Hiking in Southlake, TX

Southlake, Texas, offers an abundance of hiking and walking opportunities, whether you're looking for a family-friendly park trail or a more extensive nature path. Known for its well-maintained parks and preserved Cross Timbers habitat, Southlake offers scenic trails that cater to all levels of hikers, from casual walks to longer treks by Grapevine Lake. Here's a guide to the city's most popular trails, parks, their difficulty levels, and what you can expect when exploring Southlake's outdoors.

Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve is the premier hiking destination in Southlake, with over 20 miles of natural trails spread across 758 acres of Cross Timbers habitat. The preserve connects to trails on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land near Lake Grapevine, providing hikers with an array of scenic routes. The Bluebird Trail (approximately 0.8 miles) and White-Tailed Deer Trail (about 0.25 miles) are easy loops, perfect for a casual stroll. These trails offer interpretive signs highlighting local wildlife, making them an educational experience for young hikers. For those seeking a longer adventure, the Walnut Grove National Recreation Trail extends up to 10 miles, offering beautiful views of Grapevine Lake, dense forests, and varied terrain. This trail is also shared with equestrians, so don’t be surprised if you encounter horseback riders.

Adjacent to the nature preserve is Bob Jones Park, a nearly 500-acre space offering multi-use trails, a soccer field, and a 6-acre fishing pond. The park also serves as a trailhead for the Walnut Grove system. With flat and short trails, Bob Jones Park is ideal for a leisurely walk or for kids riding their bikes. A highlight for dog lovers is Boo Boo’s Buddies Dog Park, which is a fenced area where dogs can play off-leash. The park is family-friendly, with picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and plenty of parking.

Bicentennial Park, located at 450 W. Southlake Blvd., is Southlake's flagship city park. While not a wilderness area, this 82-acre park features paved pathways that wind around sports fields, a large pond, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The park also boasts public art installations, including a large dragon sculpture that serves as a splash pad in summer. These paved trails are easy and accessible, making Bicentennial Park perfect for a short walk or jog, especially for families with strollers or wheelchairs.

North Park is another popular community park with paved multi-use trails that encircle its three lighted sports fields and a pond. This smaller park, located at 200 E. Dove Rd., is ideal for a casual stroll, a family walk, or a quick dog-friendly outing. With a playground, benches, and a pavilion, North Park is a great spot for picnics or a short nature walk.

In addition to these parks, Southlake offers several smaller neighborhood parks, such as Royal & Annie Smith Park and others, which feature shorter walking paths, serene landscapes, and picnic areas, contributing to the city’s ~6 miles of scenic trails.

Hiking in Southlake is mostly easy to moderate, with many of the trails being short and relatively flat. The Nature Preserve Trails (like the Bluebird and White-Tailed Deer Trails) are accessible to most walkers, with gentle terrain and minimal elevation change. These trails are perfect for families with children or anyone looking for a casual walk. The Walnut Grove Trail, while longer, is also relatively flat but can be more challenging due to natural surfaces with exposed roots and occasional sandy areas.

In contrast, Bicentennial Park and North Park feature paved trails that are entirely flat, making them perfect for people with strollers or mobility challenges. Bob Jones Park also has easy trails, with some areas paved or packed gravel, making them suitable for a variety of walkers.

Southlake’s trails offer diverse and scenic experiences. The Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve is home to the Eastern Cross Timbers ecosystem, a rare mix of oak savannah and woodland. As you hike, you’ll pass through groves of oak and hickory trees, with wildflowers like bluebonnets and goldenrod in the spring. The wildlife is abundant, with chances to see white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of birds, making the preserve a popular spot for bird watchers. The Walnut Grove Trail offers stunning views of Grapevine Lake, particularly during sunrise or sunset when the water reflects the sky.

Within Bicentennial Park, the beauty is more manicured, with large open lawns, gardens, and a pond. The park’s giant dragon sculpture is a standout feature, especially for kids who enjoy the water play area in summer. Additionally, the historic log cabin and various sculptures add to the charm of this city park.

Southlake’s parks and trails are well-equipped with amenities. Bicentennial Park and North Park have paved, wheelchair-accessible paths, restrooms, picnic areas, and playgrounds. For longer hikes, the Bob Jones Nature Center offers trail maps and educational exhibits. There are ample parking lots at all major trailheads, though parking can fill up during peak times, especially on weekends. For families with dogs, Southlake’s parks are very dog-friendly, with on-leash trails and off-leash areas like Boo Boo’s Buddies Dog Park.

Southlake’s trails cater to families and dog lovers alike. The easy loops at Bob Jones Nature Center and Bicentennial Park are great for kids, with plenty of educational opportunities and fun play areas afterward. For those with pets, dogs are allowed on the trails at Bob Jones Park and Bicentennial Park (on a leash), while the Walnut Grove Trail is also dog-friendly.

The best times to hike in Southlake are during the mild temperatures of spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the trails are in great condition. Summer hiking is possible, but it’s important to get an early start or hike in the cooler evening hours to avoid the heat. In winter, Southlake’s trails offer a peaceful hiking experience with fewer crowds.

For a safe and enjoyable hike, always carry water, wear sunscreen, and be mindful of the weather conditions. If you’re planning a longer hike, be sure to check trail conditions beforehand. Southlake’s parks are generally safe, but it’s always a good idea to hike with a buddy or let someone know your plans. For more information on trail maps, events, and hiking programs, check out the city’s official parks and recreation website.

Ready to explore Southlake’s beautiful outdoor trails? Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly walk or an adventurous hike, Sherri Murphy can help you find the perfect home near these amazing parks. Contact Sherri today to learn more about Southlake’s real estate options and start your journey to a home in this wonderful community.