North Texas has so much to offer families. Something you might not expect, though, is an abundance of walking and biking trails. Despite being a huge, landlocked metropolitan area, there are tons of beautiful biking trails nearby. Here are the best family-friendly bike trails in the Dallas area.
Bachman Lake Trail
Bachman Lake Trail is a three-and-a-half-mile loop that travels around the perimeter of Bachman Lake. Access the trail from Northwest Highway and Lakefield Boulevard.
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Breckenridge Trail
Breckenridge Trail is a lengthy trail starting in Breckenridge Park, which can be accessed via Brand Road and Renner Road. There are playgrounds, picnic areas, ball fields, and trails throughout. Follow the multi-use trail from Breckinridge Park to Timbers Nature Preserve in Murphy for a scenic, nature ride.
Katy Trail
The Katy Trail is probably the most popular one in Dallas. It offers unique views of the city and excellent people watching for nearly four miles. There are many businesses along the trail offering respite if your family needs it, including a water pitstop for pups and humans at the Katy Trail Ice House.
The Loop
The Loop Dallas is an urban trail connecting north, south, east, and west Dallas in new, exciting ways. It has “looped” 39 miles of existing trails with 11 miles of newly-built trails for a total of 50 miles of walk and bike trails. Bikers will be able to bike from White Rock Lake, around Dallas, along the Trinity, and back! Some trails included in the loop are The Katy Trail, Santa Fe Trail, SoPac Trail, Trinity Forest Trail, and more. Segments of the loop are still under construction.
Northaven Trail
Northaven Trail is a two-and-a-half-mile trail that features a lot of amenities such as bike repair stations and water fountains provided by the city. It was one of the first east-west trails in Dallas. The city has plans to extend it east to connect with White Rock Lake. Access the trailhead off Highway 75 near the Dallas JCC.
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Owens Trail
Owens Trail in Richardson connects Lookout Park to the north and Duck Creek to the south. You can also easily get to Spring Creek Nature Area.
Rawhide Trail
Rawhide Trail in Farmers Branch is a 2.3-mile loop that runs along Rawhide Creek. The trail is easily accessible from many points, and is dotted with playgrounds and rest areas.
Rowlett Creek Greenbelt
Rowlett Creek Greenbelt in Garland offers 15 miles of trails, park pavilions, and picnic tables.
Santa Fe Trail
The Santa Fe Trail is 5.3-mile trail that connects the Prestonwood Trail to downtown Dallas, creating 20 miles of continuous trail. You can access many neighborhoods and restaurants along this trail.
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Spring Creek Nature Area
The Spring Creek Nature Area consists of 100 acres of hardwood forest with trails throughout. Pro tip: Park at Foxboro Park where there is a playground and restrooms, then follow the trail under Plano Road to access the nature area. My kids especially like taking this “secret path” under the road.
White Rock Creek/Lake Trail
White Rock Trail offers a total of 17.1 miles and is one of the most popular in Dallas. The northern entrance at Hillcrest/Valley View offers parking, water fountains, restrooms, and picnic areas.
With trails abounding and access available from several neighborhoods throughout Dallas, there is sure to be a bike trail near you. The best family-friendly bike trails in Dallas are waiting for you and your family to explore.
For additional trails, and those for more serious bikers, see this list compiled by Bike Mart.
