Running with a View
Scenic runs in Dallas.
Dallas' iconic skyline is the perfect backdrop to get your miles in whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned marathoner. Here are a few favorite routes around town.
White Rock Lake
Distance: 9 miles
White Rock Lake is never a bad idea. Its great views of the Dallas skyline are inspiration enough to hit the trail running around the lake's 9-mile loop. Located approximately 5 miles from Downtown and only a few minutes from the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, this jog and bike trail offers a perfect balance of nature and an urban setting. If you need a break from your run, White Rock Lake offers a variety of other activities like paddle boarding and kayaking to help you cool off during the summer months.
Katy Trail
Distance: 3.5 miles
Nestled between the Oak Lawn and Uptown neighborhoods is the historic Katy Trail, which was once a railroad line that was part of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. It's now the place for Dallasites to see and be seen and one of the most popular running and biking trails in the city. The 3.5-mile trail extends from American Airlines Center to Southern Methodist University. Post-run, you'll want to rehydrate at Katy Trail Ice House (located towards the south end of the trail) with a beer or two.
Santa Fe Trail
Distance: 5.3 miles
Take your White Rock Lake run the extra mile with the Santa Fe Trail, a 5.3-mile trail that connects the lake to Deep Ellum and Fair Park neighborhoods. It's the perfect trail for long distance runners to get a chance to explore East Dallas or cyclists looking for a less crowded trail. The trails proximity to Deep Ellum offers plenty of opportunity to refuel with its many restaurants and bars in the neighborhood.
Trinity Skyline Trail
Distance: 4.6 miles
The Trinity Skyline Trail gets its name from its proximity to the Trinity River levees. The pavement trail offers great views of Reunion Tower and the rest of the Dallas skyline. You'll want to stop by and enjoy the views from the Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge nearby. Once completed, the trail will connect to the 2.5-mile Trinity Strand Trail in the Design District.
Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve
Distance: 9 miles
Just a few miles outside of Downtown Dallas is Cedar Ridge Preserve. The 600-acre park is the city's best bet for those looking to get a taste of the Texas Hill Country (without that drive on I-35). The hilly preserve features 9 miles of hiking trails and bounds of nature and wildlife. Make sure to get there early since parking can be hard to come by on the weekends.
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