Review
Intro
For anyone who lives in or has lived in the DFW area, the Trinity River and its tributaries are ever present in their minds. Practically every waterway in the metroplex is part of this river system, and the cities in the area have taken advantage of its natural beauty.
Sporting over 40 miles of paved trails, the Trinity Trails System was built by the City of Fort Worth to provide ample access to this massive waterway and the parks surrounding it. 17 trailheads for parking or picnicking, 5 boat launches for paddle boats, and various areas of equestrian trails dot the trail system and provide outdoor enthusiasts of all types something to enjoy along the Trinity River.
What Makes It Great
With such a large amount of area it covers, the Trinity Trail gives an impressive amount of access points to its paved trails. Although relatively flat, the trail twists and winds around bends and forests as it follows the Trinity River. Just a short walk to the north of downtown Fort Worth, the most notable trailhead starts at Heritage Park. Here you will head across the river and choose the route to the north or to the south. Either direction, you’ll be impressed by the vistas of Downtown Fort Worth as you pound the pavement along the river front.
While the urban landscape dominates a large portion of the trail, you’ll breathe easy as the path quickly gives way to its canopy covered ends. Connecting 21 area parks, the avid runner will enjoy the ever changing environments these parks provide. For the runner looking for extended adventure, the eastern portion of the trail gives access to the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens and the Fort Worth Zoo.
Who is Going to Love It
The Trinity Trails system really has something to offer everyone. With so much open pavement to explore, marathoners and ultra-runners will keep themselves occupied with several beautiful routes to choose from. Typical of the DFW area, towns and cities sprawl out from downtown in all directions – and with the Trinity Trail delving into each quadrant of the compass, citizens from all over can enjoy access. Because of recent development in the 7th street area to the west of town and breweries popping up on the east of town, weekend runners will have a reason to lace up their shoes because of the artery to these hot spots the Trinity Trail provides.
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
The 17 trailheads on the trail are located at every corner of Fort Worth. To reach Heritage Park, take Main Street north in downtown, and the park is located behind the courthouse where the street runs its course. Trinity Park, another major access point close to downtown Fort Worth, can be reached on the west side of the Trinity river – with major thoroughfares of 7th Street, Lancaster Avenue, and University Drive. Parking is free at nearly all trailheads and pets are allowed on a leash.
