These Are Some of the Best Dog Parks in Texas for Hikes and Long Walks
Some of the best dog parks in Texas come with beautiful trails perfect for hikes and long walks. So if you’re ever in the country’s second-biggest state, don’t miss a chance to take your dog hiking.
The benefits of hiking with your dog
Hiking with your fur baby isn’t only a form of good exercise. It’s also an excellent source of mental stimulation.
Hiking trails give your dog plenty of new scents, sounds, sights, situations, and people.
Apart from that, hiking is also a good cure for boredom. If your dog is starting to be a bit destructive at home, he might be lacking mental and physical stimulation.
Hiking is also an inexpensive way to ‘go on a vacation.’ There are a lot of hiking trails in Texas that are open for free.
The best dog parks in Texas for hikes
If you haven’t tried hiking with your dog yet, here are some of the best dog parks in Texas where you can take your fur baby hiking.
1) Tails’ N Trails Dog Park
950 SE Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, TX, United States, 76018
Tails’ N Trails Dog Park is one of two public dog parks in Arlington, Texas. This 5.7-acre park is home to a walking and hiking trail lined with beautiful trees.
Drinking water and pet waste stations are already available on-site, but you can still bring your own supply of water and poop bags in case the park runs out.
There are also several benches at the park where you can rest after exploring the trails with your dog.
You can visit the dog park’s website for important announcements about park schedules and local events.
2) Katy Trails
2500 Victory Ave, Dallas, TX, US, 75205
The historic Katy Trails is an iconic destination in Dallas, Texas, built on an old railroad line.
This 3.5-mile trail is amidst lush greens and several trees. Locals come to jog, enjoy long walks, or join local events.
Fur parents love it because it’s an excellent place to let your dog walk and meet new people. Just be sure you keep your dog on a leash while you’re walking.
The park is open from 5 A.M. to midnight. Bring plenty of water, your dog’s bowl, and poop bags. Clean up after your pet and throw away used bags in designated waste bins around the park.
Parking and clean restrooms are available on-site. You can visit the park’s website for more information about local events you can join.
3) Wiggly Field Dog Park
Denton, TX, United States, 76210
If you’re looking for something more open, you can visit Wiggly Field Dog Park. Local fur parents love the well-appointed dog park amenities and the separate spaces for big and small dogs, but they love the vast, open space even more.
This off-leash dog park is also very clean and well-maintained, which is another reason dog owners keep coming back.
The loop around the park is also an easy walk—perfect for a beginner hiker or walker. Drinking fountains and trash cans are available on-site, so you must bring your dog’s bowl and poop bags. Parking is also available on-site.
Check out the park’s website for more information about the park’s schedule.
4) Guadalupe River State Park
3350 Park Rd 31, Texas, United States, 78070
Visit Guadalupe River State Park if you’re looking to be more adventurous. This park in Spring Branch, Texas, features breathtaking views of the Guadalupe River.
There are four miles of river frontage, plus several quiet spots where you can sit with your dog. However, you need to keep your dog on a leash to keep them safe as they can easily wander off and get lost.
You also need to bring poop bags to clean up after your pet. Bring plenty of water, too, especially if you’re planning to do a lot of walking.
Other activities at the park include swimming, fishing, tubing, and canoeing. Visit the park’s website for important announcements and a list of safety precautions.
5) Mary Moore Searight Metro Park
907 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748, United States
It takes only 40 minutes to complete the 2.1-mile trail at Mary Moore Searight Metro Park.
This Austin, Texas, destination is very popular for hiking, mountain biking, and road biking.
Dogs need to be on a leash when you come and visit. You also need to pack plenty of water and your dog’s bowl if you want to go hiking during the summer months.
You can help keep the park in excellent shape by cleaning up after your dog. Bring poop bags you can use to pick up poop and trash bags where you can dispose of used poop bags.
The terrain is a mix of open fields and woodlands, so make sure you keep a close watch on your fur baby.
You can check out the park’s website for important announcements before you visit.
6) Walnut Creek Metro Park
12138 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78758
Fur parents who have been to Walnut Creek Metro Park say it is indeed one of the best dog parks in Texas as it offers plenty of space and outdoor recreation facilities that everyone can enjoy.
Imagine more than 290 acres of space where you can hike, bike, and play sports. There’s also an off-leash dog area that’s very clean and spacious.
The park has nine creek crossings and four trailheads, so you won’t run out of areas to explore.
It’s open from 5 A.M. to 10 P.M., but no matter what time you visit, you’ll have a great experience.
Don’t forget to pack essentials like poop bags, drinking water, your dog’s bowl, and a first-aid kit.
Check out the park’s website for important announcements.
How to prepare your dog for a hike
Preparing your fur baby for a hike is important so you can enjoy hiking around some of the best dog parks in Texas.
Start by bringing him to small off-leash areas first. Then, you can start taking him out for long walks once he gets used to that.
Remember that both of you (especially you) need to be in good shape before hiking.
You also have to start with smoother trails before letting your dog walk on other terrains.
Consult your dog’s veterinarian to ensure he’s healthy enough for hikes.
