Top Five Trail Runs in Dallas

To enjoy a good run you need only a good pair of shoes and the path ahead. Dallas, Texas boasts a series of running trails that can stand shoulder to shoulder among the best. From urban treks to beautiful forest paths these trails will please casual and avid runners alike. Here are 5 excellent (and not by any means exhaustive) places to go for a run in and around Dallas, Texas.

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#5. Trinity Skyline Trail Neighborhood: Dallas Path Type: Gravel The Trinity Skyline Trail easily boasts the best skyline views of any Dallas running path. The trail is a little over 4.5 miles with a straight out and back path. It’s setting next to the Trinity River is serene with wildlife and wildflowers growing all along the sides of the trail. This trail has free parking and Trinity Groves is right around the corner if you want to enjoy a good meal or drinks after a casual run. My favorite part about this trail is its unbelievable contrast of city skyline with a beautiful natural riverside setting. http://www.trinityrivercorridor.com/recreation/trinity-skyline-trail

#4. Arbor Hills Preserve Neighborhood: Plano Path Type: Paved and Unpaved The Arbor Hills Preserve is a running trail with many off-shoots mixing paved and unpaved paths. On any given Saturday you’ll find this place packed with visitors enjoying the trails and many picnic areas. I’ve noticed that this park is very popular among dog owners too. The trails are numerous and wide enough to find your path through and away from the crowds. I especially like the look-out point at this park that gives you a great vantage point of the Plano area. It’s something you don’t expect to get in a relatively flat area. This park has plenty of free parking and is located in a very safe and nice area of Plano. https://www.plano.gov/facilities/facility/details/Arbor-Hills-Nature-Preserve-20

#3. White Rock Lake Neighborhood: Lakewood Path Type: Paved White Rock Lake Park Loop is one of the most rejuvenating and scenic runs on this list. The 9 mile loop winds around White Rock Lake. It’s the perfect mix of people watching and nature. You’ll never feel totally isolated but there is plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy miles of beautiful park running. You’ll see sail boats on the water and even run over a cool damn on part of the run. Cyclists and runners share the same path at this park so be alert to your surroundings for a fun enjoyable run. http://www.dallasparks.org/235/White-Rock-Lake  

#2. Cedar Ridge Preserve Neighborhood: Cedar Hill Path Type: Unpaved Visiting this trail feels like you’ve been transported to the hill country of Austin with steep hills and rocky terrain. Make sure you wear a pair of trail running shoes that you don’t mind muddying up because this trail can get very messy after any amount of rain. I love this trail for the amazing natural surroundings that you find yourself in. The feeling of this park is open and challenging. Even if there are many other park visitors you won’t see them for long thanks to the winding trails that frequent changes in elevation. There are several trail loops to choose from and plenty of signs along the way to guide you back to the trail head. http://www.dallasparks.org/217/Cedar-Ridge-Preserve

#1. Katy Trail Neighborhood: Uptown/Dallas Path Type: Paved (Concrete and Cushioned running path) The Katy Trail might seem like a ‘pedestrian’ choice for best trail, but I wanted to highlight this one because it’s so friendly to runners of any level. You’re in the center of Uptown Dallas so you’ll never feel isolated or lost especially since this is a straight out and back trail spanning 3.5 miles. The best place to park and begin is anywhere nearby the Katy Trail Ice House. I love this trail because it’s a social experience being out with other active professionals and families that live in the surrounding neighborhoods. To top it off, at the end of your run you can enjoy a well-deserved beer and appetizers at the Katy Trail Ice House. http://katytraildallas.org/map/

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While I most often run the Katy Trail, you can’t go wrong with trying out any of these trails. Lace up and stretch out because it’s time to go for a run. Whatever it is you run for: exercise, community, beer, or fresh air remember that any reason is a good reason to go for a run!