DFW is flat but there are great spots to explore with your dog.
On-leash trails:
- Katy Trail — 3.5 miles through Uptown Dallas. Paved, shaded sections, water fountains. THE dog walking trail. Source: katytraildallas.org
- Trinity River trails — 70+ miles of connected trails across DFW. Multiple access points. Source: trinityrivervision.org
- White Rock Creek Trail — 14 miles from Richardson through North Dallas. Paved, shaded, creek crossings. Source: dallastrails.org
- River Legacy Park (Arlington) — 8+ miles of trails along the Trinity. Wooded, great shade. Source: riverlegacy.org
Off-leash areas:
- NorthBark Dog Park — 20+ acres of trails and open space. See dog park ranking post.
- White Rock Lake Dog Park — lakeside off-leash area.
- Cedar Ridge Preserve — dogs on-leash on trails but 600 acres of nature. Source: audubondallas.org
Day trips with dogs (within 1-2 hours):
- Dinosaur Valley State Park (Glen Rose) — dogs on-leash allowed. Real dinosaur tracks in the river. $7/person entry with Texas State Parks Pass. Source: tpwd.texas.gov
- Lake Mineral Wells State Park — trails + lake. Dogs welcome on leash. Source: tpwd.texas.gov
- Cleburne State Park — rolling terrain, spring-fed lake. Dogs on-leash. Source: tpwd.texas.gov
Summer safety (CRITICAL in DFW):
- Check pavement temperature with the back of your hand. If you can't hold it for 5 seconds, it's too hot for paws.
- Bring water. Always. DFW summer heat can cause heatstroke in dogs within 15 minutes.
- Walk before 8am or after 7pm June-September.
Sources:
- Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
- City trail system websites
- Personal hiking with my dogs year-round
Where do you hike with your dog?
The pavement temperature reminder is crucial. I burned my dog's paws on the Katy Trail one July before I knew better. Walk early or walk late.