Prepare your daypack because we’re going hiking!
When people think of Dallas, it’s rare that “hiking” is the first thought that comes to mind. But we’re here to change that perception. These beautiful, remote spots will be sure to satisfy your urge for wilderness and dirt trails.
Cedar Ridge Preserve
Cedar Ridge Preserve is an area near Joe Pool Lake. For those familiar with the area, you’ll know it’s hilly and full of great views and photo opportunities. Because it’s maintained by Audubon Dallas, there are lovely spots with benches available throughout, if you fancy a little rest.
At Cedar Ridge, there’s also a beautiful creek running throughout the hiking area, which acts as a life source for many of the critters and beautiful birds in the area. If you’re a bird-watcher, this is a great spot for that, too.
Spring Creek Forest Trail
Spring Creek Forest Trail offers both a paved pathway and many dirt side trails that lead into the forest. Here you’ll find many trees including oak, walnut, ancient chinkapin, Shumard, and bur oaks.
One of the less-visited hiking trails in Dallas, Spring Creek Forest Trail is tranquil and also full of wildlife, due to the bustling creek.
Texas Buckeye Trail
Aptly named, the Texas Buckeye Trail is for those adventurous souls. Located at the Trinity Forest with the trailhead on Bexar Street, this trail is full of life and excitement. There are ancient fence posts left behind from the 1800s settlements in the area, and the swamp is another excellent source of life.
This hike is particularly beautiful in the springtime when everything is in full bloom. You can even take this Dallas hiking trail all the way to White Rock Creek joins the Trinity River. Don’t worry, you won’t find any paved roads here.
Lower Wetland Cells
Another favorite hiking trail in Dallas for bird and nature lovers, the Lower Wetland Cells are a great area for water birds. Boasting a beautiful skyline and easy gravel/dirt trails, this hiking spot is an excellent spot for watching white pelicans and other water birds feasting on the fish in the area.
Lemmon Lake
If you’re into loops, Lemmon Lake has a great one. With plenty of wild birds and other wildlife at the pond, you’ll be sure to enjoy your hike here. Unlike our other Dallas hiking trails we have listed, Lemmon Lake is where you’re most likely to see rare wildlife like curved bill ibises, storks, all types of woodpeckers, and river otters.
And there you have it, our top 5 hiking trails in Dallas, Texas. Just because you live in the metropolis, doesn’t mean you don’t have access to nature that is very close by. Nature is all around us and even closer than ever at these hiking trails in Dallas.
If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, consider leaving the city for a few days and using a Tentrr campsite near your favorite trails.
Have you visited any of these spots? Have a trail that isn’t on our list? Send us a message on Facebook with your favorite hiking trails in Dallas. We’d love to hear all about it!