Whether you are new to Dallas or a seasoned resident in our Dallas apartments, there is ample opportunity to get outside and explore nature. It can be easy to get sucked into the daily grind of work and life’s demands, so it’s extra important to take time away to rejuvenate. There is something so peaceful about a stroll along a body of water and here you will find some of our top picks to add to your bucket list.
Know before you go:
- Plan ahead for the right weather window, early mornings are ideal to avoid the heat.
- Bring snacks and water to stay fueled and hydrated.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles for everyone’s benefit.
Waterfront Hikes around Dallas
White Rock Lake Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 9.2 miles
Trail type: Loop
Trailhead location: 950 Sussex Ave., Dallas
Located right in the heart of northeast Dallas, White Rock Lake offers beautiful landscape, a gentle walking trail and many cultural opportunities.
This multi-use paved path is shared between runners, bicyclists and hikers as it circumnavigates the entirety of the lake. This trail passes through a few parks offering an abundance of picnic spots and places to sit and rest while you absorb the scenery. You could spend an entire day here exploring the area on foot while visiting the White Rock Lake Museum and the Bath House Cultural Center, both of which offer performing and visual arts. You could easily spend an afternoon in the arboretum and botanical gardens. Recreational opportunities also include boating and kayaking.
Bachman Lake Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.1 miles
Trail type: Loop
Trailhead location: Bachman Lake Park Loop Trail, Dallas
If you are an aviation enthusiast, this is the trail for you!
Situated right next to the Dallas Love Field Airport, you can walk and stretch your legs as you explore the lake while admiring the planes above. There is limited shade at this park, so plan for early morning visits or be sure to bring water and sunscreen to keep yourself protected from the afternoon sun.
Along the trail you can find an exercise circuit with 16 stations situated throughout the area. If you’re interested in leveling up your hike to include a strength workout this is the place to go! Stay tuned for a new skate park in the area with construction beginning soon.
Trinity River Audubon Center Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.5 miles
Trail type: Out & back
Trailhead location: 6500 S. Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas
In just 15 minutes you can go from downtown Dallas to this immensely diverse landscape where you can wander from forests to wetlands to grasslands. This is an excellent trail to pair bird watching with your hike.
There are also several ponds with their own unique ecosystems that house a variety of wildlife. Hiking through this nature habitat is like a treasure hunt with diverse plant and animal species around each corner. Before or after your hike you can visit the Trinity River Audubon Center to learn more about this history and future of this precious land. Please note that the trails are home to wildlife that includes poison ivy and venomous snakes, so watch your step and stay on trail!
Campion Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 12.2 miles
Trail type: Out & back
Trailhead location: California Crossing Park, 5198 Riverside Drive, Irving, TX
This scenic trail takes you along six miles of the Elm Fork Trinity River.
Starting in California Crossing you will make your way past various viewpoints and several other community parks. It is a fairly popular trail so expect to share the trail with hikers, runners, or bicyclists. As you follow the bends of the river you are likely to spot a variety of different bird species. The City of Irving and Dallas County are working together to expand this trail and connect it to other trail systems to provide further opportunities. This trail is well marked with signs and mileage distances so you can track your progress down the trail. Plus, it’s right next to our luxury apartments in Las Colinas.
Santa Fe Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.3 miles
Trail type: Point to point
Trailhead location: Santa Fe Trail Corridor Trailhead
Starting at the southern end of White Rock Lake you’ll follow White Rock Creek away from the lake. This waterfront path is perfect for an evening stroll or an early morning hike to get your day started. As the creek narrows you will pull away from the waterfront and follow a nice walking trail
You can start at either end of this trail but we prefer starting at the trailhead on the edge of Deep Ellum and Fair Park. Hop on the Santa Fe Trail and begin your journey towards White Rock Lake. As you travel through the Santa Fe Trail Corridor you will pass a few community parks, including the large sports complex Willis C. Winters Park (formerly Randall Park). By the time you reach Lindsley Park you are just a few short minutes away from the much-awaited waterfront path along White Rock Creek. You will travel along the creek until you reach the southern end of White Rock Lake where you will see the waterfall from the lake entering the creek. Once at the lake you can kick back, enjoy a picnic, and take in the scenic views while listening to the soothing ripples of the water.
Have fun!
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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/jatocreate
Amy has lived most of her life in Washington state and enjoys baking and adventuring with her dog, Ki. Her favorite thing about the Pacific Northwest is the four seasons and the access to mountains and other outdoor activities.
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