10 Best Hiking Trails Near Dallas: Top Scenic Routes for All Skill Levels

Dallas offers more hiking than most people expect from a major Texas city. Within 30 minutes of downtown, you can access everything from paved urban trails to rugged escarpment hikes with 600+ feet of elevation gain. The surprises continue further out—state parks with rock climbing, dinosaur tracks, and remote backcountry trails sit within a 90-minute drive.

This guide covers 10 trails around Dallas, from easy lakeside loops to challenging hill climbs. Each includes accurate distances, real elevation data, parking logistics, and honest difficulty assessments. Before heading out, make sure you have proper merino wool clothing to handle Texas heat and unpredictable weather.

The trails are organized by drive time from downtown Dallas, making it easy to find options that fit your schedule.

 

How to Use This Guide

Three tools simplify trail selection:

Trail Picker Table: Filter by difficulty, drive time, and season.

Detailed Trail Breakdown: Complete descriptions with mileage, elevation, parking, and what to expect.

Logistics Section: Parking availability, fees, best arrival times, and transit options.

Match your time and fitness level to a trail, check the logistics, then go.

Trail Picker

Trail	Difficulty	Distance	Elevation Gain	Drive Time	Best Season
White Rock Lake	Easy	9.3 miles	180 ft	15 min	Year-round
Katy Trail	Easy	3.5 miles	150 ft	10 min	Year-round
Cedar Ridge Preserve	Moderate	2-9 miles	688 ft	20 min	Spring/Fall
Arbor Hills	Easy	2.8-3.6 miles	250 ft	35 min	Spring/Fall
Oak Cliff Nature Preserve	Moderate	8 miles	500 ft	20 min	Spring/Fall
Fort Worth Nature Center	Moderate	3-20 miles	400 ft	45 min	Fall/Winter
Dinosaur Valley	Moderate	2-8 miles	350 ft	90 min	Spring/Fall
Lake Mineral Wells	Moderate	1.2-5 miles	400 ft	90 min	Spring/Fall
Cedar Hill State Park	Easy-Moderate	2-7 miles	300 ft	25 min	Year-round
Northshore Trail	Moderate-Hard	23 miles	800 ft	45 min	Spring/Fall

Decision Framework

How much time do you have?

• Under 2 hours: Katy Trail, White Rock Lake (partial loop)
• Half day: Cedar Ridge Preserve, Arbor Hills, Oak Cliff
• Full day: Fort Worth Nature Center, Dinosaur Valley, Northshore Trail

What's your fitness level?

• New to hiking: Katy Trail, White Rock Lake, Arbor Hills (paved loops)
• Regular exercise: Cedar Ridge Preserve, Cedar Hill State Park, Oak Cliff
• Experienced hiker: Northshore Trail (full length), Fort Worth Nature Center backcountry

What season?

• Summer: Start by 7am or stick to shaded trails (Arbor Hills, Fort Worth Nature Center). Texas heat is brutal.
• Fall: Everything works. October-November is peak hiking season.
• Winter: Mild temps make winter ideal for longer hikes. Fort Worth Nature Center and Cedar Ridge are excellent.
• Spring: Wildflowers bloom March-May. Cedar Ridge and Dinosaur Valley are spectacular.

Logistics

Trail	Parking	Fee	Transit	Best Arrival Time
Katy Trail	Multiple lots	Free	DART (Knox-Henderson)	Anytime
White Rock Lake	Ample	Free	DART Bus	Before 10am weekends
Cedar Ridge Preserve	Good	Free	None	Before 9am weekends
Arbor Hills	Ample	Free	None	Before 10am weekends
Oak Cliff	Limited (30 spots)	Free	None	Early morning weekends
Fort Worth Nature Center	Good	$5 adults, $2 kids	None	Before 11am weekends
Dinosaur Valley	Good	$7/person	None	Before 10am weekends

Parking notes: Oak Cliff Nature Preserve has the smallest lot—arrive early on weekends or expect to park on neighborhood streets. Cedar Ridge fills by 9:30am on nice spring/fall weekends. Fort Worth Nature Center charges admission but the fee is worth it—3,000 acres with buffalo herds.

No permits required for day hiking. Overnight camping at Dinosaur Valley and Lake Mineral Wells requires reservations through Texas State Parks.

Drive Time from Downtown Dallas

Under 30 minutes:

• Katy Trail: 10 minutes via Uptown
• White Rock Lake: 15 minutes via East Dallas
• Cedar Ridge Preserve: 20 minutes via I-20
• Oak Cliff Nature Preserve: 20 minutes via I-35E
• Cedar Hill State Park: 25 minutes via I-20

30-60 minutes:

• Arbor Hills Nature Preserve: 35 minutes via Dallas North Tollway (Plano)
• Fort Worth Nature Center: 45 minutes via I-30 (Fort Worth)
• Northshore Trail: 45 minutes via I-35E (Grapevine/Flower Mound)

60+ minutes:

• Dinosaur Valley State Park: 90 minutes via US-67 (Glen Rose)
• Lake Mineral Wells State Park: 90 minutes via I-20 (Mineral Wells)

Trail Breakdown

1. Cedar Ridge Preserve

Distance: 2-9 miles depending on route Elevation gain: 688 feet (Outer Loop) Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead: 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX

Cedar Ridge sits on the White Rock Escarpment, giving you hill country terrain 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. The preserve has 9 miles of interconnected trails ranging from easy 0.5-mile nature walks to the challenging Outer Loop that climbs 688 feet.

The terrain surprises people—steep limestone stairs, rocky ridges, and valley views that don't look like North Texas. The Escarpment Trail and Cedar Brake Trail include legitimate climbs with exposed rock sections. The Cattail Pond Trail is easier, winding through wooded areas to a quiet pond.

This is Dallas' best moderate hike. The varied terrain keeps it interesting, and the escarpment views are the finest within city limits. Spring brings wildflowers. Fall has perfect temps and less humidity.

Parking is free but the lot fills by 9:30am on spring and fall weekends. Arrive early or go on weekdays. No bikes allowed—hiking only. Dogs allowed on leash. Managed by Audubon Dallas, so the trails and habitat are well-maintained.

2. White Rock Lake Trail

Distance: 9.3 miles (full loop) Elevation gain: 180 feet Difficulty: Easy Trailhead: Multiple access points around lake

White Rock Lake is Dallas' most popular outdoor destination—a 9.3-mile paved loop around a 1,000-acre reservoir. The trail is completely flat, well-maintained, and packed with walkers, runners, and cyclists on nice days.

The loop connects parks, playgrounds, and the Dallas Arboretum. You can hop on anywhere and walk as much or as little as you want. The east side offers better lake views. The west side runs through neighborhoods and has more shade.

This isn't a wilderness hike—it's an urban greenway. But it's accessible, safe, and works for all fitness levels. Good for families, beginners, or anyone who wants an easy outdoor option close to the city. Hiking with dogs works well here—just keep them leashed.

Parking is free at multiple lots around the lake. Weekends get crowded by mid-morning. Early morning (before 8am) or weekday afternoons are quieter. DART bus routes serve several access points.

3. Katy Trail

Distance: 3.5 miles one-way Elevation gain: 150 feet Difficulty: Easy Trailhead: Multiple access points from Victory Park to Knox-Henderson

Katy Trail runs through the heart of Dallas—a 3.5-mile paved rail-to-trail conversion connecting Uptown, Highland Park, and Knox-Henderson. It's flat, wide, and busy with commuters, dog walkers, and fitness enthusiasts.

The trail offers an urban escape without leaving the city. Tree canopy provides shade, and the path is well-lit for early morning or evening use. You'll pass restaurants, coffee shops, and neighborhoods—it's more city greenway than nature trail.

This works for quick workouts, casual walks, or commuting by bike. The northern end near Knox-Henderson is less crowded than the southern Uptown section. Several access points make it easy to hop on and off.

Free parking at multiple lots. The Knox-Henderson DART station sits right on the trail. Arrive anytime—even midday works since the tree cover provides shade.

4. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Distance: 2.8-3.6 miles Elevation gain: 250 feet Difficulty: Easy Trailhead: 6701 W Parker Rd, Plano, TX

Arbor Hills offers both paved and natural surface trails in Plano, about 35 minutes north of Dallas. The 3.6-mile Outer Loop is paved and perfect for families, strollers, and beginners. Natural surface trails branch off for those wanting unpaved terrain.

The preserve mixes prairie, forest, and creek environments. Spring brings wildflowers. The terrain is gentle with minimal elevation. It's well-maintained and clearly marked—hard to get lost here.

This is one of the best family-friendly options near Dallas. The paved loop works for all abilities. The natural trails add variety without serious difficulty. Arbor Hills closes for maintenance Wednesdays 5am-2pm—plan accordingly.

Free parking. The lot rarely fills completely except on perfect spring weekends. Dogs allowed on leash.

5. Oak Cliff Nature Preserve

Distance: 8 miles of trails Elevation gain: 500 feet Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead: 2000 W Kiest Blvd, Dallas, TX (Kiest Park entrance)

Oak Cliff is a 121-acre urban preserve with 8 miles of winding trails through dense forest. The trail system loops and connects in ways that make it feel larger than it is. This is one of Dallas' hidden gems—surprisingly secluded despite being in the city.

The trails are natural surface with roots, rocks, and some elevation changes. Nothing too technical, but more challenging than paved loops. The dense canopy provides excellent shade in summer. Watch for trail markers—some junctions aren't well-marked and hikers report getting turned around.

This preserve attracts trail runners and mountain bikers in addition to hikers. The trails are shared, so stay alert. Dogs allowed on leash.

Parking is limited—about 30 spots at the Kiest Park entrance. Arrive early on weekends. There's a second entrance off Pierce Street with slightly more parking.

6. Fort Worth Nature Center

Distance: 20+ miles of trails Elevation gain: 400 feet (varies by trail) Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead: 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd, Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth Nature Center covers 3,000 acres along Lake Worth with 20+ miles of trails. This is the largest natural area in North Texas still in its original condition. The trail system includes everything from short loops to long backcountry routes.

The big draw: buffalo herds. This is the only place in DFW where you can see wild buffalo. The trails wind through cross timber forest, along lake shores, and across open prairie. Canyon Ridge Trail connects to Greer Island—a 3-mile out-and-back that requires careful navigation.

Bring a trail map. The extensive trail system can be confusing, and some routes require backtracking. Cell service is spotty in the backcountry sections.

$5 admission for adults, $2 for kids. The fee supports habitat preservation. Parking is ample. Arrive before 11am on weekends for the best experience. Dogs allowed on leash.

7. Dinosaur Valley State Park

Distance: 2-8 miles depending on route Elevation gain: 350 feet Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead: 1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX

Dinosaur Valley is famous for preserved dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River—tracks you can see and touch. The park also offers several hiking trails through Texas Hill Country terrain.

The Limestone Ledge Trail (2 miles) provides the best overview—rocky bluffs, river views, and some elevation gain. The Cedar Brake Outer Loop (4 miles) adds more distance through wooded areas. All trails are well-maintained natural surface.

Summer gets crowded with families playing in the river. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking—cooler temps and strong river flow. The dinosaur tracks are best viewed when water levels are low (late summer/early fall).

$7 per person admission. Camping available with advance reservations. The park fills on summer weekends—arrive before 10am or plan to wait for parking. Dogs allowed on leash.

8. Lake Mineral Wells State Park

Distance: 1.2-5 miles depending on route Elevation gain: 400 feet Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead: 100 Park Rd 71, Mineral Wells, TX

Lake Mineral Wells features dramatic sandstone formations rising above the lake. The main attraction is Penitentiary Hollow—a 1.2-mile trail that winds through tall rock walls creating a canyon-like environment.

The Red Waterfront Trail (5 miles) circles part of the lake with views of the cliffs from below. The terrain is rocky in sections but manageable. Rock climbing is popular at Penitentiary Hollow for those who bring gear.

This park feels more remote than it is—only 90 minutes from Dallas but significantly less crowded than closer options. The sandstone formations are unique for North Texas.

$5 per person admission. Camping and cabins available. The park rarely fills to capacity except holiday weekends. Dogs allowed on leash.

9. Cedar Hill State Park

Distance: 2-7 miles depending on route Elevation gain: 300 feet Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Trailhead: 1570 FM 1382, Cedar Hill, TX

Cedar Hill sits on Joe Pool Lake, 25 minutes from downtown. The park offers both hiking and mountain biking trails. The Cattail Pond Trail via Escarpment Trail (2.5 miles) is the most popular hiking route—moderate terrain with lake and pond views.

The park also contains the original DORBA (Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association) trail—a 7-mile mountain bike route that hikers can use when not crowded with bikes. The trails wind through wooded areas with occasional lake views.

This is a good middle-ground option—closer than the state parks but more substantial than urban trails. The historic Penn Farmstead adds cultural interest. Hiking in fall is especially nice here with cooler temps and fall colors.

$5 per person admission. The park rarely fills to capacity. Dogs allowed on leash. Camping available.

10. Northshore Trail (Lake Grapevine)

Distance: 23 miles one-way Elevation gain: 800+ feet Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (full length) Trailhead: Rockledge Park (east) or Twin Coves Park (west)

Northshore Trail runs 23 miles along Lake Grapevine's north shore, connecting Rockledge Park in Grapevine to Twin Coves Park in Flower Mound. This is one of Dallas' longest continuous trails, built and maintained by DORBA.

The eastern half (Rockledge side) is easier—rolling terrain suitable for intermediate hikers and bikers. The western half (Twin Coves side) gets more technical with steeper climbs and descents. Most hikers do out-and-back sections rather than the full 23 miles.

Lake breezes help in summer, but start early—Texas heat is brutal on exposed sections. The trail gets heavy use on nice weekends, creating occasional traffic jams at narrow sections. Weekdays are significantly less crowded.

Free parking at both trailheads and several access points along the route. The trail floods after heavy rain—check conditions before driving out. Dogs allowed on leash.

Hiking with Kids, Dogs, and Mixed Groups

For families with kids: White Rock Lake and Arbor Hills work best. Both have paved loops, minimal elevation, and easy bailout options if kids get tired. Katy Trail works for older kids who can handle 3-4 miles. Dinosaur Valley is great for kids who love the dinosaur tracks—the river wading makes it an adventure.

Dog-friendly trails: All trails listed allow leashed dogs. Best options: White Rock Lake (water access), Arbor Hills (shade and easy terrain), Cedar Ridge (varied terrain), and Fort Worth Nature Center (space and wildlife). Avoid Northshore Trail on hot days—long exposed sections with limited water access.

Mixed-ability groups: White Rock Lake and Katy Trail accommodate different fitness levels best—flat, paved, easy to shorten or extend. Cedar Ridge works if everyone can handle moderate hills—multiple trail options allow faster hikers to take longer routes while others stick to shorter loops.

What to Wear and Pack

Texas heat dominates hiking considerations. Summer temps regularly hit 95-100°F with high humidity. Proper clothing and hydration are critical.

Footwear: Trail runners work for paved trails (Katy, White Rock, Arbor Hills). Use hiking shoes with ankle support for rockier terrain (Cedar Ridge, Dinosaur Valley, Lake Mineral Wells).

Clothing: Summer: Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics essential. Merino wool t-shirts handle Texas humidity better than synthetic fabrics. Merino doesn't hold odor even after hours of sweating in brutal heat.

Spring/Fall: Layering matters. Mornings can be 50°F while afternoons hit 75°F. Start with a merino base layer, add a light mid-layer, and bring a windbreaker.

Winter: Mild but variable. Merino base layers, fleece, and a wind shell handle most winter days. Add merino gloves and a beanie for early morning hikes.

Essential gear:

• Water: 2-3 liters minimum for summer hikes, 1.5 liters for winter
• Snacks: Trail mix, bars, fruit
• First aid kit
• Sunscreen and hat (Texas sun is intense)
• Merino hiking socks (prevent blisters in heat)
• Phone/GPS and backup battery
• Rain jacket (spring storms develop fast)

Packing by season:

Item	Spring/Fall	Summer	Winter
Merino base layer	Essential	Optional	Essential
Sun protection	Essential	Critical	Recommended
Merino socks	Essential	Essential	Essential
Extra water	2L	3L+	1.5L
Rain gear	Essential	Recommended	Essential

Safety, Weather, and Trail Etiquette

Weather risks:

Season	Primary Risk	Severity	Prevention
Summer	Heat exhaustion, dehydration	Critical	Start by 7am, carry 3L+ water, avoid midday
Spring	Thunderstorms, flash floods	High	Check forecast, have exit plan, avoid low areas
Fall	Sudden cold fronts	Moderate	Check forecast, bring extra layers
Winter	Cold snaps (rare)	Low	Layer properly, check forecast
Year-round	Venomous snakes, ticks	Moderate	Watch step placement, wear long pants

Summer hiking: Texas summer heat is dangerous. Temps hit 100°F+ with humidity that makes it feel worse. Either start by 7am or skip hiking entirely in July-August. Stick to shaded trails (Arbor Hills, Fort Worth Nature Center, Oak Cliff) if hiking after 9am. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke happen fast—know the symptoms.

Storm safety: Spring thunderstorms develop rapidly in Texas. If you hear thunder, head back immediately. Lightning is a serious threat, especially on exposed trails. Flash flooding can occur in creek areas—never cross flowing water.

Wildlife: Venomous snakes (copperheads, water moccasins, rattlesnakes) are present. Watch where you step, especially on rocky trails. Don't reach into areas you can't see. Make noise on trails to avoid surprising snakes. Ticks are common spring through fall—check yourself after hikes. Buffalo at Fort Worth Nature Center should be observed from distance—they're wild and dangerous if approached.

Trail etiquette:

• Uphill hikers have right of way on steep sections
• Bikers yield to hikers, hikers yield to horses
• Keep dogs leashed—required on all public trails
• Pack out all trash
• Stay on marked trails

Sample Itineraries

One Day: Dallas Highlights

Morning: Cedar Ridge Preserve (arrive 7:30am, hike Outer Loop, 3 hours). Best moderate hike near Dallas with real elevation and views.

Afternoon: White Rock Lake (arrive 1pm, partial loop, 1.5 hours). Easy recovery walk with lake views.

Total: 6-7 miles, moderate effort, back by 4pm.

Weekend: Best of DFW

Day 1:

• Morning: Fort Worth Nature Center (leave Dallas 7am, hike Canyon Ridge to Greer Island, 4 hours including buffalo viewing)
• Afternoon: Drive to Dinosaur Valley (45 minutes), set up camp or check into nearby lodging
• Evening: Short walk to river to see dinosaur tracks

Day 2:

• Morning: Dinosaur Valley Limestone Ledge Trail (2 hours)
• Midday: Wade in Paluxy River
• Afternoon: Drive back to Dallas via Lake Mineral Wells for Penitentiary Hollow Trail (1.5 hours)

Total: Two full days mixing nature center, state park, and unique geology.

Weekend: Urban Exploration

Day 1:

• Morning: Oak Cliff Nature Preserve (8 miles of trails, 3 hours)
• Afternoon: Katy Trail (2 hours), lunch in Knox-Henderson

Day 2:

• Morning: Cedar Ridge Preserve (full trail system, 3-4 hours)
• Afternoon: White Rock Lake (partial loop, 1-2 hours)

Total: Urban trails mixing natural preserves and city greenways. No long drives required.

 

Navigation Tools

AllTrails ($36/year for Pro): Best trail app for Dallas area. Download offline maps for Cedar Ridge, Fort Worth Nature Center, and Northshore Trail where cell service is spotty. Read recent reviews to check conditions.

Gaia GPS ($40/year): Better topographic maps. Useful for longer trails like Northshore or Fort Worth Nature Center backcountry routes.

Texas State Parks App (Free): Essential for Dinosaur Valley and Lake Mineral Wells. Shows real-time park capacity, campsite availability, and trail closures.

Weather apps: Check forecast morning-of, not night before. Texas weather changes fast. Summer thunderstorms develop quickly.

Cell service: Good on most urban trails. Spotty at Fort Worth Nature Center backcountry, Lake Mineral Wells, and parts of Northshore. Download maps before leaving.

FAQ

What's the best time of year to hike near Dallas? Fall (October-November) and spring (March-May). Fall has perfect temps (60-75°F), low humidity, and less crowded trails. Spring brings wildflowers but also storms and higher humidity. Summer (June-September) is brutally hot—only hike early morning if attempting summer trails. Winter is mild and underrated for hiking. Check out what to wear hiking in fall for seasonal clothing tips.

Are there dog-friendly trails near Dallas? All trails listed allow leashed dogs. Best options: White Rock Lake (water access), Arbor Hills (easy terrain), Cedar Ridge (varied terrain), Fort Worth Nature Center (space and wildlife). Always bring water for dogs—Texas heat affects them faster than humans. Read more about hiking with dogs.

What should I pack for hiking near Dallas? Water (2-3 liters in summer), snacks, first aid kit, sunscreen, hat, and proper clothing. Merino wool layers work better than cotton in Texas humidity. Merino hiking socks prevent blisters. Check full packing list in "What to Wear and Pack" section.

Which trails are best for beginners? Start with Katy Trail, White Rock Lake, or Arbor Hills paved loops. All have minimal elevation, good trail conditions, and easy navigation. Cedar Ridge is the best step up to moderate terrain once you've built fitness.

Can I hike in summer near Dallas? Yes, but start by 7am or skip it. Texas summer heat (95-100°F+ with humidity) is dangerous midday. If hiking after 9am, choose shaded trails like Arbor Hills or Fort Worth Nature Center. Carry 3+ liters of water per person. Heat exhaustion is a real risk.

Do I need permits for hiking near Dallas? No permits for day hiking. State parks (Dinosaur Valley, Lake Mineral Wells, Cedar Hill) charge admission ($5-7 per person). Fort Worth Nature Center charges $5 adults/$2 kids. Overnight camping requires advance reservations through Texas State Parks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Underestimating Texas heat: Summer temps regularly hit 100°F+ with high humidity. Heat exhaustion happens fast. Either start by 7am or choose shaded trails. Carry double the water you think you need. This isn't optional—it's survival.

Not checking weather before heading out: Texas thunderstorms develop rapidly, especially in spring. Check forecast the morning of your hike. If storms are predicted, postpone or choose shorter loops where you can bail quickly.

Wearing cotton clothing: Cotton holds moisture and stays wet, causing chafing and discomfort. Use moisture-wicking fabrics instead. Merino wool handles humidity better than any other fabric—breathes, wicks sweat, doesn't stink.

Choosing trails beyond fitness level: Cedar Ridge's 688-foot elevation gain looks manageable on paper but the steep, rocky stairs challenge unprepared hikers. Start with White Rock Lake or Katy Trail before attempting moderate terrain.

Ignoring parking logistics: Cedar Ridge fills by 9:30am on spring weekends. Oak Cliff has only 30 parking spots. Fort Worth Nature Center charges admission. Check parking info before driving—nothing worse than arriving to find no parking after a long drive.

Not bringing enough water: Texas heat requires more water than hiking in other climates. Minimum 2 liters per person for winter hikes, 3+ liters for summer. Dehydration happens faster than you think.

Conclusion

Dallas' hiking scene offers surprising variety for a major Texas city. You can walk paved urban trails in the morning and climb rocky escarpments in the afternoon, all within 30 minutes of downtown. The trails range from wheelchair-accessible loops to challenging 20+ mile routes.

Start with easier trails near the city—White Rock Lake, Katy Trail, or Arbor Hills. Build up to moderate climbs at Cedar Ridge and Oak Cliff. Save Fort Worth Nature Center, Dinosaur Valley, and Northshore Trail for when you're ready for longer distances or more remote terrain.

Before your next hike, stock up on gear from our men's outdoor collection or women's outdoor collection. Don't forget quality merino wool socks and base layers to handle Texas heat and humidity. Check out our hiking tips for beginners if you're new to hiking.

Check the weather, start early to beat the heat, and carry extra water. The trails are waiting.