Texas offers a wide variety of landscapes from canyons, mountains, deserts, plains, and forests, to islands and coastline. Basically, there’s plenty of nature to enjoy in the beautiful Lone Star State and there’s plenty of land to cover.
Of course, there’s no better way to enjoy some rugged, natural beauty than with your four-legged hiking partner, so where are they welcome to join you in the great state of Texas? Well, there’s no shortage of dog-friendly hiking destinations in the state, but here’s a list of our favorites.
The 10 Dog Friendly Hiking Trails In Texas
1. Trinity Skyline Trail
- Hard surface hiking trail that offers amazing views of downtown Dallas.
- Parking access points are located at Continental Avenue Bridge and West Dallas Gateway, Trammell Crow Park, and Trinity Overlook.
- 6-mile multi-use trail that’s great for hiking with your pup.
2. Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail
- The Barton Creek Greenbelt Preserve is a great dog-friendly recreational area.
- There are 7 access points to Barton Creek Greenbelt.
- The 7.9-mile dirt trail is great for hiking to both Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls
- Leashes are required and don’t forget to pack the poop bags.
3. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
- Houston Arboretum & Nature Center features 155 and 5 miles of walking trails.
- Walk with your pup through various wildlife habitats and enjoy the views.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash and do not forget to clean up their messes.
- There is parking at the Woodway Entrance and the 610 Entrance
- Parking is free on Thursdays but $5.50 every other day.
4. Eisenhower Park
- Eisenhower Park is just north of San Antonio’s outer belt.
- This 300-acre park features a combination of paved trails, gravel trails, and dirt trails.
- Dogs must always remain on leash and owners are responsible for cleanup.
- Visit the Observatory Tower for some wonderful views of the city.
5. Franklin Mountains State Park
- During the busy season the gate opens at 6:30 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- There are over 100 miles of hiking trails with rugged desert terrain.
- This State Park is just 15 minutes from El Paso and has over 27,000 acres to explore.
- Dogs are not permitted in any of the buildings.
- Cost to enter is $5 per adult, children 12 and under are free.
6. Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve
- Visit the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve for a hike filled with nature and wildlife.
- The walking trails and playground are open daily from dawn to dusk.
- This nature preserve features 162 acres to explore and enjoy.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash.
7. Big Bend Ranch State Park
- Just west of Big Bend National Park.
- Features 275,000 acres of managed wilderness and rugged volcanic landscapes.
- The cost to enter is $5 per person for those 13 years or older.
- Pack plenty of water and be careful of the summer heat.
8. Guadalupe River State Park
- Entry to Guadalupe River State Park is $7 per person, children 12 and under are free.
- This area can get crowded during the nice weather months.
- This large, clean park has plenty of things to do.
- Take your dog on a hike and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Make sure to keep your pup leashed and clean up any mess.
9. Tyler State Park Lakeshore Trail
- The Lakeshore Trail is a 2-mile loop near Tyler, Texas.
- This will give you and your pup a moderately challenging hike.
- Dogs must be leashed at Tyler State Park.
- The trail is open all year round and there are plenty of others to enjoy, too.
- It costs $6 per person to enter the park but children 12 and under are free.
10. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- Located in the Texas Panhandle near the cities of Amarillo and Canyon.
- This is the second-largest canyon in the United States.
- Enjoy over 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
- The cost to enter is $8 per day for anyone 13 years of age or older.
- Dogs must always remain on leash and owners are responsible for cleanup.
Conclusion
Texas is home to plenty of hiking destinations that are certainly worth exploring alongside your precious pup. Not only are there some great trails all over, but Texas has 89 state parks that offer plenty of hiking and outdoor adventures.
You can expect to pay an entry fee for the Texas State Parks if you are over the age of 13, but regardless of where you decide to venture, you’re in for a treat.
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