Top Hiking spots in and around Denton

Denton County offers some of the best hiking trails in North Texas, from Ray Roberts Lake State Park, to several amazing trails along Lake Grapevine, to the beauty of Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center. If you live in Dallas or Fort Worth and haven’t explored all there is to see in Denton, what are you waiting for? This list will be your guide to the best Denton hiking trails worth your time to enjoy and explore!

Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Area (LLELA)

LLELA is a premier nature preserve in Denton County, offering over 13 miles of trails through diverse habitats, including wetlands, prairies, and woodlands. Located along the shores of Lewisville Lake, the trails provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including birds, turtles, and other local fauna. Most trails are flat and well-maintained, with boardwalks and observation areas that showcase the wetlands. With its mix of open prairie, shaded forest, and the awesome spillway, LLELA is a peaceful and scenic escape for hikers of all levels.

North Shore Trail

While primarily maintained for mountain biking by DORBA, the North Shore Trail at Lake Grapevine is also excellent for hikers, just be aware of fast-moving bikes. This 22-mile trail follows the shores of Lake Grapevine, weaving through forested sections and offering plenty of scenic lake views. Hikers are encouraged to go counterclockwise and give bikers the right of way for safety. Unlike many mountain bike trails that constantly twist and loop, North Shore offers long, flowing stretches, making it a scenic and enjoyable experience whether you’re on foot or two wheels.

Knob Hills

Another DORBA-maintained trail, Knob Hills is also well-suited for hikers. Located along Lake Grapevine, this 9.6-mile trail follows Denton Creek and gives a true sense of being out in the wild, just keep an eye out for passing bikers. The trail passes through open prairie patches and beautiful forested areas, with frequent humorous signs marking your location along the way. With its mix of forest, prairie, and creekside views, Knob Hills is a peaceful spot to escape and enjoy nature.

Bob Jones Nature Center

Located along Lake Grapevine, the Center has over 20 miles of trails to explore. The official parking location has a nature center with a few well maintained nature trails and a pavilion, but beyond those trails lies an expansive equestrian trail network that follow the lake’s shore and into the surrounding woods. Watch where you step, even if you don’t see any horses, you will see evidence of their passing! With expansive views of the lake and a lot of ground to explore, you can easily spend a day here and enjoy the scenery!

Clear Creek Nature Heritage Center

The Clear Creek Natural Heritage Preserve contains 2,900 acres of forest, prairie and wetland to explore. Located in Denton, it lies at the confluence of Clear Creek and the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. The preserve features ten miles of trails that take advantage of the varied terrain, including views of the confluence, and a wetland area home to abundant wildlife. Because the trails lie in a flood-lane, it’s a good idea to check the center’s Instagram page to check if any of the trails are closed.

Lake Ray Roberts State Park

(photo from State Parks website)

Lake Ray Roberts State Park offers miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails across its three main units: Jordan Branch, Isle du Bois, and Johnson Branch. Isle du Bois is popular for its challenging DORBA mountain bike trail system, but it also has additional hiking and multi-use trails, making it a versatile spot for all users. Jordan Branch, home to the lodge, connects to Isle du Bois via the Redbud Run and Rocky Spur trails, providing easy access between the units. Johnson Branch features both the 2.6 mile Dogwood Canyon Trail and a DORBA mountain bike trail system, that explore the western edge of the park. Together, the units offer over 30 miles of trails, accommodating a range of activities and adventures from short hikes to full-day exploration.

Ray Roberts Greenbelt Trail

Extending from the Isle du Bois Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park, the Ray Roberts Greenbelt Trail is a long, linear gravel route stretching up to 10 miles for hikers (or approximately 12 miles for equestrians). The trail runs south from the lake along the Trinity River toward Lake Lewisville. Currently, the southern portion of the trail beyond the FM 428 trailhead is closed due to flood damage and erosion. The open and accessible section runs from the FM 455 trailhead near the dam down to FM 428, with direct connections into the Isle du Bois Unit of the state park. Popular with joggers and cyclists, the Greenbelt Trail offers a scenic, mostly sunny experience with a few notable features along the way, including an old bridge and views of the spillway.

Colony Shoreline Trail

The second of three gravel trails in this guide, the Colony Shoreline Trail stretches about 3.5 miles one way, with the option to add roughly another mile by incorporating the Stewart Creek connection, for a total of nearly 9 miles out and back. Portions of the trail feel pleasantly remote, with open lake views and native scrub vegetation, while the northern section passes through a residential area but continues along the lake’s edge. The surface is best suited for hiking or a gravel or mountain bike; the loose gravel makes it unsuitable for road bikes.

Tribute Shoreline Trail

Another gravel option, the Tribute Shoreline Trail is a 2.5-mile path (5 miles out and back) that extends past a golf course, so keep an eye out for golf carts, before reaching a scenic peninsula with wide lake views and even a glimpse of the dam bordering LLELA. Informational kiosks and benches add interest along the way, and the shorter distance makes this trail a great choice for families, kids, or anyone looking for a more relaxed outing. The same warning applies here for road bikes, but I did see people biking here on mountain bikes when I visited.

Elm Fork and Pilot Knoll – Lake Lewisville

Located at the northwest corner of Lake Lewisville, the Elm Fork and Pilot Knoll trails meet at the picturesque—and reportedly haunted—Old Alton Bridge in Denton. From there, the Pilot Knoll Trail extends south for approximately 8 miles, while the Elm Fork Trail runs east along the lakeshore for about 4.6 miles. These are equestrian and hiking trails, so expect occasional manure and remember that horses always have the right of way. Both trails are out-and-back hikes, and their length means it’s best to turn around about halfway to match your desired total distance. Shaded by trees and built within the lake’s floodplain, these trails are scenic but can become muddy or impassable after heavy rains.