Bachman Lake

Review: Bachman Lake, located just north of Love Field, offers local residents a much needed park space for recreation. The park has been recently renovated with new fitness equipment and a repacked trail. There are plenty of water fowl and rowers on the lake to watch, not to mention planes flying right over your head!  If you do visit, make sure to check out the Greenbelt Trail on the far east side, on the other side of Lemmon Avenue.

Distance: 3.1 mile loop trail around the lake

Area of Town: Northwest Dallas

Facilities: Portable Toilets / A water fountain or two / Newly installed fitness equipment

Suitable for: Walking / Jogging / Biking

Type of Trail: Mainly blacktop, some concrete

Shade: Some shade, but limited. This path is mainly exposed to the Sun

Where to Park: There are many options here. I prefer to park near the Rowing Club (2827 Shorecrest Drive). You can also enter from the north side off of Northwest Highway for additional parking. Also, many people park on the side of Shorecrest against the lake, as the road is wide.

Official Site: Bachman Lake

Nearby Trails: Bachman Greenbelt Trail,  Brookhaven / Vitruvian Park, Northaven Trail, Katy Trail

Bachman Lake is located in Northwest Dallas just north of Love Field airport. There are two main ways to access it, either off Northwest Highway itself (on the north side of the lake), or you can take the Shorecrest light off Marsh on the south side of the lake, and head in that way. I prefer the Shorecrest exit as there is less traffic, and you can park at the Rowing Club, which is located towards the western edge near the Bachman water treatment plant.

The lake itself has seen quite a bit of renovation lately, as fitness equipment was recently installed on the south side of the trail, and much of the trail has been repaved and fixed. The addition was needed, as before parts of the trail were crumbling and difficult to navigate.

(Note: Currently there is quite a bit of construction through 2025 to further improve the park. Access from Shorecrest off Lemon is closed, as the city adds a link from the new Lemon Avenue Trail, to cross into the park. You can still access this side by taking Webbchapel Extension, off NW Highway. Also the dam construction is ongoing until Winter 2025/2026, so there is a diversion at the west end of the trail to bypass that).

The lake is used by families, especially on the northern side where a pavilion and a playground can be found. The lake also has a Rowing Club based here, on the southwest side, so you’ll likely see rowers going back and forth on the lake. Herons, ducks, and other water fowl also make this lake their home, and I’ve even seen what I thought was a nutria swimming out into the lake. Snakes are also present, and turtles can be seen swimming in the water. Many locals come here to fish, whether on a kayak or just on the sides of the trails.

The trail itself is relatively flat, and goes in a long oblong circle around the lake. The southern side is where you’ll find fitness equipment, spots to watch the planes take off and land, and the rowing club. You’ll often spot rowers on the lake, and it’s always been something that I’ve wanted to do. You can join the Bachman Rowing club and take lessons, should you desire.

On the western edge lies the dam, which as you cross over gives you a nice view across the lake, where you can make out the new developments to the east of Marsh. As you continue across the northern side of the lake, you’ll pass by a playground, as well as a pavilion.   The east side of the trail diverges, where you can cross via a bridge to the south side of the lake, or continue under Marsh Lane to the Bachman creek area, where you will find the Greenbelt. The Greenbelt Trail has been recently renovated, and I highly recommend checking it out!

Most of Bachman Lake is exposed to the sun. There are some areas that are shaded under trees, but for the most part you’ll be in full sun. Make sure to bring plenty of water, especially during the summer months, since the water fountains on the south side don’t always work (and the water can taste bad).

There are so many opportunities for photographs here. From taking beautiful shots at Golden Hour as the sun sets, to snapping photos of planes landing or leaving Love Field, to the inhabitants of the lake. Many birds winter here, so ducks, cormorants, egrets and even some years pelicans will call Bachman Lake home.

It’s the White Rock Lake of the West side of Dallas. Where else can you find planes and nature in one spot!