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Family-Friendly Hikes in Texas

There are 17 hikes in Texas in our database that fit. They average 2.7 km and 54 m (177 ft) of ascent, with the longest running to 6.0 km.

That is 61 percent of the 28 routes we map in Texas. They are shorter than the local average, 2.7 km against 20.9 km, which is what makes this a practical shortlist for a half day. They also climb less than the area average, 54 m (177 ft) against 463 m (1,519 ft), so they suit a recovery day or a group with mixed fitness.

Family routes here are short, gently graded and interesting enough to keep younger legs moving. Every one is under seven kilometres with limited climbing. Most of these are on the gentler end, which makes the list a good starting point if you are new to the area.

Trails

Easy

Shoal Creek Urban Trail

Texas · United States

Distance
5.1 km
/ 3.1 mi
Elevation gain
111 m
Typical duration
1 hr 13 min
  • River
Easy

Cross Timbers Black Trail

Texas · United States

Distance
2.4 km
/ 1.5 mi
Elevation gain
53 m
Typical duration
35 min
  • Waymarked route
Easy

Cross Timbers Green Trail

Texas · United States

Distance
2.4 km
/ 1.5 mi
Elevation gain
53 m
Typical duration
35 min
  • Waymarked route
Easy

Duck Pond Trail

Texas · United States

Distance
0.9 km
/ 0.6 mi
Elevation gain
20 m
Typical duration
13 min
  • Waymarked route
Easy

Creek Side Trail

Texas · United States

Distance
0.5 km
/ 0.3 mi
Elevation gain
10 m
Typical duration
7 min
  • River
Easy

Akokisa Trail

Texas · United States

Distance
3.9 km
/ 2.4 mi
Elevation gain
86 m
Typical duration
56 min
Easy

Cactus Patch Trail

Texas · United States

Distance
0.5 km
/ 0.3 mi
Elevation gain
11 m
Typical duration
7 min
Easy

Coloneh Trail

Texas · United States

Distance
1.2 km
/ 0.8 mi
Elevation gain
27 m
Typical duration
18 min
Easy

Del Webb Hiking Trails

Texas · United States

Distance
5.2 km
/ 3.2 mi
Elevation gain
115 m
Typical duration
1 hr 16 min
Easy

Dogwood Trail

Texas · United States

Distance
2.5 km
/ 1.6 mi
Elevation gain
56 m
Typical duration
37 min
Easy

Johnnie Bendy Trail

Texas · United States

Distance
0.6 km
/ 0.4 mi
Elevation gain
13 m
Typical duration
8 min
Easy

Katy Trail

Texas · United States

Distance
6.0 km
/ 3.7 mi
Elevation gain
44 m
Typical duration
1 hr 18 min
Easy

LBJ Walking Trail

Texas · United States

Distance
2.0 km
/ 1.2 mi
Elevation gain
44 m
Typical duration
29 min

The shortlist, side by side

The ten highest scoring routes on this page, so you can compare effort before opening any of them.

Distance, ascent, walking time and difficulty for the top routes
RouteDistanceAscentTimeDifficultyBest season
Shoal Creek Urban TrailTexas5.1 km111 m1 hr 13 minEasyApril to October
Cross Timbers Black TrailTexas2.4 km53 m35 minEasyApril to October
Cross Timbers Green TrailTexas2.4 km53 m35 minEasyApril to October
Cross Timbers Maroon TrailTexas3.6 km79 m52 minEasyApril to October
Cross Timbers Orange TrailTexas2.1 km46 m30 minEasyApril to October
Cross Timbers Orange TrailTexas2.5 km56 m37 minEasyApril to October
Duck Pond TrailTexas0.9 km20 m13 minEasyApril to October
Creek Side TrailTexas0.5 km10 m7 minEasyApril to October
Akokisa TrailTexas3.9 km86 m56 minEasyApril to October
Cactus Patch TrailTexas0.5 km11 m7 minEasyApril to October

If you only have time for one, start with Shoal Creek Urban Trail, Cross Timbers Maroon Trail, Cross Timbers Orange Trail. Those are the routes people come back to. Every route on this page links through to a full guide with the map, elevation profile, seasonal advice and what to bring.

Frequently asked questions

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