If you’re itching to swap city noise for birdsong and wide-open skies, the trails around Southlake offer the perfect escape. Winding paths, shaded woods, and lakeside views are just a short drive away, no matter your experience or energy level.
Let’s get to it.
Walnut Grove Trailhead
Acting as the front door to hiking near Grapevine Lake, Walnut Grove Trailhead delivers almost four miles of dirt paths. The out-and-back route links to the Blue Stem Trailhead. Along the way you encounter gentle grades, with an occasional incline at creek crossings.
The surface is sandy loam and compacted earth that can turn muddy after rain. One moment you hike through shaded woods filled with bird calls, the next you step into open areas with lake views. Watch for roots and rocks underfoot. On weekdays, crowds stay light; weekends in spring and fall attract more visitors.
Amenities are practical without feeling overbuilt. Parking and picnic spots are free. You find porta-potties near the soccer fields and access to water along the trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. Horse trailers have a separate parking area and round pens. Parts of the trail are stroller-friendly on dry days, but wheelchairs will struggle. Trail markers guide you, though an unmarked fork or two means a map or phone app can help. Maintenance is steady, keeping the mix of woods and wildflowers inviting.
Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve
Offering a straightforward outdoor experience, Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve keeps things simple… You get hours of forested trails with dirt underfoot. The White-Tailed Deer Trail and Bluebird Trail are short loops under a mile with minimal elevation. Arrow signs line these paths so you stay on course.
For a longer hike, the Walnut Grove and Grapevine Lake trails offer more distance. Be ready for sandy soil and wide views over Cross Timbers habitat. Wildlife sightings are common… squirrels, songbirds, deer if you stay quiet. A butterfly garden and a small pond add variety. Volunteers maintain the trails year-round.
The preserve covers dozens of wooded acres. Parking and benches are free and plentiful. The nature center offers interpretive displays, restrooms, and a hiking map at the entrance. Dogs are not allowed, keeping the wildlife undisturbed. Weekdays see few visitors, and spring and fall bring mild weather and wildflowers. Trails are not suitable for strollers or wheels. Crowds rarely form outside weekends.
Bob Jones Park
Covering 758 acres of Cross Timbers forest, Bob Jones Park offers more than city green space. Over 20 miles of dirt and grass trails wind through wooded terrain. No paved paths here. With elevation changes under 55 feet, most routes suit hikers, walkers, and horseback riders.
Short loops like the quarter-mile White-Tailed Deer Trail fit a quick visit. The Grapevine Lake Trail and the 6.5-mile Walnut Grove National Recreation Trail extend along the shore. Horses share that longer route. Birders value this park for its variety of species. Informational kiosks and wayfinding arrows stand at key intersections.
The nature center provides interpretive displays and restrooms. Benches and picnic tables appear at regular intervals. Dogs are restricted on trails near the center but have a separate off-leash area. The park stays busy on weekends but rarely feels crowded. Trail markers remain clear and maintenance crews keep the area clean. Always carry water in summer, when Texas heat rises quickly. In spring and fall, wildflowers and cooler temperatures make hiking more enjoyable.
MADD Shelter
Reflecting classic Texas outdoor style, MADD Shelter sits along Lake Grapevine’s North Shore Trail. The 3.1-mile out-and-back course follows dirt paths through hardwood forest and gentle lakeside slopes. The trail’s minimal elevation makes it accessible for most hikers. It never reaches extreme grades.
A large gravel parking lot relieves any parallel parking stress. Benches appear at intervals, offering views of the water. Oak and maple trees provide shade in summer. Wildlife sightings include deer, fox, squirrels, and the occasional waterfowl near the shore. Early morning visits bring the quietest experience.
Basic amenities include porta-potties at the trailhead. Dogs run on leash here. No paved sections mean strollers and wheelchairs face limitations. Weekends attract more hikers and runners, but weekdays stay calm. The trail receives regular upkeep from local volunteers. It may lack dramatic peaks, but its blend of forest and lake scenery makes it a solid choice for anyone seeking a straightforward outdoor outing.
Northshore Trailhead
Boasting over 21 miles of single-track trails, Northshore Trailhead at Lake Grapevine caters to both hikers and mountain bikers. Seven interconnected loops range from beginner-friendly routes to technical sections with rocky outcrops and steep grades. The eastern loops ease you in; western loops challenge with rock gardens and sharp climbs.
Terrain varies between sandy clay, exposed roots, and rocky stretches. Boardwalk sections near the Lakeside Boardwalk entrance provide firm footing. You find wildflower meadows in spring and lakeside panoramas when you pause on ridge tops. Restrooms and water spigots stand at all main trailheads.
Leashed dogs are welcome, and dog-waste stations appear along the trails. Free parking at the main entrance fills up on weekends. DORBA and Army Corps crews keep trails well marked and clear of overgrowth. Busy afternoons see mountain bikers weaving through turns…, but early mornings offer quiet hikes. After heavy rain, sections can become muddy, so check conditions before heading out. This trail network rewards anyone seeking variety and a true taste of North Texas outdoors.
