The Ultimate Guide To The Best Hikes Near Dallas, Texas 

Looking for a great hike near Dallas, Texas? You’re in luck! The area is home to some truly spectacular trails. From easy strolls through nature to challenging treks across rugged terrain, there’s something here for everyone. In this article, we’ll take you through some of the best hikes near Dallas as well as tips on how to get there and what to bring along with you (including your dog!). So put on your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure!

Dallas Hiking Tips and Advice

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when hiking in Dallas. Here are some tips and advice for hiking in Dallas:

1. Dress for the weather. Dallas can be hot, so make sure to wear light, breathable clothing. Be sure to also pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

2. Stay hydrated. It’s important to drink plenty of water when hiking, especially in the heat. Be sure to bring a water bottle with you, and drink often.

3. Watch for wildlife. Dallas is home to many different kinds of wildlife, including snakes and spiders. Be sure to stay on the trails and watch for animals.

4. Be prepared for the heat. Dallas can be very hot, so be sure to dress appropriately and pack plenty of water.

5. Start early. It’s always best to start your hike early in the day, before it gets too hot.

6. Take your time. Don’t try to hike too fast. It’s important to enjoy the scenery and take your time.

7. Bring a map. It’s always a good idea to bring a map with you, so you can stay on the right trail.

8. Rest when you need to. If you start to feel tired, take a break. It’s important to listen to your body and rest when you need to.

9. Be careful on the trails. Dallas has some steep trails, so be sure to watch your step and take your time.

10. Have fun! Hiking is a great way to explore Dallas and get some exercise. Be sure to enjoy yourself and have fun!

Best Dallas Hiking Trails

White Rock Lake Trail – Easy

Length: 9.3 miles | Elevation gain: 183.7 feet

The hike at White Rock Lake is a great choice for beginners and families. The trail is mostly flat and shaded by trees, so you can’t beat it on a hot day. The path winds around the lake, passing by several access points where you can stop and have lunch or even swim!

The trailhead is located near the south end of White Rock Lake Park Drive in Dallas. From here, follow the signs through multiple parking lots until you reach the trailhead across from The Beach Club swimming area. If you want to make this into an out-and-back hike, there’s plenty of parking available (just look for the signs).

The first half mile takes you over some bridges with amazing views of downtown Dallas through the trees below—a perfect spot for photo opps! After that stretch, things stay pretty level as they pass through neighborhoods before reaching another set of bridges near Beltline Road just past half way through your hike. It’s only about 3 miles total from there until you reach your return point across from The Beach Club swimming area where there are plenty more trails available if needed!

Katy Trail – Easy

Length: 7.5 miles | Elevation gain: 196.6 feet

The Katy Trail is an easy 7.5-mile hike that follows the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas line through a variety of landscapes. The trail begins in downtown Dallas and winds its way through downtown Fort Worth, where it ends at its beginning point. This is a great option for those who want to get out into nature without a huge commitment—and since the railroad was abandoned in 1989, there are no other users except hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Be sure to check out the Stockyards National Historic District after your hike!

Cedar Brake Trail via Cattail Pond Trail – Easy

Length: 2.2 miles | Elevation gain: 246.1 feet

This trail is a bit of a hidden gem, so don’t be surprised if you have to share the trail with other hikers. The views are gorgeous, and make for some great photos.

The first part of this hike is flat, but then you’ll start to climb on switchbacks as you make your way up towards the trees (and eventually, waterfalls). There are plenty of places to stop along this part of the trail that allow for easy rest stops or photo ops; I would definitely recommend stopping at one point or another so that you can take in everything around you!

Once you reach this area where there’s shade from trees and a creek (which leads up toward two different waterfalls), it’s time to continue your journey into Cedar Brake State Park by crossing over Cedar Creek (don’t worry, it has stepping stones) before continuing on until reaching Cattail Pond Trailhead parking lot where there will be restrooms available for use as well as picnic tables which may come in handy if anyone needs them.

Spring Creek Interpretive Walking Trail – Easy

Length: 0.9 miles | Elevation gain: 13.1 feet

The Spring Creek Interpretive Walking Trail is a short and easy trail that’s perfect for families. It’s marked by blue blazes, and it only takes about an hour to complete. The elevation gain is 13.1 feet, which means you’ll be hiking at an average grade of about 1%. The trail starts at the Trinity River Audubon Center and follows the creek until it ends at Lake Lewisville, where you can enjoy fishing or picnicking (no dogs allowed). There’s also a great playground nearby so your little ones can get their energy out before heading back home!

This trail is open from sunrise til sunset; however, they do require advance reservations if you want to go during peak times like Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning.

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Trail – Easy

Length: 2.5 miles | Elevation gain: 128 feet

The Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Trail is a 2.5-mile loop, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a short hike that won’t take up too much of your day. The trailhead is located at the end of Arbor Hills Drive, which can be accessed by taking I-30 east and exiting onto Forest Lane (Exit #454). From there, head south on Forest Lane until you see the entrance to Arbor Hills on your left. At this point, turn into the neighborhood and follow it until you reach Arbor Hills Nature Preserve on your right side. Park there and begin hiking!

With an elevation gain of 128 feet in just over two miles, this hike shouldn’t provide any trouble for most hikers—especially if they wear proper footwear with good traction. The trail itself consists mostly of gravel paths surrounded by trees; however, some parts are rocky or muddy depending on weather conditions! Alongside these trails are several natural landmarks including ponds where people often fish or kayak during warmer months; interesting rock formations; creeks running through them; swamps filled with lots of wildlife such as turtles and frogs (during springtime); beautiful flowers blooming in Springtime but also throughout Summertime due to their long blooming season; animal tracks like deer prints which show up every once in awhile along trails like this one near Dallas as well!

Gateway Park West Loop – Easy

Length: 3.8 miles | Elevation gain: 101.7 feet

To start off this hike, you’re going to want to head straight from the entrance of Gateway Park. You’ll see a paved path that circles around the lake and follow that for about 1 mile until you reach an intersection. If you’re facing west (toward downtown Dallas), turn right at this intersection. From there, keep walking along the trail until it comes up on another intersection with a signpost pointing toward “Gateway Park West Loop” and another direction called “Waterside Trail.” Turn left at this second intersection onto Gateway Park West Loop trail and continue walking on it until you get back down close to where you started your journey.

Trinity River Audubon Center Trail – Easy

Length: 2.5 miles | Elevation gain: 72.2 feet

Located in Dallas, Texas, the Trinity River Audubon Center trail is a 2.5 mile loop trail with an elevation gain of 72.2 feet (22 meters). The trail is rated easy by the website Alltrails, but it does require some uphill climbs and some rocky sections that may be challenging for those who are not physically fit or have limited mobility. There are several pull-over areas to allow hikers to catch their breath and rest if need be during their hike along this path. While it’s possible to take your dog on this hike as well, there aren’t any fenced off areas where dogs can run free off-leash like you might find at other parks or trails close by – so keep that in mind if you’re planning on bringing Fido along!

Lemmon Lake via Trinity Forest Trail – Easy

Length: 3.5 miles | Elevation gain: 36.1 feet

If you’re just getting started with hiking and don’t want to venture too far from the city, this is a great trail for you. It’s also good for families who want to get out and enjoy nature together. As an added bonus, it’s not too far from Dallas and has access points throughout the city, including White Rock Lake Park which has plenty of other activities available like kayaking or paddleboarding.

Piedmont Ridge Trail – Moderate

Length: 1.3 miles | Elevation gain: 105 feet

The Piedmont Ridge Trail is a moderate trail that can be accessed from Lake Highlands Park, near the southern outskirts of Dallas. The trail offers a wide variety of terrain, from sandy patches to marshy areas and tall grass. You’ll also pass by some pretty amazing views at one point along the way!

If you’re looking for something to do in Dallas on your day off, or if you want to get outside for an afternoon hike but don’t have much time, this is a great option for anyone who wants to experience nature without having to drive very far away from home. This trail has everything: it’s easy enough for people who aren’t experienced hikers but also challenging enough for those who are more adventurous with their outdoor activities.

Boulder Park Trail – Moderate

Length: 4 miles | Elevation gain: 259.2 feet

The trailhead is located at the end of the road, so it’s an easy hike to get started. The trail itself is paved, but can be rocky and uneven in spots—it’s definitely not a stroller-friendly path. This trail is heavily used by mountain bikers, and dogs should be leashed. The reward for this moderate length hike? A view of downtown Dallas that’s hard to beat!

Dorba Trail Loop – Moderate

Length: 7 miles | Elevation gain: 357.6 feet

This moderate hike is located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country and is about 7 miles long. It has 357.6 feet of elevation gain, which means you’ll be going up, then down on this trail. While it’s a bit longer than some of our other trails, it’s great for those who have more time to spend hiking and want to see something different from Dallas’ famous downtown area.

The trail starts out in nature; as you go further up the mountain you’ll reach a lookout point where you can see downtown Dallas below! There is also an overlook where there are picnic tables and restrooms available if needed before heading back down again (and uphill!).

Penitentiary Hollow Trail – Moderate

Length: 1.2 miles | Elevation gain: 187 feet

Penitentiary Hollow Trail is a great beginner trail for those new to hiking, or even just out of shape. The trail is only 1.2 miles long and the elevation gain is 187 feet. It’s a good place to go if you’re looking for something that can be done in less than an hour, as well as taking children or dogs along with you.

Elm Point Trail – Moderate

Length: 6.5 miles | Elevation gain: 570.9 feet

Elm Point Trail is a moderate hike that features beautiful scenery and stunning views. The trail begins at the Elm Point parking lot, which is actually located on a bluff above Lake Tawakoni. From there, you’ll walk down to the lake’s edge and continue along its north shoreline until reaching your destination: an overlook with panoramic views of both Lake Tawakoni and the surrounding countryside.

The trail itself is 6.5 miles long—so it will take about four hours round-trip for most hikers to complete this hike—but it only climbs 570 feet in elevation from start to finish (which means it should be accessible for beginning hikers). It’s open year round as well!

North Shore Trail – Moderate

Length: 18 miles | Elevation gain: 846.5 feet

The North Shore Trail is an 18-mile route that runs along the Trinity River Audubon Center. The trail winds through soft forest and along shady creek beds, flat terrain with a few hills thrown in for good measure. It’s moderately long, but it’s totally worth it!

The best part of this trail? It’s right near Dallas! You can get some fresh air and see a whole new side of our city without having to travel far at all.

Canyon Ridge Trail- Challenging

Length: 5.9 miles | Elevation gain: 590.6 feet

Canyon Ridge Trail is 5.9 miles long, rated moderate to challenging, and features an elevation gain of 590.6 feet. The trailhead is located at the Canyon Ridge Park entrance, which is just south of the intersection of US-67 and Forest Road 198 in Grandview.

The trail starts off with a gradual incline as it winds through forests and meadows. About halfway into your journey, you’ll reach a fork in the road where a sign points left toward an observation platform overlooking Cedar Creek Falls or right toward Bear Creek Falls (2 miles away). If you’re not up for hiking all the way there or if this hike sounds too difficult for you, take a look at our other recommendations instead!

Canyon Ridge Trail is open from sunrise until sunset each day; however dogs are not allowed on this path due to safety concerns regarding nearby wildlife such as deer that could be startled by dogs running freely along trails like these ones do sometimes get startled by loud noises coming from outside their natural habitat so please keep them inside when traveling throughout Texas’ beautiful wilderness areas.

Oak Cliff Nature Preserve Outer Loop – Challenging

Length: 6.5 miles | Elevation gain: 344.5 feet

If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy nature, Oak Cliff Nature Preserve is the perfect spot. There are several trails here that offer varying level of difficulty. If you want something easy, take the outer loop trail and enjoy some time in nature without much exertion. If you want more of a challenge, go on one of the inner trails that get steeper and rougher as they wind through trees and brush along creeks.

There are also plenty of other activities at Oak Cliff Nature Preserve, including fishing and bird watching (there are multiple ponds). You can bring your dog with you if he or she is friendly with other people and dogs; otherwise leave them at home because it’s against park rules! The preserve has restrooms near its entrance gate so don’t worry about having to walk far before finding one while enjoying your time here!

Cattail Pond via Escarpment Trail-  Challenging

Length: 2.5 miles | Elevation gain: 200.1 feet

The Cattail Pond hike is a 2.5-mile loop that starts at the Escarpment Trail parking lot. The first thing you’ll see is a bridge made of railroad ties, which resembles a wooden catwalk. This area is known as “the Narrows.” From here on out, you’ll be walking along a steep cliffside path that has been cut into the side of the hill by hand back in 1968. At some points along the way there are stairs to climb or rocks to hop over and around, so keep your eyes peeled for these detours if you’re not comfortable with heights!

Once you reach the top, take in your surroundings and enjoy views of Hickory Creek below you before heading down again toward Cattail Pond. Once there, relax on one of its many rocks as you watch birds fly overhead or feed them from your hand (don’t forget about bringing some seeds!). If you’re lucky enough to visit during springtime when flowers are blooming in full force then be sure not miss out on seeing some bright colors among all greenery around them!

You don’t have to leave Dallas to find some incredible hiking trails in Texas!

Did you know that Dallas, Texas and its surrounding areas offer some of the best hiking trails in the country?

The Lone Star State is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in America. From rugged mountains to stunning desert landscapes, there are plenty of places to explore and enjoy on foot.

Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll through a forest or an exhilarating climb up a mountain peak, these trails have everything you need!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there good hiking in Dallas?

Yes! There are lots of great trails in Dallas. You can hike on the Trinity River Trail, which stretches over 20 miles along the river and offers a lot of natural beauty. Or you can take a hike at one of the city parks, like White Rock Lake Park or Klyde Warren Park.

Where can I hike in North Dallas?

The best trails are at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, Shoreline Trail, White Rock Creek Trail, Spring Creek Nature Area Trail, Katie Jackson Park and Flagpole Hill.

Does Texas have good hiking trails?

Yes! Texas has some of the best hiking trails in the country.

There are many different types of trails, from short and easy to long and difficult. No matter what kind of hiker you are, there’s a trail for you in Texas.

How long is White Rock trail Dallas?

The White Rock trail Dallas is 17.1 miles long. The portion of the trail that encompasses the lake has a length of 9.5 miles, and the portion of the trail that begins at Hillcrest/LBJ Freeway in North Dallas has a length of 7.6 miles.

Conclusion

We hope we’ve inspired you to get out there, explore the best hikes near Dallas and Texas, and have fun doing it!