The best walks and hikes around Irving

Yes, there are over 35 designated hiking routes to explore around Irving. The majority of these are easy, paved trails suitable for all fitness levels, with a good number of moderate options for those seeking a bit more of a challenge.

Most hikes in Irving follow paved greenbelt paths along the Elm Fork and West Fork of the Trinity River. You can expect flat, accessible terrain that winds through native forests and wetlands. These multi-use trails often connect several city parks, creating a large, interconnected network.

Yes, dogs are welcome on most trails in and around Irving, provided they are kept on a leash. The extensive Campion Trails system is a great option for a long walk with your dog. Cedar Ridge Preserve is another popular spot with local dog owners, known for its well-marked trails and clean environment.

Irving is great for families and beginners. The Bear Creek Park loop is a short and very easy walk. For a unique outing, the trail around Lake Carolyn and the Mandalay Canal offers a scenic, flat path with interesting architecture and the option for water activities like paddleboarding.

The Bob Eden Park via McCormick Park route offers a pleasant loop through connected parklands. Another excellent choice is the four-mile loop within the Trinity River Mountain Creek Preserve, which features a paved trail through a wooded riparian habitat.

The Campion Trails are the centerpiece of Irving's outdoor scene. It's a 22-mile master-planned greenbelt that follows the Trinity River. The wide, paved pathways are suitable for all skill levels and connect several parks, including the popular Sam Houston Trail Park and Bird's Fort Trail Park.

The natural landscape around Irving is primarily flat river corridors and prairies, so natural waterfalls are not a feature of the local hiking trails. However, you can find man-made water features and waterfalls along the scenic Mandalay Canal walk in Las Colinas for a picturesque experience.

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for hiking in North Texas, with comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers or changing foliage. Summers can be very hot and humid, so if you hike then, it's best to go early in the morning and bring plenty of water. Winters are generally mild and good for hiking.

The trails are well-regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paved paths of the Campion Trails and the natural scenery found so close to the city. The variety of connected parks and easy accessibility are also frequently mentioned as highlights.

Several spots are local favorites for hiking and walking:

• Campion Trails Park: This is a key access point to the extensive trail system along the Trinity River, praised for its clean paths and river scenery.
• Cedar Ridge Preserve: A highly-regarded nature preserve in nearby Dallas, offering 9 miles of trails through a beautiful Hill Country-like habitat.
• Arbor Hills Nature Preserve: Located in Plano, this 200-acre park is a top-rated destination with a mix of paved and unpaved trails, an observation tower, and excellent amenities.

The difficulty varies. The Horseshoe Trail loop is considered easy, offering a straightforward walk through parkland. In contrast, the North Shore Trail is more challenging and is rated as moderate. It features more rugged terrain and follows the contours of the lake, making it popular with hikers looking for a longer, more strenuous outing.