The best walks and hikes around Oak Point

The Lakefront Trail in Little Elm offers a delightful escape with continuous water views, making it a popular route for a relaxed outing. This 9.7 miles (15.6 km) hike is mostly flat and paved, providing an easy-going experience for all ages and fitness levels. You'll find yourself strolling along the lake, with the path passing through pleasant green spaces and offering a refreshing atmosphere. It's a moderate trail that takes approximately 3 hours and 56 minutes to complete, with a minimal elevation gain of 91 feet (28 metres).

Planning your visit to the Lakefront Trail is straightforward, with McCord Park serving as a convenient access point with parking and facilities. The trail is well-suited for a morning or late afternoon walk to enjoy cooler temperatures, especially during the warmer seasons. While generally uncrowded compared to urban trails, it's always a good idea to bring water and be mindful of other users, as it's a shared path. The trail is open year-round, providing a consistent option for outdoor activity.

This Lakefront Trail is a cherished local amenity, providing a vital recreational artery for residents and visitors in Denton County. Its accessible nature and gentle terrain make it an excellent choice for family friendly hikes, or for those seeking a peaceful walk without challenging ascents. The trail's design emphasizes ease of use and scenic enjoyment, reflecting a commitment to keeping the lakefront open and accessible for everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of Little Elm.

The McCord Park Trail offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through a mix of paved and gravel paths, open fields, and wooded sections. As you follow the gentle slopes of the Cottonwood Creek floodplain, you'll enjoy views of the creek and occasional peeks at Lake Lewisville. Keep an eye out for the charming bronze statues and a bright teal wooden swing that add character to the natural surroundings, making it a visually engaging experience.

This easy 3.1-mile (5.0 km) hiking route, with just 39 feet (12 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick outing, taking about 1 hour and 16 minutes. It's a fantastic option for McCord Park Trail family friendly hikes or for beginners looking for an accessible trail. The park provides ample parking and amenities like a dog park and play area, making it easy to plan your visit.

Located in Denton County, Texas, the trail is a haven for local wildlife, offering opportunities to spot diverse bird species, small mammals, and colorful wildflowers in the spring. Its connection to other paths like the Lakefront Trail allows for extended adventures, and the park's facilities, including a disc golf course and splash pad, make it a versatile destination for outdoor recreation.

The Doubletree Ranch Park and A-Train Trail Loop offers a delightful blend of manicured parkland and a multi-use paved path, perfect for a relaxed outing. You'll begin in the tranquil Doubletree Ranch Park, enjoying its lush greenery, open fields, and a serene pond, before transitioning to the A-Train Rail Trail. This section provides varied scenery, including some pleasant stretches with vegetation and bridges, especially near Lewisville Lake, though parts do run alongside more developed areas. It's an easy 2.9-mile (4.7 km) hike with just 61 feet (19 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 12 minutes.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as Doubletree Ranch Park provides ample parking, public restrooms, and water fountains. The A-Train Rail Trail also offers a unique logistical advantage, connecting directly to the A-train commuter rail line, which means you could walk one way and ride the train back if you wanted to extend your adventure. While the trail is accessible year-round, consider an early start during warmer seasons to enjoy cooler temperatures. Be mindful of street crossings along the A-Train section, as some can be busy.

This loop is particularly notable for its family-friendly amenities within Doubletree Ranch Park, including a splash pad, playground, and an off-leash area for dogs, making it a community hub. The A-Train Rail Trail itself is a significant multi-use pathway in North Texas, serving both recreational users and active commuters. Combining these two distinct environments creates a versatile and accessible hiking experience that caters to a wide range of users, from those seeking a leisurely stroll to dog-friendly hikes.

The A-train Rail Trail offers a unique blend of urban convenience and natural views, making it a standout among accessible trails in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. You'll traverse a mostly flat, paved concrete path, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a long run. The scenery shifts from natural settings to glimpses of small towns and historic downtowns, with a notable section crossing Lewisville Lake, providing expansive water views.

This 7.3-mile (11.7 km) route, with a gentle 136 feet (41 metres) of elevation gain, is rated moderate and typically takes about 2 hours and 58 minutes to complete. Its "rail-with-trail" design means you can easily combine your hike with a ride on the A-train commuter line, hopping on or off at one of the five stations along the way. Bikes are welcome on the train, and some sections even offer "free fare" zones.

What truly sets this trail apart is its adaptability; it's suitable for walkers, cyclists, inline skaters, and is wheelchair accessible. The trail connects existing transit facilities with key destinations in Denton, Lewisville, and Highland Village, making it a practical choice for both recreation and commuting. Remember to observe Z crossing fencing for safety, always looking for trains before crossing tracks.

The Hidden Cove Nature Trail offers a peaceful escape along the shores of Lewisville Lake, providing calming water views and a chance to observe native wildlife. This easy 2.9-mile (4.7 km) hiking route winds through a pleasant mix of open and tree-lined sections, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed outing. With only 29 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain, it's a gentle path suitable for all ages, taking approximately 1 hour and 11 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit requires an entrance fee to Hidden Cove Park, where the trail is located. You'll find the trailhead by taking the first right after the park entrance and following the road to a circular parking lot near cabins, with restrooms and picnic tables available. Be aware that after heavy rains, the trail can become quite muddy with standing water, so waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended for a more comfortable experience.

This trail is a highlight within the 720-acre Hidden Cove Park, offering a serene environment away from the city bustle. While popular for fishing along the shoreline, the trail itself provides a quiet natural setting. It's an excellent option for those seeking an easy walking trail in the Hidden Cove area, especially if you appreciate lake scenery and a flat, accessible path.