Dallas is one of the biggest cities in the US, and with that comes some difficulties. Finding a place for running in Dallas can be a bit challenging, considering how auto-centric the city is. However, there are some lovely places to run here, which we have compiled in our list.
Before we jump into the list, there are two things you should keep in mind.
First, summers can get fairly hot in Dallas, so be conscious of this when picking your route.
Second, getting around the city usually requires a car. There is a steadily developing light-rail system, but it is not enough for now.
Are you a Dallas resident or a tourist wondering, “What are the best running paths near me?”
Check out our list of the top 10 runs in Dallas to find the best ones.
1. Katy Trail
The iconic Katy Trail is one of the most famous tracks in Dallas, accessible from downtown. This magnificent 3.5-mile urban trail stretches from Pike Park to Glencoe Park along the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad path. It is a nicely shaded area with good night lighting and markers every 1/4 mile.
The path boasts the magnificent Dallas skyline, visible most of the way. As a bonus, there is a nice beer garden called Katy Trail Ice House.
For added variety, you can extend your run into the Turtle Creek trail or Turtle Creek Boulevard.
Why is it great?
- Great skyline view.
- Paved flat path.
- Well-lit at night.
- Nicely shaded.
- Markers every 1/4 mile.
- Beer garden nearby.
2. Turtle Creek Trail
The Turtle Creek Trail is a 3–4 mile path with a friendly park-like setting along Turtle Creek that goes through the city’s most magnificent neighborhoods. The trail follows the Katy Trail for part of its way but then splits off and goes to Reverchon Park and beyond. The path then goes into the Highland Park neighborhood, where it can be extended.
The route has no signs or amenities, but it is a pleasant and serene waterside path.
Why is it great?
- Park-like route.
- Running near water.
- Pleasant and calm.
3. Highland Park Neighborhood
Highland Park is among the most scenic neighborhoods in Dallas. It boasts architecturally beautiful houses, winding streets, and old trees. There is no set-in-stone route, so your best bet is just choosing a random direction and running that way. It is very easy to come into this neighborhood from both Katy Trail and Turtle Creek Trail.
To prolong the run, you can steer into the Southern Methodist University campus north of Mockingbird Lane.
Why is it great?
- Calm residential area.
- Well-lit at night.
- Amazing architecture.
- Flexibility for choosing your route.
4. Old City Loop
The Old City Loop is a runseeing tour comprising the three Dallas historical neighborhoods.
You will start on Main St. in Deep Ellum, a bustling district famous for its rich street murals, art galleries, and concert venues.
Run for about 1 mile through Main St. and Elm St. and then go to Swiss Ave. This is where the National Historic District starts. You will find yourself in an upscaled version of a 19th-century community with tree-lined streets.
You will run for about 2 miles and turn around at La Vista Place, returning to Swiss Ave. Then, after 0.5 miles, turn to N. Munger Blvd., leading you into the Munger Place Historic District, an old historic neighborhood dating back to 1905.
Run through Buckner Park and then back along Elm St. back to the start to finish the loop.
This run is just a suggestion. Feel free to modify our route by running further down one of these streets or running along the perimeters of the neighborhoods.
Why is it great?
- Great historic sights.
- Well-lit at night.
- Flat paved course.
5. Santa Fe Trail
The Sante Fe Trail is a 4.4-mil route connecting Main St. and Deep Ellum with White Rock Lake. This urban route follows an old rail path, past shotgun houses and many local parks.
The track is marked and has access to a few drinking fountains and restrooms, although it is not consistent along the whole trail.
Why is it great?
- Connects Main St. and Deep Ellum with White Rock Lake.
- Flat paved course.
- Drinking fountains.
- Restrooms.
- Well-lit at night.
6. White Rock Lake Trail
The White Rock Lake Trail runs across the best parks in Dallas. The path closely hugs White Rock Lake, resulting in a nicely shaded 9.6-mile route, considered one of the most scenic running trails in the city.
The parks nearby are also centers for many other activities, including boating and kayaking. You will also go through a cultural center, Audubon preserve, Arboretum, or the White Rock Lake Museum.
It is pretty much impossible to shorten the distance, so if you want to run less, it is better to choose a section of the trail. However, many opportunities exist to make the course longer by taking paths off the main trail.
Why is it great?
- Running near water.
- Shaded path.
- Many cultural sights around.
- Amazing parks.
- Restrooms.
- Water fountains.
- Parking nearby.
7. Lakewood Neighborhood
The Lakewood Neighborhood is among the prettiest areas in Dallas. Its hilly roads are remarkable for use as a standalone run or as an addition to the White Rock Lake Trail or the Old City Loop.
There is no set-in-stone route here, so you are free to pick your favorite streets.
Why is it great?
- Lovely architecture.
- Safe and quiet neighborhood.
- Some hilly areas.
8. Trinity Strand and Trinity Skyline Trails
The now mostly-dry Trinity River watercourse has become a basis for a series of developing Dallas hiking trails.
One of these paths is the paved 2.5-mile Trinity Strand Trail, going from Oak Lawn Ave. to Farrington St. Another is the Trinity Skyline Trail, featuring 4.6 miles of paved paths and some more dirt paths between Inwood Rd. and Santa Fe Trail.
The trail is fairly hardcore for now, with little shade, almost no markings or amenities, and is heavily dependent on the weather. But if you crave a challenge, this trail is the right fit for you.
Why is it great?
- Challenging flat course.
- Running close to water.
- Great view of the Dallas skyline.
9. Trinity Forest
The Trinity Forest Trail runs along Lemmon Lake and Trinity River. The trail is mostly paved with lake and skyline views. Some parts of the course are heavily wooded. The full loop is 6.4 miles.
There is a water fountain at the AT&T Trail Trailhead but do not expect other amenities along the way. The trail is still under construction, so you can expect further improvements.
Why is it great?
- Great combination of skyline and waterside views with lush forests.
- Paved path with small hills.
- Developing amenities.
10. Bachman Lake
The route along Bachman Lake is a solid off-road trail in Northwest Dallas. This 205-acre freshwater lake is bound by a 3.1-mile paved perimeter trail. You will run next to the lake most of the way and have an opportunity to watch planes landing and taking off at Love Field Airport.
The path is mostly open and unshaded, so keep that in mind on a hot day.
There are plenty of additional exercise stations for cross-training, water fountains, and one restroom facility on the south side of the path.
Why is it great?
- Running near water.
- Airport nearby.
- Exercise stations for cross-training.
- Water fountains.
- Restroom facility.
Conclusion
Despite being very car-centric, there are plenty of great Dallas runs to experience. Did we miss your favorite route to run in Dallas? Let us know in the comments!
