8 favorite destinations in Dallas to walk in the great outdoors

With fall in the wings, it's time to take your walk, jog, bike, or hike outside. Dallas may not have an ocean or mountains but it does have a big lake, a river (of sorts), and a botanical garden that ranks among the best in the world. Not to mention more than 180 miles of urban hike and bike trails within Dallas' park system, with plans to add more.

Everyone has their nature go-to, but we're highlighting eight of our favorites:

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Best for family fun
This 200-acre park offers nearly nine miles of paved, unpaved, and off-road cycling trails through beautiful wooded terrain. With a large playground and three pavilions which can be reserved for parties and picnics, it’s ideal for family outings. In addition, Arbor Hills' is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary — meaning that globally-recognized sustainability practices are implemented, such as the park’s special biofilter for cleaning runoff water. 6701 W Parker Rd., Plano. Hours: 5 am-11 pm daily (closed Wednesdays 5 am- 2 pm for maintenance).
Pro Tip: Climb the Arbor Hills observation tower for sweeping views of the surrounding forest and city line in the distance.

Breckinridge Park Best for variety of outdoor experiences
This large and well-maintained park spans more than 400 acres, with miles of trails through rolling hills, landscaped lawns, and undeveloped natural areas. Also boasting multiple sports fields, a large picnic-ready gazebo overlooking a lake, and parking aplenty, it’s easy to visit Breckinridge Park multiple times throughout the season and never have the same experience twice. 5300 East Renner Rd., Richardson. Hours: 5 am-10:30 pm daily.
Pro Tip: Breckinridge is also known as a popular spot for frisbee golf and recreational fishing, so pack your disc or pole.

Spring Creek Forest and Park Preserve Best for trail first-timers
A Preservation Society oversees this hidden gem, just off the George Bush Turnpike near North Garland Road. Its paved and natural-surface trails range from one-third to two-and-a-half miles, making it a perfect pick for trail newbies or those who lean more toward “nature walk” than workout. In fact, despite its small size, Spring Creek is home to over 650 documented species of flora and fauna. 1770 Holford Rd., Garland. Hours: 6 am-12 am daily.
Pro Tip: The Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest hosts guided walks and a monthly speaker series.

Northaven Trail Best for four-legged friends
A Dallas Parks and Recreation Department project, and a true labor of love from the community, the Northaven Trail spans approximately nine miles running through the northern end of the city. Wildflowers and native plants line the paved path, and a new pedestrian bridge across Central Expressway connects Northaven to the White Rock Creek Trail and Cottonwood Trail to the east. 10803 Freda Stern Dr., Dallas. Hours: dawn to dusk daily.
Pro Tip: Frequent trail events offer visitors free ice cream and bike check-ups, plus opportunities to pitch in with planting and decorating for holidays.

Trinity Skyline Trail Best place to take tourists
Choose this paved four-and-a-half mile trail just outside downtown Dallas for the views. Following the Trinity River, and crossing beneath the iconic Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, its a perfect pick for out-of-town friends and family who want to sightsee while getting in their steps for the day. 3700 Sylvan Ave., Dallas. Open 24 hours.
Pro Tip: Plan your visit at the golden hour, either morning or night, to capture skyline photos in the best possible light.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Best for Dallas insiders
There’s nothing like a walk through the 66 lush, manicured acres of one of the world’s leading botanical gardens — and it’s right in our backyard. A full loop around the Dallas Arboretum’s paved walking trail equals just about a mile, but there’s no shortage of tempting detours through its 11 distinct gardens for those who wish to add steps and sights. Each fall, the annual Autumn at the Arboretum festival also adds 100,000 artfully arranged pumpkins, gourds, and squash to the botanical mix. 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas 9 am-5 pm daily.
Pro Tip: The Arboretum opens early for Member Walks, March 9-November 1. Members can stroll from 7-9 am, minus the crowds, with no photo shoots allowed.

White Rock Lake Park Best for amazing views
From fishing and kayaking, to running, biking, and walking, White Rock Lake Park has it all. Spanning nearly two square miles, the lake is surrounded by over nine miles of beautiful trails with waterfront views, as well as a dog park, dozens of picnic areas and pavilions, and an Audubon Society bird watching area. Primarily paved, the main lake loop is easy to navigate, but be sure to keep an eye out for crossing ducks. Aim for off-peak hours — namely, weekday mornings — to beat the crowds. 8300 East Lawther Dr., Dallas. Hours: 6 am-11 pm daily.
Pro Tip: Embark on your hike from neighboring Flagpole Hill Park (3100 Doran Cir., Dallas). It’s worth the extra mile for the breathing room and a better chance at a good parking space.

The Katy Trail Best for socializing
Three-and-a-half mile paved on an abandoned railroad line path winds its way through Uptown Dallas from Highland Park south to Victory Park. Separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists are a plus, especially when heavy crowds pack the trail on weekends and holidays. Most of all, Dallas loves the Katy Trail for socializing, whether that's walking-and-talking, or hopping off for a cold brew at one of several water holes along the way. 5207 McKinney Ave., Dallas. Hours: 5 am-11 pm daily.
Pro Tip: Start the day at the West Village and access the Katy Trail via Blackburn Street.