Hiking and Biking in Arlington
If getting your cardio in is at the top of your trip itinerary, breathe easy. Arlington is home to dozens of fabulous hiking and biking trails that will help you get your heart rate up and bring your stress down. From riverside trails to an ever-expanding group of interconnected cycling paths, the parks in Arlington, TX, have a little something for every exercise enthusiast.
And thanks to its location on the Trinity River, Arlington is known for a quintessential and stunning Texas landscape: majestic oak trees, expansive prairies and grasslands, and big blue skies all make for picturesque hiking and biking scenery.
Hiking & Biking Trails
If you’re itching to get out in nature and up your step count, plan to do some hiking in Arlington, TX. Lace up your boots and hit one of the many nature trails in and around town.
North Arlington
Slip into the magical realm of the Crystal Canyon Natural Area. This hilly 40-acre nature preserve offers a half-mile trail in a forested oasis located just a couple of miles from the Entertainment District. Convenient as well as enchanting, Crystal Canyon is fun for the whole family.
Perhaps even more convenient to the Entertainment District, the Dr. Robert Cluck Linear Park, located in between AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, is a quiet creekside haven in the heart of one of Arlington’s busiest areas. Tuck in here for a restorative hike along Johnson Creek and enjoy the wetland landscape, lush trees, and winding trails. Thoughtful artwork and water features add to the serenity of this charming park.
Randol Mill Park, one of the most popular parks in Arlington, is home to a sweeping array of amenities, including tennis courts, a skatepark, basketball courts, and more. It’s also an excellent place to hike and bike thanks to smooth paved trails throughout.
East Arlington
For a short hike in a lovely setting, head to Bob Cooke Park. Appropriate for all ages, the park features a simple 1-mile hiking and biking trail that weaves through soothing green space. Pro tip: Don’t forget to pack some bread crumbs—when you cross the bridge over the park’s pond, you can feed the ducks.
South Arlington
For more hiking trails in Arlington, head to the O.W. Fannin Natural Area in South Arlington, a hidden oasis just right for meandering hikes. Coveted for its greenery and lush trails, the O.W. Fannin Natural Area is an expansive green space that winds through residential streets, connected by a long ribbon of paved walking paths. Small nature hikes shoot off the main path at various points along the trail, making it a delightful park full of discovery. The park also connects to both Rush Creek Linear Park and F.J. “Red” Kane Park, giving you plenty of green space and hiking paths to explore.
S.J. Stovall Park in Southwest Arlington features a short, wheelchair-friendly 1.39-mile paved trail through peaceful greenery. Stop off at the exercise stations around the trail to kick your workout up a notch.
West Arlington
River Legacy Parks, considered one of the crown jewels of the Arlington parks system, is an ideal destination for hiking and biking. Here, you’ll find some of the best trails in Arlington along the Trinity River.
The 103-acre Veterans Park should be on everyone’s must-see list. The park features a beautiful 1.5-mile hike and bike trail, nature area, and both wildscape and xeriscape gardens perfect for exploring on foot. Do a little forest bathing in the park’s green landscape as you wind your way along shaded trails and over bridges. Refuel with a snack at one of the trail’s many benches before making your way to the park’s pond and fountain.
Another park worth visiting is the O.S. Gray Natural Area, a sneaky sliver of greenery nestled in the heart of the city. You can hike along expertly maintained trails—some paved, some natural—through the woods of a breathtaking nature preserve that includes wildflowers, meadows, and an abundance of native plants.
If you’re looking to get a little distance with your hiking or cycling, head to Fish Creek Linear Park Trail where you’ll find a gorgeous, uninterrupted 9-mile out and back trail along Fish Creek. Take the trail all the way west to connect to Cravens Park, or take it east to connect with Grand Prairie.
