No matter how many 100°+ days there were this summer, Fort Worth 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 15 routes and paths to help you plan your next adventure and experience breathtaking views.

Editor's 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 is 25 acres with a dam on Big Fossil Creek. | Photo via The City of Fort Worth

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 Park North is a linear park that follows Whites Branch Creek. | Photo via The City of Fort Worth

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.

Speakeasy Loop

Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Length: 2.5 miles
Activities: Hiking, running, mountain biking, dog-walking

This multi-use trail in Marion Sansom Park offers excellent views of the city from multiple angles. Reviewers have noted a few blind corners, so keep an eye out for cyclists. Because NAS JRB is 4.2 miles away, you might see fighter jets overhead.

The Dam Drop Loop in Marion Sansom Park has an elevation gain of 223 ft over 2.5 miles. | Photo courtesy Gabe Deale.

The Dam Drop Loop

Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Length: 2.5 miles
Activities: Hiking, running, mountain biking, dog walking

If you're looking for a solid morning workout, check out this trail loop in Marion Sansom Park featuring a waterfall. Be prepared for some steep uphill rises + keep an eye on the directional signs that have been known to feel "wonky."

Greer Island and Canyon Ridge Trail

Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Length: 6.1 miles
Activities: Hiking, running, bird watching, dog-walking

An out-and-back as opposed to a loop, this route is located at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. For a $6 entrance fee for adults, you can explore a longer trail option. While moderately challenging — as opposed to very challenging — it has an elevation rise of 534 feet over its duration and takes about 2.5 hours to complete.

Airfield Falls is located right next to the Westworth area. | Photo courtesy of Stephanie Lynch

Airfield Falls Trail

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 1.9 miles
Activities: Hiking, running, bird watching, dog-walking

Considered one of the best family-friendly parks in Cowtown, this trail is largely paved and accessible in the heart of Fort Worth. A relatively easy hike, Airfield Falls only rises 52 feet across two miles.

Whites Branch Park Trail

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 2.8 miles
Activities: Hiking, running, bird watching, dog-walking

Another out-and-back route located in north of Fort Worth near Basswood Park, this paved trail winds through a wooded area. It is situated between several neighborhoods, so some reviewers have said it's a bit less scenic — but an easier morning hike. Take advantage of the ample shade + benches during summer hikes.

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 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.