Top Hiking Trails in Fort Worth: Explore Tarrant County’s Nature

While Fort Worth is well known for its extensive Trinity Trails paved trail system, there are lots of fantastic hiking trails in and around the Fort Worth area. For purposes of this guide, I am including trails that are in Tarrant County vs solely in Forth Worth city boundaries. I’m also only including hiking trails, vs paved trails and mountain bike trails. Nothing against those kinds of trails, this guide is just more about the best trails to hit up on foot.

Let’s get to the trails!

Should come as no surprise that this place tops the list for best spots to hike in Fort Worth. Spread across the banks of Lake Worth, there are over 20 miles of trails to explore here. Some are flat and go along the water, others are more rugged along the rocky ridge above the lake. If you want to get out on the water, there are multiple spots along the lake to set off and paddle, or just watch safely from the shore or on the boardwalks. There’s something here for everyone, including a herd of bison!

One of my other favorite spots to visit in Fort Worth are the Eagle Mountain Park trails! While there may only be five miles of trails here, you will be backtracking on them so your total distance hiked will be higher, so be warned! This is a rugged spot with many views of Eagle Lake either from lakeside or on the hills above. I’ve always encountered deer and other wildlife here, so a good spot for photography if that’s your thing.

Just south of I-30 to the east of downtown, you’ll find this natural area with gorgeous wildflowers. I’d suggest going in spring or early summer to get the best views, but it’s a magical place when all the flowers are in bloom. Stay on the trails here, don’t mess up the views for others, and don’t forget to bring a camera!

I said I would only be picking hiking trails, but this is a bit of an exception. Marion Sansom Park is home to one of the few waterfalls in the area, so it’s not to be missed. From the parking lot you’ll head down a steep incline towards the river’s edge, so you can go down a rather steep path (hiking only) or down the looping less steep mountain bike trail. Either way, the views of the waterfall are pretty, and I’ve often encountered birds, especially egrets, down in the river above the falls.

I try to always include places I’ve been in these guides, to make sure I’m steering you in the right direction, but I have not been here yet. The link above takes you to a page detailing the hiking trails at the lake. There is a 1.7 trail at Holiday Park, and a 1.5 mile trail at the dam. In addition to the hiking trails, there is also an extensive equestrian trail at Benbrook, with 14 miles of trails at the lake and additional 10 miles beyond that in the Rocky Creek Area. When I’m able to get out there, I’ll post a review and update this section!

Another spot I’ve not been to yet, but plan to in 2026! Formerly known as Southwest Nature Preserve, this nature spot in Arlington off I-20 was highlighted in Amy Martin’s Wild DFW book. This 59 acre nature preserve has over 2 miles of trails, so perfect for kids or people who just want a smaller adventure. You can fish in the ponds (catch and release, license required), do some nature watching, or hang out at the picnic tables. Once I get out there, I’ll revise this with more hands on information!

Anything else that you think I am missing? Let me know in the comments!