Top Hiking Trails Near Dallas for Nature Lovers

If you are looking to find some of the best hiking in and around Dallas, you’ve come to the right spot. For this guide, I’m focusing on hiking opportunities in Dallas County, as opposed to just being in the city limits of Dallas. I’m also leaving out any paved trails or mountain bike trails, focusing really on places you can safely get out and explore on foot and in nature.

(The reason mountain bike trails aren’t always great to hike on, is because they tend to make as much use of the space as possible for mileage, so the trails often wind around and back around themselves, which is great if you are on a bike, not so much on foot. So that’s why I’ve left them out.)

On to the trails!

Cedar Ridge Preserve

When you ask someone in Dallas where’s a good place to hike, chances are this is the first place that you’ll hear mentioned. Cedar Ridge Preserve feels a world away from the normal hustle and bustle of Dallas, perched atop the escarpment in Cedar Hill. This beautiful 600-acre natural preserve, maintained by Audubon Dallas, offers 9 miles of looping trails ranging from easy to challenging (for Dallas, keep your expectations reasonable) . You’ll find elevation changes, wooded paths, stunning views of Joe Pool Lake, and a chance to spot diverse wildlife and plants. While the parking lot can get busy, the preserve’s expansive size means you can still find plenty of quiet on the trails themselves.

Cedar Hill State Park

A true cornerstone of outdoor recreation in North Texas, Cedar Hill State Park sits on the eastern shore of Joe Pool Lake. This sprawling park offers a wide array of activities beyond just trails, but its trail system is definitely a highlight. My linked review focuses on the DORBA mountain bike trails (and the shorter one isn’t a bad one to hike), but since this article is focused on hiking trails, keep in mind that there are some dedicated hiking trails (Talala, Plum Valley, Duck Pond) at the park though to explore. There is also a historic farmstead that the kids may enjoy. That’s not even counting exploring the shores of Joe Pool Lake, for relaxing, paddling fishing or swimming. You can easily spend a day here exploring all it has to offer.

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center

Another great hiking spot in Cedar Hill, the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center offers a unique glimpse into the diverse ecosystems of North Texas. What makes this spot special is its distinct geological features and the namesake flowering dogwood trees that put on a spectacular show in the spring. The center features several miles of trails, including an accessible paved trail that winds through the canyon, and more rugged natural surface trails that ascend to provide panoramic views. It’s a fantastic spot for birdwatching and connecting with nature, offering both an easy stroll for families and some more interesting hikes with some elevation changes for those wanting a bit more of a challenge. Don’t forget to check out Cedar Mountain Preserve when you visit, located just next door.

Trinity River Audubon Center

While hiking and biking the trails in North Texas can be fun on their own, we have quite a few nature centers that can combine exploration with education. Trinity River Audubon Center is located in the Great Trinity Forest, along the Trinity River. The site of a previous dumping ground, the center is now a beautiful spot to watch birds, explore wetlands, and learn about the importance and benefits of the wetlands. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and the Center itself is a beautiful structure, designed to reduce its environmental impact. Please visit and explore the grounds, but don’t forget to also explore the Center and learn more about the area and its importance to our local ecology!

Texas Buckeye Trail

Located near Bonton Farms in South Dallas, the Texas Buckeye trail is a newer volunteer created trail that is taking shape through the beautiful Trinity Forest. The trail distance is a work in progress as they are still building, but it’s a gorgeous spot to feel away from it all. When I was out there a few years ago in 2023, it was about 3 miles of trails. Once I get out there again I’ll update with the latest. Make sure to take time to check out Bonton Farms if you can, including grabbing a meal. You won’t regret it!

Oak Cliff Nature Preserve (OCNP)

(Photo Credit: Texas Land Conservancy

While this is a DORBA mountain bike trail, it’s not as windy as some of them can be, making it a decent place to hike. As always, when hiking on a mountain bike trail please hike in the opposite direction of the bikes, and step off the trail when you see one approaching. OCNP is a lovely 121 acre preserve with over 8 miles of trails . I have gotten confused there in the past, on my bike, so it can be confusing, but it’s not so big that if you do get turned around, you will get lost. The area has forested spots, a meadow, and a creek to explore.

Bachman Greenbelt

Bachman Lake is pretty well known, but have you heard about the Bachman Greenbelt? It’s a little slice of nature in NW Dallas, that is less well known and a bit hidden unless you know where to look. Located just behind the Embassy Suites off Northwest Highway near Lemon, you’ll find a one mile loop trail through a forested area and a meadow. The creek view offers turtle sightings, as well as egrets, ducks and other water fowl depending on the season.

Frasier Dam Recreation Area

Not far from the Bachman area, the Frasier Dam Recreation Area is the handiwork of Greenspace Dallas. They’ve done a great job reclaiming land that had been used as a dump, transforming it into a beautiful nature spot to visit. Located along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River, this spot offers water views, trails, and an impressive dam. Check it out, but make sure you know how to get here, it’s easy to miss the entrance and wind up on I-35 by mistake.

So what are you waiting for? Lace up your shoes and get out and explore some of the beautiful nature that Dallas has on offer!