The Turtle Creek Trail connects several parks in the Oak Lawn neighborhood of Dallas.
The Texas Buckeye Trail is located 4 short miles from Dallas, making it a great location for a day-long escape from the city. Pack some snacks and water, and get ready to admire the variety of flora and fauna that can be found in the area. Take one of the paths to the Trinity River, and you'll forget that you're so close to a major city!
White Rock Lake sprawls over 1,015 acres (410.75 hectares). It boasts picturesque picnic spots and recreational areas that provide great respite from city life. Numerous waterfront trails are popular among local hikers and bikers as well as those visiting Dallas. A complete loop around the lake takes about three hours. The adventurous can indulge in an array of outdoor activities on offer like fishing, sailing and, horseback riding. Bird enthusiasts have reason to rejoice, as the area attracts beautiful, exotic species. The panorama of verdant landscapes that enclose calm waters is the very definition of tranquility.
This 6,000 acre (2428 hectare) stretch of land features forest, wetlands, ponds, and grassland. It's considered an urban park, as it's located in the outskirts of Dallas. Here, you can hike to the Trinity River, admire the wildlife and plants, or just take a leisurely walk to get away from the city for a while. You can also go hiking here or check out the equestrian options.
The beauty of Texas' nature can be experienced first-hand with a hike through this 630-acre (146-hectare) preserve. With guided and self-guided tours available along the ten miles of wooded trails, outdoor enthusiasts can wander up to the Escarpment Nature Preserve, the highest point in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Along the way you can view ponds, wildflowers and a butterfly garden before arriving at vistas and an observation tower. The trails vary in difficulty. All are natural terrain paved with rock, mulch, or dirt. They are designed for foot traffic only, and bikes or roller blades are not allowed. Hikes can last anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours, depending upon the trail selected. A snack bar, gift shop, and amphitheater are also located on the grounds.
Dogwood Canyon contains some of the rarest ecological features in Texas. This 250-acre (101-hectare) stretch of land provides hours of outdoor fun for everyone in the family. Keep an eye out for various species of birds, amphibians, and other wildlife. Located just 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Dallas, a trip here is easy and worthwhile.