have questions or know of any other great trails to add, let us know!

Katy Trail

Katy Trail is a 7.5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Dallas, Texas that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

Because the Katy Trail is a City of Dallas park, it is technically open the same times that other City parks are open – 5 a.m. to midnight. In the early morning, lights come on at 5am to sunrise and come back on at sunset to midnight. 

The park address is 3505 Maple Avenue.

White Rock Lake Trail

White Rock Lake Trail is a 9.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Dallas, Texas that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

The trail links many of the historic features of White Rock Lake Park including several Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era picnic structures and reservation facilities. The trail also links the Mockingbird Point Dog Park, several playgrounds, parking areas and the White Rock Creek Greenbelt Trail.

You can park at various locations around the loop. If you would like a definite address to get you to the park, get directions to 8300 Garland Road, Dallas, TX.

Oak Cliff Nature Preserve

Oak Cliff Nature Preserve Trail is a 6.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Dallas, Texas that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

The trail is located at 2875 Pierce St Dallas, TX 75233. 

Kiest Park Trail

Kiest Park Trail is a 2.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. Located in the Oak Cliff area of southwest Dallas, the 2.8 mile Kiest Park Loop Trail meanders through the 264-acre Kiest Park, connecting playgrounds, athletic fields, formal gardens, natural areas, a recreation center and a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era picnic area. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until September. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

The Kiest Park Trail address is 3080 S Hampton Rd, Dallas, TX 75201. 

Trinity River Audubon Center Trail

Trinity River Audubon Center Trail is a 2.5 mile out and back trail located near Dallas, Texas that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and bird watching and is accessible year-round.

The Trinity River Audubon Center is a joint project between Dallas City Parks and the Audubon Society. The trails are pleasant, easy walking through surprisingly varied landscape. Pick up a trail map at the front desk since the trails are not well marked (although they’re short enough that it’s nearly impossible to get really lost).

The Trinity River Audubon Center address is 6500 Great Trinity Forest Way, 
Dallas, TX 75217. (If that address does not work, try 6500 S. Loop 12)

Piedmont Ridge Trail

Piedmont Ridge Trail is a 1.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Dallas, Texas that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

At every top point of the hike, there is a breathtaking view where you’ll see the tippy top of all the trees and (Texas weather permitting) the city skyline. The short, one-mile hike is definitely rewarding and super easy to navigate.

The best place to park for Peidmont Ridge Trail is at Gateway Park. The address is 2500 N Jim Miller Rd, Dallas, TX 75227.

Santa Fe Trail

The Santa Fe Trail is a 4.3 mile multi-use concrete path that connects our most significant nature resource, White Rock Lake, to three major historic neighborhoods. As it reaches through East Dallas to Deep Ellum, Fair Park and Downtown Dallas, it touches cultural and natural landmarks, quiet neighborhoods of architectural significance, thriving employment centers, exciting entertainment districts and beautiful recreational destinations.

Santa Fe Trail address is S. Hill Ave, Dallas, TX 75214. 

Trinity Strand Trail 

When complete, the Trinity Strand Trail will be a 7.8-mile link between the Katy Trail and the Trinity River.  Today, however, 2.5 miles of the concrete trail have been completed. The walking and biking pathway snakes along the original channel of the Trinity River, now accommodating the Turtle Creek.  The land acquired thanks to donations from adjacent landowners. The route is not shaded, and the surroundings are mostly commercial and industrial with some newer residential development near its eastern end.

The main trailhead is called Turtle Creek Plaza, along Turtle Creek Dr

Texas Buckeye Trail

To hike on the famous Texas Buckeye Trail, travel to the trailhead at Bexar Street. This important mile long trail takes hikers to a large stand of Texas Buckeye trees that bloom white in spring. The natural portion of the trail is well maintained by the North Texas Master Naturalists with interesting turns to the trail and arbors made of branches and other native materials. This portion of the trail ends at a stand of impressive Texas buckeye trees and a nice view of the meandering river.

The address for Texas Buckeye Trail is 7000 Bexar Street, Dallas

Crawford Memorial Trail

The 2 mile Crawford Memorial Park Loop Trail, located completely within Crawford Memorial Park in southeast Dallas, links soccer fields, baseball fields, picnic areas, a playground and diverse natural areas within the park.

The address is Crawford Memorial Trail is 8700 Elam Rd.,  Dallas, TX 75217.

Harry Moss Trail

Harry Moss Hiking Trail is a 1.6 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Dallas, Texas that features a river and is rated as moderate. 

Harry Moss Park Trail is 6 miles long and is currently comprised of 7 connected “loops” – BLUE, GREEN, PURPLE, RED, BLACK, YELLOW and ORANGE. All trails are mostly in the trees, providing for some tight and twisting areas with some long flowing areas, Dips, Dirt Mounds, Tree Gates, Wooden Structures, and some short Hills. A number of areas of the trail come close to the edge of White Rock Creek, making for a very pleasant environment. Along the trail, hikers and bikers will see a variety of flora and fauna, including oak trees, wildflowers, and small wildlife such as birds and squirrels. This is a multi-use trail so please be considerate of all other trail users.

One of the highlights of the Harry Moss Trail is the waterfall, which is located near the midpoint of the trail. The waterfall is a popular spot for photos and provides a refreshing break for hikers and bikers.

Harry Moss Trail address is 7610 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75231.