City: Dallas, TX
Neighborhoods: Oak Cliff
Distance: 6.5 miles
It’s hard to do real backcountry trail running in Dallas. Most trails in the city are crowded concrete pathways, but the Oak Cliff Nature Preserve is real woodland trail running, and it’s only 15 minutes away from Downtown Dallas.
The Oak Cliff Nature Preserve is 121 acres of natural land with 8 miles of hiking and biking trails. The main trail loops total 6.5 miles.
The further you get into the woods, the less people you’ll see. You won’t feel like you’re in Dallas anymore. But don’t be scared to get lost! The main trails are easy to navigate, so follow the markers and you’ll be fine.
Directions
- Start at northwest parking lot
- Make your way south on the White Trail
- Use the White Trail to jump on every other trail
- Complete the Yellow, Orange, Red, Purple and Blue Trails
- After Blue, make your way back to the parking lot via White Trail
The Run
Start your run at the nature reserve’s parking lot. You’ll jump onto the White Trail, which connects all other loop trails. Move south on the White Trail until you hit the Yellow Trail, the first connected loop.
After completing Yellow, you’ll find yourself right back on the White Trail. Move all the way down on the White completing the 4 other loop trails: Orange, Red, Purple, and Blue.
Each trail has its own unique experience. The scenery and elevation vary throughout, and you’ll run past some interesting landmarks, including a cluster of trees hung with random memorabilia on the Blue Trail. Stop to take pictures of this weird area.
Each trail has its own unique experience. The scenery and elevation vary throughout, and you’ll run past some interesting landmarks, including a cluster of trees hung with random memorabilia on the Blue Trail. Stop to take pictures of this weird spot!
If at any point you feel lost, look for the signs. You’ll see trees with painted markers indicating which trail you’re on. At the end of each color trail, you’ll find yourself right back on the main White Trail.
