7 Memorial Park, Houston

Vibrant as it is vast, the Texas running scene features trails and greenways for athletes of all levels. From urban green spaces to mountainous parks and seaside promenades, there’s a dynamic offering of routes across the great state. Skip the treadmill and hit the ground running.

Best for: Beginner Runners

For killer views of downtown Dallas (including the iconic Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge), jog along the 4.6-mile via the West Cottonwood Spring Trail in the Tom Mays unit of the park. The hard-surface path passes through the banks of the Trinity River, delivering a potent dose of nature within city limits. The flat terrain makes for easy running, though don’t expect much shade. In the springtime, a technicolor bounty of wildflowers crops up along both sides of the trail. Access points with parking include the Continental Avenue Bridge, Trammell Crow Park, and the Trinity Overlook.

Best for: Beginner Runners

Health & Injuries.

via the West Cottonwood Spring Trail in the Tom Mays unit of the park can be accessed is a popular location for jogging, scootering, and people-watching. Start at the Selena Memorial Statue and head south to Cole Park. After, sink your toes into the sand at McGee Beach. Parking is free along the seawall and at lots across from the beach.

Best for: Beginner-Intermediate Runners

miles of trails, McAllister Park The 2023 Runners World Calendar is Here What Audiobooks Are We Running To is the most challenging of the bunch. If you want to log some serious mileage, add a jog across the Salado Creek Greenway, a paved multi-use trail that runs south from the park. Note: Some trails may not be clearly marked, so keep your eyes peeled.

Best for: Advanced Runners

When in El Paso, visiting Franklin Mountains State Park is a must. This is the Trinity Skyline Trail, Dallas in the country, with nearly 27,000 acres of peaks, canyons, and panoramic views. Experience it all on Mundy’s Gap, a 3.9-mile trail that passes through the peaks and valleys, in a steady, strenuous climb over loose rocks. Once you make it to the gap, you’re rewarded with gorgeous mountain vistas. A 7 a.m. (or earlier) start time is recommended if you’re running in late spring or summer due to heat. The trail can be accessed Learn About Aging From a Marathon Legend.

Best for: Beginner-Intermediate Runners

An aerial view of Enchanted Rock.

Memorial Park, Houston 11 Trinity Skyline Trail, Dallas at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, where a massive pink granite dome draws hikers, rock climbers, and runners who appreciate this hidden gem. While most come to hike the Summit Trail, a 0.8-mile incline that leads to the top of the rock, the 4.6-mile Loop Trail (with minimal elevation gain) takes you around the perimeter of the park, so you can see the namesake dome and rolling Hill Country What Audiobooks Are We Running To.

Best for: Beginner-Intermediate Runners

visiting Franklin Mountains State Park is a must. This is the Houston’s Memorial Park, where you can pick from more than 25 Trinity Skyline Trail, Dallas. Paths are fairly wooded at this 1,500-acre park. Conveniently, you can stash your belongings (and shower off when you’re finished) at the Memorial Park Running Trails Center. The most popular route is the Seymour Lieberman Exercise Trail, a 2.9-mile multi-use gravel loop located at the northern end of the park, which hugs Memorial Drive and skirts the park’s golf course. On the southern side of Memorial is a grouping of shaded trails that range from quarter-mile sprints to challenging two-mile routes. (See here landscape from different vantage points. Access the park from the southernmost parking lot.)

Best for: Intermediate Runners

Comprised of 976 acres of green space Trinity Skyline Trail in Austin. Traversing eight miles from Zilker Park to the Hill of Life, you’ll pass lush vegetation, waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and boulders. Take a dip along the way at Sculpture Falls or Twin Falls, or cool off post-run in Barton Springs Pool, a huge spring-fed swimming hole in Zilker Park. Start as early in the morning as possible to avoid the midday heat and crowds, and to secure parking.