From quick and easy loops around town to drives that take you to fantastic lakes and hills, our city has so many options to hit the trail. So lace up your hiking boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking guide for the Fort Worth area with eight routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure and experience breathtaking views.
Note: While parks and trails may be listed as open, we recommend checking park websites before visiting for further info, current trail conditions, and the safest practices for the area.
Key: Easy = 🥾 | Moderate = 🥾🥾 | Hard = 🥾🥾🥾
Loughridge Lake
- Difficulty: 🥾
- Length: 0.9 miles
- Activities: Hiking, running, fishing, dog-walking
Located just north of the city, this short trail in Saginaw is the perfect place for a quick daily walk and is a safe choice for its visibility + popularity with dog owners. It’s also stroller-friendly.
Gateway Park is a popular destination for mountain bikers.
Photo provided by the City of Fort Worth
Gateway Park West Loop
- Difficulty: 🥾
- Length: 3.8 miles
- Activities: Hiking, running, mountain biking, bird watching
This trail located just north of the Tandy Hills Natural Area has scenic river views + is a popular choice for mountain biking.
Riverbottom Trail Loop
- Difficulty: 🥾
- Length: 3.9 miles
- Activities: Hiking, running, dog-walking, bird + wildlife watching
This trail is located on Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge land — so expect a $6 entree fee, but also plenty of wildlife + a preserved ecosystem.
The perfect time for a swim — and then a nap in the sun — is obviously mid-walk.
Photo by @trinitytrails
Trinity Trail Loop
- Difficulty: 🥾
- Length: 2.5-5.6 miles
- Activities: Hiking, running, biking, dog-walking
The Trinity Trails are one the most popular picks for solo hikers and those who want a mid-day stroll. Daytime hikes are also recommended, as this trail isn’t lit at night.
Foster Park Trail
- Difficulty: 🥾
- Length: 10.7 miles
- Activities: Hiking, running, biking, mountain biking
This trail connects with the Trinity Trail system and is mostly paved, perfect for running and walking.
Take a scenic walk along Eagle Mountain Lake. | @aucoineric
Eagle Mountain Lake
- Difficulty: 🥾🥾
- Length: 2.7-7 miles
- Activities: Hiking, running, bird-watching — dogs not allowed
We love the beautiful lake views at this park, plus you can choose from three different trails depending on how long you want to hike. The popular, family-friendly lake is another great spot for a solo hike.
Arcadia Trail
- Difficulty: 🥾
- Length: 5 miles
- Activities: Hiking, running, dog-walking, biking, mountain biking
Follow the paved main path or explore the many small side trails along this point-to-point trail.
Lone Wolf Loop
- Difficulty: 🥾🥾
- Length: 3.6 miles
- Activities: Hiking, running, dog-walking, mountain biking, bird + wildlife watching
If you’re looking for a moderate challenge, this route has elevation changes, plus rocks, river bends, and forest.
Legends of hauntings have swirled around the historic structure for years. | Photo by Denton County Historical Commission
Old Alton Bridge Trail
- Difficulty: 🥾
- Length: 3 miles
- Activities: Hiking, running, dog-walking
Enter if you dare — the Old Alton Bridge also known as the Goatman Bridge — is said to be haunted by a vengeful Goatman. Local legend says if you knock on the steel bridge three times at midnight, or turn off your car lights and honk three times, it will summon the haunted Goatman who is preceded by the stench of decaying flesh.
If you prefer a less haunting experience, we recommend hiking the trail during the day, which meanders down to the shores of the Hickory Creek Arm of Lake Lewisville. The path is nearly flat making this a great adventure for those of all abilities.
River Legacy Trail
- Difficulty: 🥾
- Length: 8 miles
- Activities: Hiking, running, mountain biking, bird watching
Somewhere deep inside the natural forestry of River Legacy Park in Arlington, there is rumored to be an ancient trail where guests will find what’s known as “Hell’s Gate.” The long dirt trail is said to end at a dirt mound where captured spies of the Union Army were executed. Legend has it that you can hear the sobs of those soldiers as you approach Hell’s Gate.
If you’re looking for a less frightening hike, we recommend staying on the main trail that follows the path of the Trinity River and is mostly flat making for an easy ride. Note: There is a stretch of the trail that has no amenities so it will be wise to bring a good amount of water with you along the way.
Get the right gear
Get the most out of your trip with comfortable, handy, and helpful hiking gear:
- For the best footwear, check out Nordstrom Rack’s sneaker edit for hiking.
- If your trail demands a proper hiking boot, we like Columbia’s collection on Amazon.
- For apparel that’s both flattering and functional, we turn to small business Aesthetic Built. We love the oversized scuba hoodies for women and the muscle scallop tees for men.
- Travel light (but still have room for snacks) with lululemon’s Everywhere Belt Bag.
- Get a good bulk deal on Perfect Bars, Clif Bars, or Kind Bars at a warehouse store like Sam’s Club.
- Don’t forget to bring a compact, portable phone charger (you’ll thank us later).
- We like this Teton hiking backpack.
- We like this lightweight water bottle.
- Psst — to be ultra-prepared, here are the 10 items you should never enter a national park without, according to the National Park Service.
