The Trinity Trails in Fort Worth are more than just a destination for walking and biking. They also function as an open-air gallery and gathering place where you’ll find nature, culture and city views. Whether you’re an outdoorsy person looking for a place to get some movement in or a visitor interested in art in Fort Worth, here’s all you need to know about exploring the Trinity Trails.  

What Are the Trinity Trails?

The Trinity Trails in Fort Worth are a network of trails that stretch over 100 miles along the Trinity River, connecting over 30 different neighborhoods and over 20 different parks. These trails are ideal for walking, biking, jogging and casual exploration for those interested in nature, art, and culture, with a variety of scenery depending on which section of the trails you explore.  

No matter where you are in Fort Worth, you can conveniently access the Trinity Trails. Some of the most popular access points include downtown in Heritage Park, Buck Sansom Park in the north and Cobb Park in the southeast.  

Some of the highlights of the trail network are the scenic 2.9-mile Trinity Park Loop that offers the best views of the city skyline, the Marine Creek Lake Loop and the 13.3-mile Stockyards Loop, a stretch of trail ideal for cycling that brings you to the historic Stockyards area.  

History of the Trinity Trails

The Trinity Trails in Fort Worth have been an essential part of the community for the last 50 years. The first trails that form part of the network were completed in 1972, and the next year the district celebrated the inaugural Mayfest along the Trinity River, now a beloved local tradition. In 1986, Gateway Park opened, home to another stretch of riverside trails.   

Over the decades since, the trail network has continually expanded, reaching their current distance of over 100 miles. The trails are managed primarily by the Tarrant Regional Water District, with help from other organizations and governments.  

Since its opening in 1972, the trail system has become a core community outdoors place and, more recently, public art destination.  

Art & Hiking Together

Visit the Trinity Trails to see murals in Fort Worth, and combine hiking or biking with cultural appreciation. A few years ago, the Tarrant Regional Water District commissioned 21 different local artists for the Painting the River mural art gallery, lining the section of the Trinity Trails that falls between the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base and Gateway Park.  

Now, as you walk, jog, or bike the Trinity Trails you can enjoy the city’s most impressive public art installation, admiring murals that tell the story of Fort Worth through everything from local wildlife to cowboys, folklore tales and more. This offers a truly immersive experience, where you can soak up local culture and nature all at once.  

Tips for Exploring the Trinity Trails

Now that you know a little bit about these trails in Fort Worth and what to expect of their outdoors and arts experience, here are some tips to help you make the most of the Trinity Trails:  

Best Times to Visit

Summer in Fort Worth is always fun, but visiting the trails during the spring and fall offers cool, comfortable weather with less crowds. The best time of day to visit the Trinity Trails depends on a few factors, such as the activity you’d like to pursue and whether you’d like to experience the trails when they’re quiet or share them with other members of the community.  

For peaceful jogging or cycling in pleasant weather, head to the Trinity Trails during the early mornings (before 9am) and early evenings (after 6pm) and you’ll avoid the hottest and most crowded times of day. 

What to Bring

When spending a significant amount of time enjoying the Trinity Trails, make sure to wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. If you’re there to walk, jog or bike, wear comfortable shoes and bring lots of water. And make sure to bring a camera or your phone to take pictures of public art!  

Amenities on the Trinity Trails

Many of the Trinity Trails access points offer parking, including major parks like Trinity Park and the Trailhead at Clearfork. There are also public restrooms and water stations in parks and other key locations along the trail network. Sections of the trails also offer easy access to the city, where you can find shops, restaurants, and other attractions.   

Trinity Trails Etiquette

When walking, running, or cycling on the Trinity Trails, follow basic guidelines to ensure the safety of yourself and others. In general, stick to the right side of the trails, pass on the left and keep pets on a leash and under control. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians and announce when they’re passing, plus follow all posted speed regulations and other signs.  
 
To keep the Trinity Trails in excellent condition so the whole community can enjoy, please clean up after yourself and make sure to pick up any trash or pet waste.  

Which Section to Explore

With over 100 miles of Trinity Trails to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But here are some basic guidelines:  

  • For art, visit the Painting the River Mural Gallery section of the trails along Clear Fork and Upper/Lower West Fork of the Trinity River. Between the Naval Air Station and Gateway Park, you’ll find murals painted by over 20 local artists and have both an outdoorsy and cultural experience.  

  • For nature, try the Art Cowsen Trailhead inside Pecan Valley Park in Benbrook, which extends all the way to Bellaire and offers undisturbed nature and a scenic waterfall. The area by Quanah Parker Park is another favorite among nature lovers, with a peaceful stretch of woods to explore.  

  • For city views, head to Trinity Park or get on the Trinity Trails near downtown.  

  • For cycling, The Campion Trail is a favorite for both urban and natural views. Or head to the Stockyard Loop, a 13.3-mile stretch that delivers you to the historic Stockyards district of Fort Worth.  

Come explore the Trinity Trails for yourself and discover Fort Worth’s nature and culture! In whichever way you choose to explore, don't miss the public art on the Trinity Trails.