Trail Running! It’s a sure-fire way to get your fitness up whilst taking in the most impressive sights your city or natural environment has to offer.
All you need is a pair of running shoes, and an open trail to get started! If you live in an urban environment, trail runs are a sure-fire way to get yourself fit and healthy without having to spend hours on end at the gym.
If you’re looking for something more challenging, there are plenty of trails around that will take you through some stunning scenery.
Whether it be the rolling hills of North Texas, the rugged mountains of West Virginia, or the lush forests of Maine, there’s always somewhere new to explore.
You’ll find everything from 10k races to half marathons all over the country – but what about cities? What about Dallas, Texas, to be precise?
So you’re looking for the best trail runs in and around Dallas, Texas! If this sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right article. We’re going to take you through a guide of everything you’ll need to know to get started.
Below is a list of the 12 best places to trail run in Texas, along with an explanation of what trail running is, and a short FAQ section to answer any questions you might have leftover.
What Is Trail Running?
Trail running is a sport that combines running and hiking into one activity. This means that runners do not need to carry their gear but instead use a backpack or rucksack to store their belongings while they hike.
The main benefit of this is that hikers can enjoy the scenic views and wildlife as well as the exercise.
The two main types of trail running are road running and mountain running. Road running involves running along paved paths, roads, and highways.
Mountain running takes place on unpaved trails and is usually done in mountainous regions.
There are also many other variations of trail running including multi-terrain running, which incorporates both road running and mountain running into one event.
12 Best Trail Runs In Dallas
White Rock Lake
First off, we have a series of trails around the white rock lake.
These include the White Rock Lake Loop, the White Rock Lake South Shore Loop, the White Rock Lakeshore Loop, the White Rock Creek Loop, the White Rock East Loop, the White Rock West Loop, the White Rock North Loop, the White Rock South Loop and the White Rock West Loop.
These loops are perfect for beginners who are just getting used to trail running.
Lake Grapevine State Park
Another popular area for trail running is Lake Grapevine, State Park. This park offers several different loops that range from 3 miles to 12 miles long.
They’re ideal for those wanting to run further distances than 5km.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
This beautiful garden is located right next to downtown Fort Worth and provides a fantastic view of the surrounding areas. Runners can choose between three different loop options here: the 1 mile, 2 mile, and 4-mile loops.
Oak Point Nature Center
This nature center is located about 30 minutes outside of Dallas and is home to a variety of trails. These include the 1.5 mile, 3 mile, and 6-mile loops.
Cedar Hill
Cedar Hill is a small town located 20 minutes north of Dallas. Here you can visit the Cedar Hill Nature Preserve which is home to a variety of trails ranging from 0.25 miles to 7 miles long.
Lake Ray Hubbard
This lake is located about 40 minutes south of Dallas. It’s surrounded by beautiful forested land and is home to several trails that span a wide variety of different difficulties.
If you’re looking for some choice in your trail runs, check out Lake Ray Hubbard today!
Katy Trail
This is a great trail if you’re looking for a shorter distance to cover. Katy trail is 2.4 miles long and is suitable for anyone wanting to get their feet wet with trail running.
Buckner Boulevard
Buckner Blvd is a busy street in Dallas so it may seem like a strange choice for a trail run but it makes perfect sense. With lots of traffic and no shade, this route is ideal for those who want to avoid the heat of summer.
Buckner Trail
This is a 6.2-mile loop that starts at the intersection of Buckner Blvd and I-30. It’s a relatively flat route that runs through some woodland areas and past several parks.
Lone Star Trail
Lone Star Trail is a large network of trails that span across the state of Texas. You’ll find them throughout cities such as Austin, San Antonio, and Houston.
The Lone Star Trail has over 300 miles of trails and is suitable for runners of all abilities.
Hike/Bike Trail
This is an 8.1-mile trail that connects two major parks in Dallas. It begins at Samuell Park and travels through the historic district before ending up at Fair Park.
Trinity River Greenbelt
This is a very scenic trail that follows the banks of the Trinity River. There are many places to stop along the way where you can take breaks or grab something to eat.
The greenbelt is also very easy on the legs and is suitable for people of any ability level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get your last-minute running trail queries answered below!
What Shoes Should I Wear For Paved Trails?
You don’t need special shoes for paved trails. However, they do tend to be more slippery than dirt trails so make sure to choose low profile shoes such as Vibrams or Nike Free Run 3s.
How Far Does It Usually Take Me To Complete A Trail Race?
This depends on the type of race you are doing. A marathon typically takes between 4 and 6 hours to finish depending on how fast you go. Half marathons and full marathons generally take around 2 hours to complete. For ultra races, it can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours.
Where Can I Buy Trail Running Gear?
Trail Running Gear can be purchased online or at local sporting goods stores. Please note that most companies offer free shipping if you spend $100 or more.
Do I Need To Bring Anything Special With Me While Running Trails?
Yes, you will need water. Bring plenty because you won’t always be able to refill your bottles along the way. Also, bring snacks and energy bars since you won’t see much food along the way.
Is It Safe To Run Trails During The Winter Months?
It is absolutely fine to run trails during the cold winter months. Just make sure to dress appropriately and carry extra layers of clothing.
If I’m Not Comfortable Running On Pavement, What Should I Do Instead?
Trail running is a fantastic alternative to road running. Not only does it allow you to enjoy nature without worrying about cars, but it also allows you to get into shape faster.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! We hope that you found these 12 trails useful and will use them when planning your next trail run. If you still have some questions, please check out our short FAQ below! We hope that your next trail run is a great experience! Good luck!
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