Best Places to hike in Dallas, Texas
Dallas is a city full of energy and excitement. So whether you’re looking for a night of dancing or an afternoon museum tour, there’s always something to do here.
An unexpected treat Dallas offers is its many hiking trails. Walking along these trails is a great way to exercise while enjoying nature’s beauty.

And with the city’s mild climate and diverse landscape, plenty of beautiful trails will suit any taste. Here are the ten best hiking trails in and around Dallas.
So lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the best that Dallas has to offer!
1: Cedar Ridge Preserve

Length of Trail: 9 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway Dallas, TX 75249
Phone: (972) 709-7784
Formerly called the Dallas Nature Center, Cedar Ridge Preserve is a hidden gem in the city. The preserve offers hiking and biking trails that take you through wooded areas and open fields. Trails are well-marked and range from easy to challenging, allowing beginners and experienced hikers alike to enjoy the scenery. In addition to the hiking trails, there is also a butterfly garden and picnic areas for a perfect day outdoors.
The 600 acres of land that make up the preserve are home to wildlife you may not expect to find in the city, including different types of birds and reptiles.
2: Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Length of Trail: 3 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 6701 W Parker Rd, Plano, TX 75093
Phone: (972) 941-7250
Both unpaved and paved trails wind through the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, which is ideal for hikers with kids. In addition, the preserve is home to over 200 acres of land, including a playground, a covered pavilion, and a 2.8-mile off-road bike trail. The prairie and woodland areas feature large trees and wildflowers that provide shade and make for a pleasant hike. The bottomland forest, meanwhile, has picturesque views of the surrounding area with oaks and elms that provide dappled sunlight.
The nature preserve is also home to Indian Creek, a tributary of Lavon Lake, which is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the views. Minnows, turtles, and ducks can often swim in the creek.
3: Spring Creek Forest Preserve Trail

Length of Trail: 2.3 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 1770 Holford Rd, Garland, TX 75044
Phone: (972) 205-2750
The Spring Creek Forest Preserve Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Dallas area. The trail is relatively flat and easy to hike, making it great for families with small children or beginner hikers. The preserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including egrets, hummingbirds, and herons, which you can see near the creek. Spring Creek is also an excellent spot to fish, as bass, catfish, and sunfish await you there.
The paved trail is a respite from the concrete jungle, as the crystal-clear water and lush vegetation provide a welcome oasis.
4: Goat Island Preserve

Length of Trail: 4.7 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 2800 Post Oak Rd, Hutchins, TX 75141
If you’re the type of person that likes something a bit more different and unique, Goat Island Preserve is the perfect place for you. The out-and-back route will take you to muddy trails, forests, and fishing spots. The trails are also less crowded than other hiking spots on this list so you can enjoy nature’s peaceful quiet.
The preserve is home to various plant and animal life, including the Green Winged Teal, a type of duck native to the area. Hikers should know that the terrain can be challenging in places, with roots and rocks making it difficult to hike in some areas.
5: Oak Cliff Nature Preserve

Length of Trail: 6.5 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 2875 Pierce Street, Dallas, TX 75233
Phone: (972) 696-9810
The Oak Cliff Nature Preserve has an abundant variety of plant and animal life, making it an excellent place for nature lovers. The preserve is also one of the best spots in Dallas for bird watching, as various types of birds frequent the area. It is best to download the preserve’s map before heading out, as the trails can be confusing to navigate.
Aside from the nature trails, mountain bikers can also use the preserve since several courses are designated for mountain biking. Oak Cliff Nature Preserve is a beautiful spot for a day outdoors, whether you’re hiking, bird watching, or mountain biking.
6: Texas Buckeye Trail

Length of Trail: 2 miles
Cost: Free
Location: Texas Buckeye Trail, Dallas, TX 75215
Even though the length of the Texas Buckeye Trail is short, it is still a great place to hike. The beautiful and well-maintained trail is surrounded by trees, making it a great place to escape the heat. The trail is also dog-friendly so that you can bring your furry friend along for the hike. Hikers should be aware that the course can be muddy after rainstorms.
Wildflowers can often bloom along the trail, adding color to the green foliage. The Texas Buckeye Trail is great for fresh air and enjoying nature.
7: Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center

Length of Trail: 1.6 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 1206 FM1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104
Phone: (469) 526-1980
25 minutes away from Downtown Dallas is the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center. The center offers a variety of programs and events, as well as hiking trails.
Dogwood trees are abundant in the area, and hikers can also see a variety of other plant and animal life. A nature walker’s paradise, there is plenty to do at this picnic site. Picnic tables and a child-friendly nature play area are available, making it ideal for family fun.
The elevation points offer great views of the Dallas skyline, making it a popular spot for photographers. However, hikers should be aware that the trails can be crowded on weekends.
8: Great Trinity Forest Gateway & Horse Trails

Length of Trail: 1 to 3 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 21611 Dowdy Ferry Rd, Dallas, TX 75217
Just adjacent to IH-20, the Great Trinity Forest Gateway offers a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The picturesque trails are perfect for a day outdoors and offer views of the Trinity River. Anglers can also have a great time at the Trinity River, as there are several spots for fishing. Just be aware that you have a fishing license if you plan on fishing.
The Great Trinity Forest Gateway is also home to amenities such as horse trails, fishing ponds, and prairie vistas so visitors can enjoy various activities.
The location is also accessible since it is next to IH-20, a major highway in Dallas.
9: Piedmont Ridge Scyene Overlook

Length of Trail: 1.3 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 2400 N Jim Miller Rd, Dallas, TX 75227
The Piedmont Ridge Scyene Overlook is an exception to the rule that out-and-back trails are uninteresting. Just a few minutes from downtown Dallas, this trail offers gorgeous views of the skyline, cedar grove, and walnut trees that line the path. However, hikers should beware that these trails can be pretty steep.
The best time to hike the Piedmont Ridge Scyene Overlook is during the spring or fall, as the temperatures are not as extreme as in the summer. In addition, the gorgeous fall leaves make the hike even more enjoyable.
10: White Rock Lake Trail

Length of Trail: 9.3 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 542 E. Jefferson Blvd. Dallas, TX 75203
Phone: (214) 670-1923
White Rock is one of the most popular parks in Dallas, and it’s easy to see why. The scenic lake is perfect for a morning jog or an afternoon stroll.
The route is generally easy, with a few hills here and there. Hikers can also extend their hike by looping around the lake. White Rock Lake is a beautiful body of water that features miles of trails for jogging, hiking, and biking. In addition, picnic areas, fishing opportunities, bird viewing, and visits to the Dallas Arboretum are among the activities available. With so much to do, it’s no surprise that White Rock Lake is one of Dallas’ most popular parks.
Hiking Guide to Dallas
Whether you’re a local looking for a new place to explore or a visitor looking to get off the beaten path, Dallas has plenty of options for great hiking. With over ten different trails in the area, you wouldn’t even have to leave the city to find a great place to hike. Before you head out on the trails, you should keep a few things in mind. These tips are sure to make your hike more enjoyable.
Dress for the Weather
Hiking entails being outdoors for an extended period, so it’s essential to dress for the weather. If it’s hot outside, wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. A good hat and sunscreen are also necessary. If it’s cold, dress in layers so you can adjust to the temperature as needed.
In either case, comfortable shoes are a must. Of course, hiking boots are always a good option, but any comfortable shoe that provides good support will work.
Remember, the weather can change quickly when you’re out on the trails, so it’s always best to be prepared.
Bring Plenty of Water
When you’re hiking, it’s essential to stay hydrated. Be sure to bring plenty of water, especially if you’re walking in the heat. It’s also a good idea to bring some snacks along in case you get hungry. A small first-aid kit is also a good idea, as you never know when you might need it. Hiking can be tough on the body, so it’s always best to be prepared for anything.
Check The Weather Forecast
Before you head out on your hike, be sure to check the weather forecast. This will help you dress appropriately and plan for any inclement weather. It’s also a good idea to check the forecast before you leave to be aware of any changes that might occur while you’re on the trail.
Plus, knowing the forecast will help you decide which trail to hike. Some courses are better in certain weather conditions than others.
Bring a Hiking Buddy
Hiking is always more fun with a friend, so bring someone along. Not only will you have more fun, but it’s also safer. Also, it’s always good to have someone there to help if something were to happen.
A hiking buddy can also help you carry your gear or take pictures. So, if you’re looking for someone to hike with, don’t be afraid to ask around among your friends.
Leave No Trace
Nature is beautiful, so it’s important to respect it. So when you’re hiking, be sure to leave no trace. This means packing out what you pack in and being mindful of your impact on the environment.
Respecting nature is essential to keeping the trails clean and enjoyable for everyone. Plus, it’s just the right thing to do.
A trash bag is always a good idea to bring along on your hike to dispose of any trash properly. You can also opt for a reusable water bottle to help reduce your impact.
Final Thoughts
Hiking is a great way to get outside and explore nature. It not only provides a great workout, but it’s also a great way to relax and de-stress.
And with Dallas having so many great trails, there’s no excuse not to get out there and explore. From the rugged trails of Goat Island Preserve to the more gentle hike through White Rock Lake, hikers of all levels can find a path to enjoy.
So if you are up for some adventure, lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails. Hiking in Dallas is an experience you won’t want to miss.