Fort Worth, or “Cowtown,” as the locals call it, is well-known for its museums, iconic zoo, and many great places to eat. As for runners, they can find places to run that are even better than in Dallas.
There are many parks in Fort Worth and the Trinity Trails system, which is over 40 miles long and connects many of these parks and several sections along the narrow West Fork Trinity River.
Below, we’ve listed the best places to run in Fort North so you can choose the most suitable for you and save time.
1. Trinity Trails System
The best option for running in the city is the extended Trinity Trails system. It’s 100 miles of different trails for running, biking and walking, and horseback riding.
This system connects 31 neighborhoods and 21 parks, the zoo, the botanical garden, downtown Fort Worth and other city attractions. For better orientation, starting from the city center, namely from Heritage Park Plaza, is excellent. You can run in any direction you want from here.
You can choose such iconic routes as:
- Downtown to Rockwood Park in Fort Worth. If you run west along the river, you have 1.8 miles to Rockwood Park, after which you can add about 2 miles to Rockwood Park Dr. Thus, you have 4.4 miles from downtown to White Settlement Rd. If you want to run further, no problem – continue running to the southwest.
- Trinity Park to Fort Worth Zoo. Another good option from downtown is 1.5 miles south of the river at Trinity Park. You need to take 7th Ave about 1 mile west to the park and run along the trail on the west side of the river. The Botanical Garden is 1.4 miles away, and the Fort Worth Zoo is 2.1 miles away. You can also run a nearly 3-mile loop in Trinity Park.
- University Park Village to Highway 183. If you like different trails, use this option. You’ll have up to 5 miles of multi-use paths from University Park Village/Fort Worth Zoo south to Highway 183. Many local runners like the 3-mile route to Press Cafe in Clearfork.
Why is it so great?
- You can plan different routes every time, which adds a creative element to every workout.
- You always have a place to rest, drink, or eat something as you run past different cafes and coffee shops.
- If you like scenic running trails, it is a great option; you can observe the beauty of nature and local architecture while running.
We could finish our list with the trail system because there are countless course options, which would keep you busy for a very long time. Still, we will discuss some other places to run in Fort Worth. They are worth your attention if you are googling “running paths near me.”
2. Trinity River Trail in Oakmont Park
This 9k route is considered easy. However, completing it will take an average of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It is popular for cycling, walking, and wildlife watching. The route is open all year round, so you can come whenever you feel comfortable. If you bring your dog, it must be on a leash.
Why is it great?
- It is a very picturesque trail – you will have something to watch while running.
- Convenient parking at the east end of the trail.
- If you prefer cross-training, you can practice cycling here.
- The track has a good surface and is very comfortable—an excellent option for beginners.
- There are many benches along the trail where you can rest during your run.
3. Riverside Park to Quanah Parker Park
Another excellent option for running is the 8-mile Trinity Trails, which passes through several large and beautiful parks. Start at Riverside Park, heading south to Harmon Field Park and east to Gateway Park. From there, you run another 2 miles to Quanah Parker Park.
Why is it great?
- It is an excellent option for off-road running.
- During the run, you can observe the beautiful scenery and flowering plants.
- Gateway Park has plenty of places to rest, so your friends and family can wait for you to have a great time together.
- You can continue the route on a multi-use path along the West Fork Trinity River.
4. Eagle Mountain Lake Park Trail
This trail is an 11.3k-loop of moderate difficulty. You will need an average of two and a half hours to finish it. The best time to train here is from March to October so you can admire the beauty of nature. You should know that dogs are not allowed here. Also, be careful – there can be a lot of mud after it rains.
Why is it great?
- This is a great option for beginners who want to try running a longer route.
- There is an easier alternative route for each challenging section – see maps.
- During the run, you will have the opportunity to observe birds, wildlife, and beautiful plants.
- The trail is well-maintained and comfortable.
- If you want to add more Fort Worth running trails in this region, you can try to run Eagle Mountain Northwest Loop – it is a 4.3k, moderately challenging route. Or, try Eagle Mountain Lake Loop – a 6.6k route near the lake.
5. Marion Sansom Park
Marion Sansom Park is quite a popular place for sports. Its two running tracks are especially popular: the Speakeasy loop and the Dam Drop Loop. We will consider the first since the second is suitable for mountain biking. However, if you like to add cardio with loads to your workouts, feel free to choose the Dam Drop Loop.
The Speakeasy loop is a 4k loop that can be completed in under an hour. It is suitable for beginners or those who want to work on speed. We recommend using an offline map to navigate the area better. You can bring a dog, but please note that it must be on a leash.
Why is it great?
- A nice, well-maintained trail of moderate difficulty, suitable for cycling, running or walking.
- Beautiful nature to enjoy while running – especially from March to October.
- Want to add more distance? Consider the Thunder Road to Lone Wolf Loop – an 8.9k moderate loop with a beautiful view.
6. Rotary Park
Here we recommend the Trinity Trail Loop – a 4k easy loop that takes an average of 45 minutes to complete. It is a popular route for cycling, running and walking – so you will meet other people here.
Still, if you want to work out alone, you can come here at quiet hours. Take your dog – but don’t forget the leash.
Why is it so great?
- This smooth and shaded paved path along the river is good for all levels of running experience.
- You can observe a scenic view along the river.
- There are many benches to rest at while running.
7. Forth Worth Nature Center & Refuge
Try the Greer Island to Canyon Ridge trail if you choose to run here. It is a 6-mile trail considered moderately difficult and too challenging for beginners. The average time it takes to run it will be about 2 hours and 17 minutes.
You can bring a dog on a leash with you. The terrain can be rocky, so take good shoes. You must purchase an entrance ticket using this link.
Why is it so great?
- A beautiful view of the lake while running.
- A lot of places to rest during your workout.
- You can go with friends or family and have a picnic after training.
- If you want an easy route in this place, consider Crosstimber trail – a 5.8k loop near the water.
8. Tandy Hills Park
If you are looking for the best park for running, don’t miss Tandy Hills Natural Area. It is a 160-acre indigenous prairie remnant – it is amazing!
The City of Fort Worth Parks Department obtained the land in the 1960s and designated it a natural area in 1987. Since 1990, the park has been managed by the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge.
Try the Hawk Trail to Cottontail Bend Loop – a 2.7k out-and-back trail. It is outstanding for running, cycling, and walking. This track is moderately hard and rocky in some places, so take good shoes.
Why is it so great?
- Tandy Hills Natural Area is famous for its unusually complete collection of prairie flora and more than 500 native plant species – you can observe all this scenic beauty while running!
- It is very comfortable to get here – the park is in the center of the town.
- A great option if you combine running and cross-training workouts – here, you can use your bicycle.
- You may add other paths in this area — for example, the 4.5k Oak Motte Trail or the 5.6k Wild Plum and Forked Tail Creek Trail. It all depends on your running experience and goals.
9. Memorial Oak Park
Try the Trinity River Trail (eastside) in this park if you need a long trail for half-marathon or marathon training. It is a nice, well-paved 22k point-to-point trail. You will need about 4 hours and 17 minutes to overcome it.
Why is it so great?
- There are a lot of benches for resting while running.
- Amazing scenic views of nature.
- A great option to prepare for a marathon or a half-marathon.
- You can go with your family and have a picnic after the workout.
10. Heritage Park Plaza
This is another good trail for preparing for big races, as it is a 27k out-and-back trail. You will need about 5 hours and 19 minutes to complete it. It is an excellent option for running, cycling, and walking.
Why is it so great?
- Beautiful views of the Fort Worth skyline.
- You can observe wildlife and scenic views.
- There are many places to rest, so you can come with your family and have a good time after the workout.
How do you like our list? Have you tried something from it? Maybe, we forgot one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments.
