The Best Dog-Friendly Trails in Dallas–Fort Worth (Local Guide)

Hiking with dogs is a lot of fun, both for you and your canine best friend. Dogs love being outside, being with you, and smelling new things. Many of the best nature spots in DFW are dog friendly, but not all are, so here is your guide to the best trails in the area that permit dogs.

This guide is more focused on soft trails in nature preserves and state parks. Most paved trails are city property so dogs are allowed, but city laws also apply (i.e. leash laws). For paved trails, always consider the temperature, as hot concrete can damage naked paws.

For my companion article on hiking with dogs, click here.

North Texas is lucky to have 10 state parks within a 90 minute drive. Rather than list them all out, I’m just linking to this guide within an hour and a half commute. Extend that driving distance and you’ll find even more like Possum Kingdom, Tyler State Park and the new Palo Pinto Mountains State Park. From the tree lined shores of Lake Tawakoni State Park to the more scrubby Fort Richardson State Park, you’ll find a lot of variety exploring here.

Texas State Parks allow dogs to be brought into their parks, if you follow specific rules. Your dog must be leashed (six foot max), in a car, or in a crate at all times, and not left unattended. So just follow these simple rules and you and your dog are primed for a fun adventure.

Cedar Ridge Preserve is definitely the most popular spot in Dallas for hiking. While it is managed by the Dallas Audubon group, this is a city property and dogs are allowed if leashed. They also warn not to let your dog swim in the pond, as there is no flowing water. You don’t want your dog to get sick.

With over 9 miles of trails, this is a big area, so make sure to bring water and consider if your dog can go the distance, especially on a hot day or up some of the hills.

With over 20 miles of trails, Fort Worth Nature Center offers a lot of adventure for you and your dog to enjoy. The standard rules apply here, keep your dog leashed, no more than six foot leash, and pick up any waste. There are a lot of different kinds of trails here, from the forested Crosstmbers trail, to the open Prairie Trail, to the rocky and higher exertion Canyon Ridge Trail (also be aware of the broken glass around the CCC structure at top of the ridge). The other thing to keep in mind is the local wildlife. Beyond the local herd of bison, alligators can be found by the lake’s edge, so just keep an awareness of what’s around you.

Located in Plano near Central Expressway and Plano, this 72 acre meadow is less about trails and more about exploring a wide natural space. There are three miles of trails here, and a lot of open views. Dogs are permitted but must be on a leash at all times, especially as conservation work is going on to reestablish ground nesting birds.

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is on the other side of Plano, just off Parker and Tollway. There are nine miles of trails here (3 mountain bike, 3 paved and 3 natural surface). I’d avoid the mountain bike trail, and stick to paved or natural for your visit. Dogs must be leashed, and this is a great place for your dog to enjoy the smells of the forest or explore the multiple areas where creek access exists. Just watch out for snakes!

Located just south of I-20 in Arlington, this nature preserve has just over 1 mile of trails (it does feel bigger though), and lots of various terrain to enjoy. Dogs are allowed but must remain on a leash, so no swimming in the ponds for Fido here.

Such a beautiful spot in Garland, just off 190. The tall majestic trees are some of the oldest and tallest in the area. There are multiple spots to access the trails, and a mix of paved and soft surface trails. While I’ve often seen dogs in the creek off leash, enjoying the cool and clear water down there, the city of Garland has strict leash requirements and they are enforced. Plus the creek can be as much as 40 feet down from overlooks, so keep your dogs leashed and safe.

Tandy Hills Natural Area is a gorgeous wildflower lover’s paradise! If you visit in the spring, expect crowds as people flock to the area to see the blooms. Dogs must be leashed here, and all visitors must stay on the paths, to keep the wildflowers from being trampled so everyone can enjoy them. Please visit responsibly.

Just east of Bachman Lake, is the Bachman Greenbelt. A lot is changing at the greenbelt, as the invasive privet is being removed, with a long range plan to restore native plants for wildlife habitat. There is a one mile trail through the area, including the meadow on the eastern side. As in all Dallas parks, leashes are required for dogs, but not all visitors follow that rule. The greenbelt in the past had visibility issues with the privet, but since the privet has been removed in most areas, there is much more visibility across the space and better views of the creek. Just be mindful of the restoration areas and keep out of any roped off sections.

This suggestion is not like the others, as White Rock Lake is primarily known for its paved trail that are heavily used by walkers, runners and bikers. There are lots of dogs out there too, especially off the trail as people lounge around the. lake and enjoy a beautiful day. Not to repeat myself, but keeping your dog leashed here is important due to the wildlife in the area, particularly waterfowl like ducks and geese. I primarily picked White Rock Lake due to the dog park on the Northwest side (pictured above from the bridge). Here your dog can run around with other dogs and splash in the water off leash to their heart’s content.

Not all parks or preserves do allow dogs. The list below is not comprehensive by any means, so when in doubt please contact the official websites for parks if you aren’t sure.

• Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA)
• Eagle Mountain Park
• Trinity River Audubon Center
• Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center

In summary, there are a lot of places you and your dog can get out and enjoy some nature together! When in doubt, always check the websites to see if dogs are permitted, and of course take all the necessary precautions when heading out (water, time of day, leash) to ensure that you and your dog have a good and safe outing.