The best walks and hikes around Plano

Yes, most trails in Plano's parks and nature preserves are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. Both Arbor Hills Nature Preserve and Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve are popular choices for dog walkers, offering extensive trail networks with plenty of space to explore.

Plano has many easy, family-friendly trails. The Bluebonnet Trail out and back is a great option, offering a relatively flat, 4.1-mile (6.6 km) paved path that's suitable for all ages and strollers. The playgrounds at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve also make it a great starting point for a family outing.

Plano has an excellent system of paved trails. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve offers about 3 miles of paved recreational trails, while Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve has nearly 8 miles of concrete paths. The Chisholm Trail Greenbelt is another highly-regarded option consisting of a paved trail that follows a creek.

Arbor Hills is a 200-acre preserve with a varied trail system. It includes approximately 3 miles of paved trails suitable for walking and jogging, and about 3 miles of natural, unpaved trails designated for pedestrians only. There is also a separate 2.8-mile off-road bike trail. A popular feature is the observation tower, which provides panoramic views of the city.

Oak Point Park is much larger than Arbor Hills, at 800 acres versus 200. It offers a more extensive network of trails, with nearly 8 miles of concrete paths and 5 miles of soft-surface trails. While both are excellent for hiking, Oak Point's size allows for longer routes like the 4.4-mile (7.1 km) Bob Woodruff Park North Lake out and back. Arbor Hills is more compact but offers more varied elevation and distinct ecosystems like Blackland Prairie and Upland Forest.

The landscape around Plano is primarily prairie and woodland, so natural waterfalls are not a common feature on local hiking trails. The routes focus more on serene creek-side paths and forested areas within the city's nature preserves.

Spring and fall are ideal for hiking in Plano, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, including wildflowers in the spring. Winters are generally mild and great for hiking, though you should be prepared for occasional cold snaps. Summer can be very hot and humid, so if you hike during this time, it's best to go early in the morning and bring plenty of water.

Both of Plano's major hiking destinations have ample parking. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve has a large lot at its main entrance (6701 W Parker Rd). Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve offers multiple parking areas, with the main one located at 5901 Los Rios Blvd, providing easy access to the nature center and trailheads.

For those looking to explore beyond the city, several state parks are within a reasonable drive. Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve, southwest of Dallas, is known for its hilly terrain and views of Joe Pool Lake. To the north, Ray Roberts Lake State Park offers numerous trails for hiking and equestrian use in a lakeside setting.

The trails around Plano are well-regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, especially the mix of paved and natural surfaces available. The accessibility of the preserves and the peaceful, natural settings within an urban environment are frequently highlighted as major benefits.

You can find over 20 curated hiking routes around Plano on komoot. The city's extensive trail system, which includes major greenbelts like the Chisholm and Bluebonnet Trails, connects numerous parks and preserves, offering many more potential combinations for walks and hikes of various lengths.