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The great outdoors: Where to hike and bike in Dallas and beyond
CATEGORY: City Life

5756 Riverside Dr.
Irving, TX 75038

The Campion Trail Network is more biker- than hiker-friendly, because its best paths are 12 feet wide and cemented. It’s not exactly the most adventurous route to tackle on foot, but it’s well maintained and stretches for 22 miles from Irving to nearly 635. For now, only 5.3 miles of trails are open to the public. Restroom and water facilities range from extremely limited to nonexistent, depending on the trail, so plan accordingly. 

Katy Trail Map It
3505 Maple Ave.
214-303-1180
Katy Trail in Dallas

Stretching 3.5 miles from American Airlines Center to the edge of SMU, the Katy Trail is a popular, paved hike-and-bike path in the heart of Dallas. In the spring, the trail hosts a well-attended 5K. The Katy Trail is beloved by all age groups and attracts everyone from families to hardcore runners. It’s also the only trail on our list that has its own ice house

6501 Royal Ln.
Dallas, TX 75230

The Northaven Trail is one of the newest additions to the Dallas hike-and-bike scene. Paved and 12 feet wide, it is both a commuter trail and a recreational one. It runs along the Oncor easement in North Dallas between Northaven Road and Royal Lane. The master plan extends the trail all the way from North Central Expressway to Denton Drive. 

100 PW 4137
Pilot Point, TX 76258

With more than 13 miles worth of trails, the Isle du Bois Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park is a great place to bike or hike. The unpaved trails are a nature lover's dream and offer great lake views. As the trail system is part of a state park, all users must pay a fee of $5 per person, per day. Horse riding is also allowed on the trails, and hikers and bikers should yield to equine traffic.  

1000 Hunter Ferrell Rd. W.
Irving, TX 75060

The Trinity River Mountain Creek Preserve is a 4-mile, hard-surface trail in South Irving. It was one of the first preserves in Dallas County and offers parking, a picnic area with public grills, and a playground. Hiking and biking are encouraged, but motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trail. 

Cedar Ridge Preserve Map It
7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy.
972-293-5150
Cedar Ridge Preserve

The only equipment allowed at Cedar Ridge Preserve are your own two legs. But that's okay. With 600 acres, 10 miles of trails, butterfly gardens and picnic areas, there is plenty to keep you entertained. Run by Audubon Dallas since 2003, Cedar Ridge Preserve is about 20 miles outside of Dallas and offers an elevation of 755 feet. The preserve is not meant for large groups, but its picnic areas are family-friendly and clean. 

Trinity River Audubon Center Map It
6500 Great Trinity Forest Blvd.
214-398-8722
Trinity River Audubon Center in Dallas

Located just 20 minutes south of downtown Dallas, the Trinity River Audubon Center has plenty of flora and fauna to keep your trip interesting. Trails wander through the wetlands, prairie and forest. The scenic overlook trail, as the name suggests, is the one with the best view. Biking is not allowed on the trails, which are strictly for hiking. 

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