9 of the Nicest Walking Trails in Dallas for Peace of Mind (and Sure, Exercise)

If you follow the nine-mile loop around Dallas’s most beloved lake, you’ll find everything from paddle boarders to sailboats and even a pretty epic dog park. When the sun sets over the 1,015-acre plot, the view of downtown gives you that “Man, I love this city” feeling.

Want to take a walk down memory lane? Head to this treasured East Dallas neighborhood for a tour of some of the most architecturally significant houses built in the city. From Georgian to Prairie to some of the finest Craftsman homes you ever did see, it’s fun to stroll while imagining life back in the good old days.

Located between Beverly Drive and Armstrong Avenue, this park ranks high on our list for its laid-back leisure. Don’t be creeped out by the teddy bear statues—they’re actually just the park owners’ attempt to add a little whimsy to your walk. Plus, the kiddos will eat up the photo op.

This is the official see-and-be-seen outdoor workout trail of Dallas. There is just no telling who you might spot walking, biking or blading down this 3.5-mile trail that provides a scenic view of Uptown. Bring your ID and stop for a beer at the Katy Trail Ice House after your afternoon sweat sesh

The best things in life are free, however, this walk is not. But with 66 acres of botanical gardens to stroll, we think it’s worth the 15 bucks that it costs to get in. And hey, after you’ve seen all the tulips, you can hop on over to the historic DeGolyer House for tea.

Starting in downtown Dallas, this bridge over the Trinity River gives people direct access to West Dallas. If you are starting your walk downtown, prepare to end up at Trinity Groves for dinner, drinks or a tour and tasting at Four Corners Brewing Co.

Oak Cliff does for Dallas what Austin does for Texas—keeps it extra weird. (Magical sign forest, anyone?) Quirkiness aside, once you’re exploring the seemingly endless trails, it’s hard to believe that downtown is so close—and brunch in Bishop Arts is even closer.

Just 20 minutes from downtown and you’re at an elevation of 633 feet—pretty steep for North Texas. As you stroll along parts of the nine miles of trails, you will find wildflowers, butterflies and even a spot to picnic if you’d like to make a day of it.

And when you just don’t have time to get in the car and drive somewhere scenic, but you still need to get those steps in, this 5.2-acre park sitting above the Woodall Rodgers Freeway is just what you need to recharge your batteries. You can even grab some grub from one of the dozen food trucks before you head back to your regularly scheduled day.