Paved

Northaven Trail

Built along an easement for power lines, Northaven Trail is a linear concrete path that makes good use of the byway, as it cuts across North Dallas. The trail crosses many major roads (Hillcrest, Preston, Inwood, Midway, Marsh, Webbchapel), and there are traffic lights for most of the intersections so you can cross safely. Since 2023, with the addition of a new bridge over Central Expressway, users of the trail can now connect to the White Rock Creek Trail, and all its other connections!

Distance

8.4 Miles

Trail Type

Paved

Best Use

Road Biking, Walking, Jogging

Shade

Sunny

Location

North Dallas

Facilities

Benches, water fountains

Parking

See Below

Linear / Loop

Linear

Official Website: Friends of Northaven Trail

Northaven Trail Map – Source: City of Dallas

Crossing across North Dallas, this is one of the newer trails in the Dallas area. Built along an Oncor power easement, it’s a good use of the land, giving a much needed east / west path across the city. Originally the trail extended from 75 to Preston, but recent additions allow travel all the way to Monroe Drive, almost to Harry Hines Blvd. The view of the trail, as seen below, is primarily the concrete path as it winds along the easement under the power lines, with houses along either side. The trail does go through some beautiful neighborhoods, so you can easily explore the surrounding areas if you are curious, and return to the path to continue your journey.

The Northaven trail crosses multiple major roads over the course of it’s 8.4 mile length. Unlike the White Rock Creek Trail which goes under the roads for a continuous ride, you’ll be crossing many busy streets. There are crosswalks with lights, to let you pass safely. The trail also crosses many residential roads. Make sure to follow the rules of the road, and watch out for cars.

The trail is funded and maintained by the Friends of Northaven Trail. There are several spots along the trail to stop and rest, get some water, or even repair a tire. These spots are also landscaped, showing the care that the organization puts into the trail. That work continues as they add native plants and grasses throughout the trail, working with various groups in the city including the Dallas Master Naturalists.

Originally the trail stopped at 75, necessitating navigating some busy side roads to get to the White Rock Creek Trail, but with the addition of the bridge in 2023, it’s a piece of cake. This greatly extends your ride, all the way to downtown and beyond should you choose! There are plans to continue the expansion on the west end, to the Campion Trail in Irving. No timing on that, that I am aware of, but these connections continue to provide safe passage across the city for both those on bikes and foot traffic!

Northaven Trail
The trail follows power lines in the easement
Northaven Trail
The trail crosses many streets, watch for traffic
Northaven Trail: Kiosk
This may be the only ‘shady’ part of the trail
Northaven Trail: Sitting Area
One of several places to rest, water fountains are just out of site of the frame
Northaven Trail: Bridge over Creek
The eastern side has a few creeks to cross
Northaven Trail: The end of the Trail
Not the End of the Line, you can take a left here and follow signs to the bridge
Northaven Bridge

Sign up for DFW Trail Notes!

Stay in the know about new posts and local trail updates - straight to your inbox!

Sign up for DFW Trail Notes!

Stay in the know about new posts and local trail updates - straight to your inbox!

5 2 votes
Article Rating

A long time native of North Texas, I love to hike and mountain bike in my spare time. I’m always looking for some place new to explore, which is why I’m doing this site.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

2 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Carolyn Wisler
Carolyn Wisler
November 17, 2024 1:13 am

Happy to find your site! I’ve been curious about connecting bike paths around DFW and it looks like you’ve done a ton of research! Really appreciate this as I’ve been trying to figure out a way to ride from Grapevine in a big loop through Dallas. I’d been wondering about the Northhaven Trail. Wish there was a better way to connect from Campion in Coppell to Northhaven! Thanks again!

2
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x