DFW Hiking: Lake Grapevine Spotlight

Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Lake Grapevine is home to some of the most scenic hiking in North Texas. The combination of sweeping lake views, rugged rocky terrain, and the area’s signature reddish soil makes this a unique place to experience nature. With trails that hug the shoreline and climb into wooded bluffs, Lake Grapevine offers some of the best hiking spots in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex

With miles of shoreline and trails, Lake Grapevine’s trails offer so many great experiences. Whether you prefer hiking or mountain biking, paddling a kayak or exploring on horseback, Lake Grapevine offers countless ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Here’s a list of the top spots to explore!

1.) North Shore Trail

Considered by many to be the premiere mountain biking trail in the area, this DORBA maintained trail has over 22 miles of single track along the shores of Lake Grapevine. Lots of elevation and descents here, and lake views. The eastern side is easier than the western side, but plenty of adventure to be had here for bikers and hikers alike! If you go on foot, please watch out for bikers, and step out of the way when they approach!

Note: You can park at Twin Falls Park, Murell Park, or Rockledge Park, however you will have to pay to enter Rockledge Park.

2.) Knob Hills Trail

Another popular and beautiful DORBA trail, Knob Hills is on the northwest corner of Lake Grapevine. Composed of six loops, this ten mile (one way) trail offers both forested and sunny areas to explore. Really is a beautiful area, with a lot of hilly sections and some very amusing signs to help guide the way!

3.) Cross Timbers Trail

Located on the Northwest side of the Lake, Cross Timbers Trail is an equestrian trail, maintained by the Cross Timers Equestrian Trail Association. Cross Timbers also has connections to the DORBA Knob Hills Trail, in fact we wandered onto it by mistake while exploring Cross Timbers. Make sure to watch for the signs, especially if you are on horseback, as bikes and horses are not a good mix! This is a 3.5 mile linear trail, and on our visit found some difficulty following it in sections.

4.) Rocky Point

Also maintained by the Cross Timbers Equestrian Trail Association, this trail starts in a residential area but quickly leaves that behind for a remote feeling forested walk that eventually takes you to the lake. I will advise hikers to use an app like MapMyFitness on the trail, as I got lost trying to get back to my vehicle, as there were a few off-shoots to the trail, which made my return difficult.

5.) Bob Jones Nature Center

Another beautiful spot to walk along the shores of the Lake, with incredible views, the Bob Jones Nature Center / Walnut Grove Trails (also maintained by Cross Timbers Equestrian Trail Association) is a must visit spot. There are some forest trails near the actual Bob Jones Center, but the really beautiful views lakeside are why you’ll want to come again and again. This also doubles as an equestrian trail, and I’ve ran into a few groups on horseback while exploring. Definitely one to check out, if you haven’t been here before!

6.) Horseshoe Trail

While I have been out here before, I’ve not written an article about it. It’s been some time, but Horseshoe Trail is another DORBA maintained mountain bike trail. This one is a bit different though, as a paved trail consists of the ‘spine’, from where you’ll enter the dirt trails, and then return. Multiple entrances and exists for the various loops as you work your way down the paved trail. I do remember when I was out there I did the same loop a few times, not realizing I kept entering the same way each time.

7.) Trophy Club Park

Over 7 miles of trails await at Trophy Club Park, on the Southwest side of Lake Grapevine. While there is an entrance fee to use the park, the area is beautiful and there is a lot to see. The park also hosts an ATV trail. Make sure not to walk on that one by mistake!

Summary

Lake Grapevine really is one of the best spots in the area for outdoor enjoyment! So many trails to pick from, whether you want to explore on foot, bike or horseback, there is something for everyone here. And that’s not even including getting out on the water!