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| Meta Title | The Best Hiking Trails Near Dallas, TX: The 8 Best Parks near DFW |
| Meta Description | Did you know there were great hiking trails near the DFW area? Learn about the best hiking trails near Dallas! |
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| Boilerpipe Text | If you're wanting to escape the DFW urban jungle and enjoy miles of trails and gorgeous scenery, you donāt have to go far! Here is a list of some incredible state parks that are perfect for a
day trip from Dallas
or a peaceful weekend spent camping. Reservations are recommended for all.
Wondering if itās worth it to buy a Texas State Park pass? Check out my
Texas State Parks guide
, which details the park pass and includes my personal ranking of all of the Texas state parks I have visited!
Pro Tip:
If youāre new to hiking,
AllTrails
is a great tool to use for navigation, recent trail reviews and more. If you do a lot of hiking, I highly recommend paying for
AllTrails Plus
to access offline maps and the āLifelineā feature, which allows you to send your location to a trusted friend or family member.
Safety:
I highly recommend wearing
hiking shoes with traction
and bringing the ā
10 essentials
ā on any hike. Itās better to be over prepared than underprepared! I also carry the
Garmin InReach Messenger
, which can be used to call for help in an emergency where there is no service.
Leave No Trace:
Please make sure to always leave no trace, no matter what trail youāre on! The principles of leave no trace are:
Pack out all of your trash (including food scraps)
Do not feed or approach wildlife
Travel on durable surfaces (for example - walk through the mud instead of around so not to widen the trail)
Respect those around you (keep your volume down)
Respect the local rules for building fires
Leave what you find (please do not collect rocks or anything else)
8 of the Best Hiking Trails near Dallas
From lakes to hilltop views to rocky ledges, these are my favorite hiking trails near Dallas!
1. Dinosaur Valley State Park
The View from the Overlook Trail
An hour and a half from Dallas
$7 entry without parks pass
Recommended trail on AllTrails:
Limestone Ledge Trail
Explore where the dinosaurs once roamed at
Dinosaur Valley State Park
. During a visit to Dinosaur Valley, you can wwim in the Paluxy River, see real dinosaur tracks, discover secluded mini waterfalls and hike up to views of the Paluxy River Valley. There are several great trails in this park and you can combine several if you have enough time. One that I recommend for a nice overivew of the park is the
Limestone Ledge Trail
(2 miles).
This is my favorite place to hike near Dallas!
2. Lake Mineral Wells
Penitentiary Hollow
An hour and 20 minutes from Dallas
$7 entry without park pass
Recommended trail on AllTrails:
Red Waterfront Trail to Penitentiary Hollow
Lake Mineral Wells State Park
is surrounded by a large lake with amazing rocky scenery. You can go rock climbing at Penitentiary Hollow, hike around the lake, go swimming or explore the water by boat. Don't miss the
Red Waterfront Trail to Penitentiary Hollow
(1.2 miles) for nice waterfront views.
Plus, if you want to try something new,
Rock About
offers beginner rock climbing classes here!
If you are new to hiking, read my
15 best beginner hiker tips
before hitting the trails!
3. Tyler State Park
The Lakeshore Trail
An hour and a half from Dallas
$6 entry without park pass
Recommended trail on AllTrails:
Lakeshore Trail
Tyler State Park
is a popular destination only about hour and a half east of Dallas. It's known for its miles of trails and beautiful forest. You can hike through the pine-hardwood forest, paddle or swim in the spring-fed lake, or camp under the stars in this Piney Wood park. The
2-mile Lakeshore Trail
is a fun trail that goes around the lake!
Want to learn about more things to do near Tyler State Park? Check out
these activites in the Piney Woods
.
4. Daingerfield State Park
Autumn in Daingerfield
2 hours 10 minutes from Dallas
$4 entry without park pass
Recommended trail on AllTrails:
Mountain View Trail
Daingerfield
is a small park but itās very charming. There are two trails in the park totaling 3.6 miles. The
Rustling Leaves trail
goes all around the lake, while the
Mountain View Trail
provides a view from above.
In addition to hiking, you can also swim, paddle and enjoy a picnic on the shore. This park is especially nice to visit in the fall, as you can enjoy fall foliage.
5. Eisenhower State Park
The beach at Eisenhower
1 hour 15 minutes from Dallas
$5 entry without park pass
Recommended trail on AllTrails:
Armadillo Hill and Ike's Hike and Bike Trail
Eisenhower State Park
is north of Dallas and sits right on the border of Oklahoma on Lake Texoma. Hiking trails here follow along the rocky ledges next to the water, providing some awesome views. You can also swim at the beach, go mountain biking or even bring your ATV and enjoy the many ATV trails. After a day of exploring, there are some great restaurants in the nearby town of
Dension
.
6. Cleburne State Park
The Cleburne Spillway
1 hour 10 min from Dallas
$6 entry
Recommended trail on AllTrails:
Fossil Ridge Loop Trail
One of the most iconic parts of
Cleburne State Park
is the impressive CCC-built limestone spillway. Trails will lead you over it, and it's interesting to see how massive it is. It was built in the 1930's. This a great park to visit if you want to get your heart pumping or you're training for something, as the
10-mile perimeter Loop
has almost 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The Fossil Ridge Loop (4.1 miles) is another great option if you're shorter on time.
Along with hiking, you can mountain bike through rocky and wooded terrain or kayak on the peaceful Cedar Lake.
7. Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
The Marsh Boardwalk at the Fort Worth Nature Center
50 minutes from Dallas
$6 entry
Recommended trail on AllTrails:
Canyon Ridge Trail
The Fort Worth Nature Center & Preserve is giant (3,621 acres) and only about 20 minutes outside of Fort Worth. The park offers several miles of trails and also protects wildilfe. It's home to bison range, a prairie dog town and more! Don't miss the
Canyon Ridge trail
for a nice work out and the Marsh boardwalk for the chance to see a variety of beautiful birds.
8. Eagle Mountain Park
Eagle Mountain Lake
45 minutes from Dallas
Free to visit
Recommended trail on AllTrails:
Eagle Mountain Lake Park Trail
Located 20 miles north of Fort Worth, Eagle Mountain Park is a peaceful place to hike along water and through the forest. The park has several miles of trails and a nice amount of elevation gain. During a hike here, you can see several views of the water, enjoy shade from the forest, admire cacti and look for wildlife. It's a clean park with a nice picnic area as well.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the DFW area might have more hiking opportunities than you thought! There are plenty of options to get your blood pumping, see wildlife and enjoy the beauty of nature. I hope this gives you some ideas for your next local trail.
For more Texas outdoor travel guides, check out these blogs:
The Ultimate Texas Nature Bucket List
The Best Hiking in Texas Hill Country
The Best Things To Do at Caddo Lake
A Guide to Visiting Enchanted Rock
An Epic Big Bend and Marfa Road Trip
A Guide to Guadalupe Mountains National Park
The Best Things To Do in Dripping Springs, TX
The Best Things To Do at Garner State Park
The Top Things To Do in the Texas Piney Wooods
A Guide to Visiting Dinosaur Valley State Park
Thanks for Reading!
Let's stay in touch!
Join the Lost with Lydia email list to get monthly travel guides and tips! |
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# The Best Hiking Trails Near Dallas, TX: The 8 Best Parks near DFW
## March 4, 2024
If you're wanting to escape the DFW urban jungle and enjoy miles of trails and gorgeous scenery, you donāt have to go far! Here is a list of some incredible state parks that are perfect for a [day trip from Dallas](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Best-Day-Trips-from-Dallas/) or a peaceful weekend spent camping. Reservations are recommended for all.
Wondering if itās worth it to buy a Texas State Park pass? Check out my [Texas State Parks guide](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Texas-State-Parks-Travel-Guide/), which details the park pass and includes my personal ranking of all of the Texas state parks I have visited\!
> **Pro Tip:** If youāre new to hiking, [AllTrails](https://alltrails.pxf.io/c/5077040/1992696/22353) is a great tool to use for navigation, recent trail reviews and more. If you do a lot of hiking, I highly recommend paying for [AllTrails Plus](https://alltrails.pxf.io/c/5077040/3078095/22353) to access offline maps and the āLifelineā feature, which allows you to send your location to a trusted friend or family member.
>
> **Safety:** I highly recommend wearing [hiking shoes with traction](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/tips/hiking/Ultimate-Day-Hike-Packing-List/#how-to-decide-on-your-hiking-shoes) and bringing the ā[10 essentials](https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm)ā on any hike. Itās better to be over prepared than underprepared! I also carry the [Garmin InReach Messenger](https://rei.pxf.io/qzGkgq), which can be used to call for help in an emergency where there is no service.
>
> **Leave No Trace:** Please make sure to always leave no trace, no matter what trail youāre on! The principles of leave no trace are:
>
> 1. Pack out all of your trash (including food scraps)
> 2. Do not feed or approach wildlife
> 3. Travel on durable surfaces (for example - walk through the mud instead of around so not to widen the trail)
> 4. Respect those around you (keep your volume down)
> 5. Respect the local rules for building fires
> 6. Leave what you find (please do not collect rocks or anything else)
## 8 of the Best Hiking Trails near Dallas
From lakes to hilltop views to rocky ledges, these are my favorite hiking trails near Dallas\!
### 1\. Dinosaur Valley State Park
The View from the Overlook Trail
- An hour and a half from Dallas
- \$7 entry without parks pass
- Recommended trail on AllTrails: [Limestone Ledge Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/rQrOLD)
Explore where the dinosaurs once roamed at [Dinosaur Valley State Park](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/dinosaur-valley-texas/). During a visit to Dinosaur Valley, you can wwim in the Paluxy River, see real dinosaur tracks, discover secluded mini waterfalls and hike up to views of the Paluxy River Valley. There are several great trails in this park and you can combine several if you have enough time. One that I recommend for a nice overivew of the park is the [Limestone Ledge Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/rQrOLD) (2 miles).
This is my favorite place to hike near Dallas\!
### 2\. Lake Mineral Wells
Penitentiary Hollow
- An hour and 20 minutes from Dallas
- \$7 entry without park pass
- Recommended trail on AllTrails: [Red Waterfront Trail to Penitentiary Hollow](https://alltrails.pxf.io/k0EZ93)
[Lake Mineral Wells State Park](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Best-Things-to-do-in-Weatherford-TX/) is surrounded by a large lake with amazing rocky scenery. You can go rock climbing at Penitentiary Hollow, hike around the lake, go swimming or explore the water by boat. Don't miss the [Red Waterfront Trail to Penitentiary Hollow](https://alltrails.pxf.io/k0EZ93) (1.2 miles) for nice waterfront views.
Plus, if you want to try something new, [Rock About](https://rock-about.com/) offers beginner rock climbing classes here\!
**If you are new to hiking, read my [15 best beginner hiker tips](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/tips/hiking/Beginner-Hiker-Tips/) before hitting the trails\!**
### 3\. Tyler State Park
The Lakeshore Trail
- An hour and a half from Dallas
- \$6 entry without park pass
- Recommended trail on AllTrails: [Lakeshore Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/nLxoP9)
[Tyler State Park](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/tyler) is a popular destination only about hour and a half east of Dallas. It's known for its miles of trails and beautiful forest. You can hike through the pine-hardwood forest, paddle or swim in the spring-fed lake, or camp under the stars in this Piney Wood park. The [2-mile Lakeshore Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/nLxoP9) is a fun trail that goes around the lake\!
Want to learn about more things to do near Tyler State Park? Check out [these activites in the Piney Woods](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Things-To-Do-in-the-Texas-Piney-Woods/).
### 4\. Daingerfield State Park
Autumn in Daingerfield
- 2 hours 10 minutes from Dallas
- \$4 entry without park pass
- Recommended trail on AllTrails: [Mountain View Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/eKXgkX)
[Daingerfield](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/daingerfield) is a small park but itās very charming. There are two trails in the park totaling 3.6 miles. The [Rustling Leaves trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/PyE4mN) goes all around the lake, while the [Mountain View Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/eKXgkX) provides a view from above.
In addition to hiking, you can also swim, paddle and enjoy a picnic on the shore. This park is especially nice to visit in the fall, as you can enjoy fall foliage.
### 5\. Eisenhower State Park
The beach at Eisenhower
- 1 hour 15 minutes from Dallas
- \$5 entry without park pass
- Recommended trail on AllTrails: [Armadillo Hill and Ike's Hike and Bike Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/R5qmKR)
[Eisenhower State Park](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Day-Trip-to-Denison/) is north of Dallas and sits right on the border of Oklahoma on Lake Texoma. Hiking trails here follow along the rocky ledges next to the water, providing some awesome views. You can also swim at the beach, go mountain biking or even bring your ATV and enjoy the many ATV trails. After a day of exploring, there are some great restaurants in the nearby town of [Dension](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Day-Trip-to-Denison/).
### 6\. Cleburne State Park
The Cleburne Spillway
- 1 hour 10 min from Dallas
- \$6 entry
- Recommended trail on AllTrails: [Fossil Ridge Loop Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/Kjm4gy)
One of the most iconic parts of [Cleburne State Park](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Things-To-Do-in-Cleburne-State-Park/) is the impressive CCC-built limestone spillway. Trails will lead you over it, and it's interesting to see how massive it is. It was built in the 1930's. This a great park to visit if you want to get your heart pumping or you're training for something, as the [10-mile perimeter Loop](https://alltrails.pxf.io/q49ZVj) has almost 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The Fossil Ridge Loop (4.1 miles) is another great option if you're shorter on time.
Along with hiking, you can mountain bike through rocky and wooded terrain or kayak on the peaceful Cedar Lake.
### 7\. Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
The Marsh Boardwalk at the Fort Worth Nature Center
- 50 minutes from Dallas
- \$6 entry
- Recommended trail on AllTrails: [Canyon Ridge Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/jr0ZVv)
The Fort Worth Nature Center & Preserve is giant (3,621 acres) and only about 20 minutes outside of Fort Worth. The park offers several miles of trails and also protects wildilfe. It's home to bison range, a prairie dog town and more! Don't miss the [Canyon Ridge trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/jr0ZVv) for a nice work out and the Marsh boardwalk for the chance to see a variety of beautiful birds.
### 8\. Eagle Mountain Park
Eagle Mountain Lake
- 45 minutes from Dallas
- Free to visit
- Recommended trail on AllTrails: [Eagle Mountain Lake Park Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/AWOdoN)
Located 20 miles north of Fort Worth, Eagle Mountain Park is a peaceful place to hike along water and through the forest. The park has several miles of trails and a nice amount of elevation gain. During a hike here, you can see several views of the water, enjoy shade from the forest, admire cacti and look for wildlife. It's a clean park with a nice picnic area as well.
## Final Thoughts
As you can see, the DFW area might have more hiking opportunities than you thought! There are plenty of options to get your blood pumping, see wildlife and enjoy the beauty of nature. I hope this gives you some ideas for your next local trail.
**For more Texas outdoor travel guides, check out these blogs:**
- [The Ultimate Texas Nature Bucket List](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Texas-Nature-Bucket-List/)
- [The Best Hiking in Texas Hill Country](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Hiking-in-Texas-Hill-Country/)
- [The Best Things To Do at Caddo Lake](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Best-Things-To-Do-at-Caddo-Lake/)
- [A Guide to Visiting Enchanted Rock](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Visiting-Enchanted-Rock/)
- [An Epic Big Bend and Marfa Road Trip](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Marfa-Big-Bend-Road-trip/)
- [A Guide to Guadalupe Mountains National Park](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Guadalupe-Mountains-Hiking/)
- [The Best Things To Do in Dripping Springs, TX](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Best-Things-To-Do-in-Dripping-Springs-TX/)
- [The Best Things To Do at Garner State Park](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/What-To-Do-in-Garner-State-Park/)
- [The Top Things To Do in the Texas Piney Wooods](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Things-To-Do-in-the-Texas-Piney-Woods/)
- [A Guide to Visiting Dinosaur Valley State Park](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/dinosaur-valley-texas/)
**Thanks for Reading\!**
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| Readable Markdown | If you're wanting to escape the DFW urban jungle and enjoy miles of trails and gorgeous scenery, you donāt have to go far! Here is a list of some incredible state parks that are perfect for a [day trip from Dallas](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Best-Day-Trips-from-Dallas/) or a peaceful weekend spent camping. Reservations are recommended for all.
Wondering if itās worth it to buy a Texas State Park pass? Check out my [Texas State Parks guide](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Texas-State-Parks-Travel-Guide/), which details the park pass and includes my personal ranking of all of the Texas state parks I have visited\!
> **Pro Tip:** If youāre new to hiking, [AllTrails](https://alltrails.pxf.io/c/5077040/1992696/22353) is a great tool to use for navigation, recent trail reviews and more. If you do a lot of hiking, I highly recommend paying for [AllTrails Plus](https://alltrails.pxf.io/c/5077040/3078095/22353) to access offline maps and the āLifelineā feature, which allows you to send your location to a trusted friend or family member.
>
> **Safety:** I highly recommend wearing [hiking shoes with traction](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/tips/hiking/Ultimate-Day-Hike-Packing-List/#how-to-decide-on-your-hiking-shoes) and bringing the ā[10 essentials](https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm)ā on any hike. Itās better to be over prepared than underprepared! I also carry the [Garmin InReach Messenger](https://rei.pxf.io/qzGkgq), which can be used to call for help in an emergency where there is no service.
>
> **Leave No Trace:** Please make sure to always leave no trace, no matter what trail youāre on! The principles of leave no trace are:
>
> 1. Pack out all of your trash (including food scraps)
> 2. Do not feed or approach wildlife
> 3. Travel on durable surfaces (for example - walk through the mud instead of around so not to widen the trail)
> 4. Respect those around you (keep your volume down)
> 5. Respect the local rules for building fires
> 6. Leave what you find (please do not collect rocks or anything else)
## 8 of the Best Hiking Trails near Dallas
From lakes to hilltop views to rocky ledges, these are my favorite hiking trails near Dallas\!
### 1\. Dinosaur Valley State Park
The View from the Overlook Trail
- An hour and a half from Dallas
- \$7 entry without parks pass
- Recommended trail on AllTrails: [Limestone Ledge Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/rQrOLD)
Explore where the dinosaurs once roamed at [Dinosaur Valley State Park](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/dinosaur-valley-texas/). During a visit to Dinosaur Valley, you can wwim in the Paluxy River, see real dinosaur tracks, discover secluded mini waterfalls and hike up to views of the Paluxy River Valley. There are several great trails in this park and you can combine several if you have enough time. One that I recommend for a nice overivew of the park is the [Limestone Ledge Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/rQrOLD) (2 miles).
This is my favorite place to hike near Dallas\!
### 2\. Lake Mineral Wells
Penitentiary Hollow
- An hour and 20 minutes from Dallas
- \$7 entry without park pass
- Recommended trail on AllTrails: [Red Waterfront Trail to Penitentiary Hollow](https://alltrails.pxf.io/k0EZ93)
[Lake Mineral Wells State Park](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Best-Things-to-do-in-Weatherford-TX/) is surrounded by a large lake with amazing rocky scenery. You can go rock climbing at Penitentiary Hollow, hike around the lake, go swimming or explore the water by boat. Don't miss the [Red Waterfront Trail to Penitentiary Hollow](https://alltrails.pxf.io/k0EZ93) (1.2 miles) for nice waterfront views.
Plus, if you want to try something new, [Rock About](https://rock-about.com/) offers beginner rock climbing classes here\!
**If you are new to hiking, read my [15 best beginner hiker tips](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/tips/hiking/Beginner-Hiker-Tips/) before hitting the trails\!**
### 3\. Tyler State Park
The Lakeshore Trail
- An hour and a half from Dallas
- \$6 entry without park pass
- Recommended trail on AllTrails: [Lakeshore Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/nLxoP9)
[Tyler State Park](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/tyler) is a popular destination only about hour and a half east of Dallas. It's known for its miles of trails and beautiful forest. You can hike through the pine-hardwood forest, paddle or swim in the spring-fed lake, or camp under the stars in this Piney Wood park. The [2-mile Lakeshore Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/nLxoP9) is a fun trail that goes around the lake\!
Want to learn about more things to do near Tyler State Park? Check out [these activites in the Piney Woods](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Things-To-Do-in-the-Texas-Piney-Woods/).
### 4\. Daingerfield State Park
Autumn in Daingerfield
- 2 hours 10 minutes from Dallas
- \$4 entry without park pass
- Recommended trail on AllTrails: [Mountain View Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/eKXgkX)
[Daingerfield](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/daingerfield) is a small park but itās very charming. There are two trails in the park totaling 3.6 miles. The [Rustling Leaves trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/PyE4mN) goes all around the lake, while the [Mountain View Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/eKXgkX) provides a view from above.
In addition to hiking, you can also swim, paddle and enjoy a picnic on the shore. This park is especially nice to visit in the fall, as you can enjoy fall foliage.
### 5\. Eisenhower State Park
The beach at Eisenhower
- 1 hour 15 minutes from Dallas
- \$5 entry without park pass
- Recommended trail on AllTrails: [Armadillo Hill and Ike's Hike and Bike Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/R5qmKR)
[Eisenhower State Park](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Day-Trip-to-Denison/) is north of Dallas and sits right on the border of Oklahoma on Lake Texoma. Hiking trails here follow along the rocky ledges next to the water, providing some awesome views. You can also swim at the beach, go mountain biking or even bring your ATV and enjoy the many ATV trails. After a day of exploring, there are some great restaurants in the nearby town of [Dension](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Day-Trip-to-Denison/).
### 6\. Cleburne State Park
The Cleburne Spillway
- 1 hour 10 min from Dallas
- \$6 entry
- Recommended trail on AllTrails: [Fossil Ridge Loop Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/Kjm4gy)
One of the most iconic parts of [Cleburne State Park](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Things-To-Do-in-Cleburne-State-Park/) is the impressive CCC-built limestone spillway. Trails will lead you over it, and it's interesting to see how massive it is. It was built in the 1930's. This a great park to visit if you want to get your heart pumping or you're training for something, as the [10-mile perimeter Loop](https://alltrails.pxf.io/q49ZVj) has almost 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The Fossil Ridge Loop (4.1 miles) is another great option if you're shorter on time.
Along with hiking, you can mountain bike through rocky and wooded terrain or kayak on the peaceful Cedar Lake.
### 7\. Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
The Marsh Boardwalk at the Fort Worth Nature Center
- 50 minutes from Dallas
- \$6 entry
- Recommended trail on AllTrails: [Canyon Ridge Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/jr0ZVv)
The Fort Worth Nature Center & Preserve is giant (3,621 acres) and only about 20 minutes outside of Fort Worth. The park offers several miles of trails and also protects wildilfe. It's home to bison range, a prairie dog town and more! Don't miss the [Canyon Ridge trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/jr0ZVv) for a nice work out and the Marsh boardwalk for the chance to see a variety of beautiful birds.
### 8\. Eagle Mountain Park
Eagle Mountain Lake
- 45 minutes from Dallas
- Free to visit
- Recommended trail on AllTrails: [Eagle Mountain Lake Park Trail](https://alltrails.pxf.io/AWOdoN)
Located 20 miles north of Fort Worth, Eagle Mountain Park is a peaceful place to hike along water and through the forest. The park has several miles of trails and a nice amount of elevation gain. During a hike here, you can see several views of the water, enjoy shade from the forest, admire cacti and look for wildlife. It's a clean park with a nice picnic area as well.
## Final Thoughts
As you can see, the DFW area might have more hiking opportunities than you thought! There are plenty of options to get your blood pumping, see wildlife and enjoy the beauty of nature. I hope this gives you some ideas for your next local trail.
**For more Texas outdoor travel guides, check out these blogs:**
- [The Ultimate Texas Nature Bucket List](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Texas-Nature-Bucket-List/)
- [The Best Hiking in Texas Hill Country](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Hiking-in-Texas-Hill-Country/)
- [The Best Things To Do at Caddo Lake](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Best-Things-To-Do-at-Caddo-Lake/)
- [A Guide to Visiting Enchanted Rock](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Visiting-Enchanted-Rock/)
- [An Epic Big Bend and Marfa Road Trip](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Marfa-Big-Bend-Road-trip/)
- [A Guide to Guadalupe Mountains National Park](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Guadalupe-Mountains-Hiking/)
- [The Best Things To Do in Dripping Springs, TX](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Best-Things-To-Do-in-Dripping-Springs-TX/)
- [The Best Things To Do at Garner State Park](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/What-To-Do-in-Garner-State-Park/)
- [The Top Things To Do in the Texas Piney Wooods](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/Things-To-Do-in-the-Texas-Piney-Woods/)
- [A Guide to Visiting Dinosaur Valley State Park](https://www.lostwithlydia.com/destinations/usa/tx/dinosaur-valley-texas/)
**Thanks for Reading\!**
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