With no short supply of nature-orientated activities, Fort Worth is a great spot for outdoor adventurers. From magnificent views to chance animal encounters, Culture Trip presents six of the best walking trails in Texas’s fifth-largest city.
Made up of a collection of different trails, Marion Sansom Park Trail offers a variety of routes dependent on your skill level. Most of the trails will take around two hours to complete, and all feature outstanding views, including cliff edges and even a pristine waterfall. Entry to the park is free and dogs are allowed, but must remain on the leash.
A must-visit for any would-be adventurers, Eagle Mountain Lake is a great trail for hikers of all skill levels. The trail system is about five miles long and will lead you down to the lake itself. Featuring an array of local wildlife and with picnic tables, water fountains and restrooms along the way, this is an ideal trail for a family day out.
Although Fort Worth’s Nature Center and Refuge features several routes, the Cross Timbers Trail is the most inviting. The three-mile round trip first leads visitors to the former route of the Trinity River, before leading down to the Western Cross Timber Forest, one of the oldest woodlands in Texas. With chances to see wildlife such as wild turkeys, beavers and basking turtles, it is a great way to observe the natural history of the area.
Although smaller than a lot of the other parks on this list at 46 acres (19 hectares), the Colleyville Nature Park Trail is lined with fishing ponds and sections of woodland. A favorite for those keen to fish and birdwatch, the serene trail is perfect for a sunny afternoon stroll. The trail is open all year round and includes picnic areas and a playground for kids along the route.
This shaded trail in Oakmont Park is perfect for all skills levels. With pleasant tree cover for most of the trail, the route follows along part of the Trinity River. The well-maintained trail is popular with cyclists, but smaller lesser-known routes provide a nice alternative. The 5.6-mile (9km) route is accessible all year round and is dog friendly.
The Arcadia Trail is a 5-mile (8km) trek that makes up the Arcadia Trail Park. A quieter route than some of the others on the list, the trail is good for beginners. The trail also includes several options for trying different recreational activities along the way, with disc golf and numerous sports fields available. A good choice if you want to mix up outdoor activities.