The best walks and hikes around Savannah
4.5
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Hiking around Savannah offers routes through a landscape defined by coastal geography. The region is characterized by maritime forests with live oaks and Spanish moss, expansive salt marshes, and meandering tidal creeks. Most trails are relatively flat, following sandy paths and boardwalks that provide access to the area's unique ecosystems.
Best hiking trails around Savannah
- The most popular hiking route is Little Elm Lakefront Trail — McCord Park, a 9.7 mile (15.6 km) trail that takes about 3 hours 56 minutes to complete. This route offers extended views of the coastal marshland.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is McCord Trail — McCord Park, an easy 3.1 mile (5.0 km) path. It follows well-maintained trails through maritime forest.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt Trail — Little Elm, a 4.5 mile (7.2 km) trail leading through coastal forest, often completed in about 1 hour 49 minutes.
- Hiking around Savannah is defined by coastal paths, salt marsh boardwalks, and shaded maritime forests. The network provides options for different ability levels, with most routes being flat and accessible.
- The routes in Savannah are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.0 stars from a number of reviews. More than 20 hikers have used komoot to explore Savannah's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
5.0
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6
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4.22km
01:04
10m
10m
The Johnny Broyles Nature Trail offers a delightful and accessible escape into nature, winding through the scenic Lakefront District in Little Elm. You'll enjoy picturesque lake views and a diverse landscape of native flora, woodlands, and grasslands, with vibrant wildflowers like wild geraniums, phlox, and lupines adding splashes of color in spring. The trail features a mix of smooth concrete and crushed granite paths, making it a tranquil journey through native Texan biodiversity.
This easy 2.6 miles (4.2 km) hike, with a gentle 33 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed outing and takes about 1 hour and 4 minutes to complete. Parking is readily available at Little Elm Park, which also offers handicap accessibility. The trail is welcoming to leashed dogs, strollers, and wheelchairs, ensuring a pleasant experience for a wide range of visitors.
What makes this trail stand out is its seamless blend of accessibility and nature immersion. It connects Little Elm Park to Lakeshore Drive, providing a peaceful retreat from urban life while still being part of the larger "Lakefront at Little Elm" area, which offers additional amenities. It's a well-maintained route, ideal for spotting local wildlife like birds and small mammals, and provides a serene environment to enjoy the changing seasons.
2.96km
00:45
10m
10m
The McCord Park Trail offers a delightful, easy hike through a mix of paved, gravel, and crushed granite paths, winding through wooded areas and open spaces along Cottonwood Creek. You'll enjoy serene views of the creek and a small pond, with the added charm of bronze statues and a community garden along the way. In spring, the trail bursts with colorful wildflowers, and you might spot various bird species and small mammals, making it a truly engaging experience.
This easy 1.8-mile (3.0 km) route, with just 18 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 45 minutes to complete, making it perfect for a quick, accessible outing. The park is very family-friendly, featuring amenities like a splash pad, playgrounds, and a dog park, so you can easily make a day of it. Parking is readily available within McCord Park, and no permits are required for this leisurely stroll.
What makes this trail particularly notable is its role as a vital link in a regional master trail system, connecting to the Lakefront Trail and offering scenic views of Lewisville Lake. Despite its urban setting, the park serves as a wooded haven along the Cottonwood Creek floodplain, providing a valuable opportunity for wildlife spotting. It's a great option for beginner hiking routes or anyone seeking a peaceful escape.
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4
hikers
15.6km
03:56
30m
30m
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.
4.0
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5
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4.99km
01:16
10m
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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.
1
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7.19km
01:49
10m
10m
The Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt Trail offers a delightful escape into nature, primarily on paved paths that wind through a mix of lush woodlands and open meadows. You'll follow the gentle course of Cottonwood Creek, encountering serene wetlands and ponds, some even stocked for fishing. Keep an eye out for the vibrant Texas wildflowers that bloom seasonally, adding splashes of color to the landscape, and the historic iron bridges that provide charming points of interest along the way. It's a truly pleasant experience for those seeking a tranquil outdoor walk.
Planning your visit to this easy 4.5-mile (7.2 km) route, which takes around 1 hour and 49 minutes with only 49 feet (15 metres) of elevation gain, is straightforward. The trail is well-suited for all ages and fitness levels, making it a great option for family friendly hikes. Parking is generally accessible at various trailheads, and the paved surface means you won't have to worry about mud, even after rain. It's a comfortable and accessible option for a leisurely outing.
This award-winning greenbelt is more than just a trail; it's a carefully designed natural space recognized for its excellence. Beyond the scenic views, you'll find informative plaques detailing the local history and inhabitants, enriching your understanding of the Blackland Prairie ecosystem. The presence of designated viewing platforms also makes it an excellent spot for wildlife observation, offering glimpses of local flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
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Popular around Savannah
Tips from the Community
McCord Park is a 38-acre city park that is on the Cottonwood Creek floodplain. There are several paved trails that cut through the park, a small pond and a playground.
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The Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt Trail is a paved trail that cuts through the park of the same name. The path passes by several nice ponds and into wooded areas.
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One of several ponds in Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt Park. There is a shaded picnic area next to the lake, which is a great place for a break.
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The Little Elm Lakefront Trail is one of two main trails in McCord Park. The trail has a couple of paved segments but it is mostly a gravel path.
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The McCord Trail is one of two main trails in McCord Park. It is fully paved and an easy trail. It is also popular with cyclists, so make sure you keep an eye out for other trail users.
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McCord Park is a 38-acre city park that is on the Cottonwood Creek floodplain. There are several walking trails that cut through the park, a small pond and a playground.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any good state parks for hiking near Savannah?
Yes, Skidaway Island State Park is a highly regarded destination for hikers. It offers several trails that wind through maritime forests and along salt marshes, with boardwalks providing excellent views of the coastal landscape. The park is well-known for its scenic beauty and opportunities for birdwatching.
What are the trail conditions like around Savannah?
Most trails in the Savannah area are relatively flat and easy to navigate, making them accessible for many fitness levels. You'll typically encounter sandy paths through coastal forests and wooden boardwalks that cross over salt marshes and tidal creeks. Due to the coastal climate, trails can be humid, especially in summer, so it's wise to bring plenty of water.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Many parks and trails in the Savannah area are dog-friendly, but policies can vary. For example, dogs are generally welcome on leash at Skidaway Island State Park. However, they are not permitted on trails within the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge to protect the ecosystem and its inhabitants. Always check the specific regulations for the trail you plan to visit before you go.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the area?
Absolutely. The region's flat terrain is ideal for family outings. A great option is the Monarch Hill loop from Hackberry, which is a short and easy walk. Another excellent choice is exploring the trails at Wormsloe State Historic Site, where the paths are generally level and offer a mix of history and nature that can engage all ages.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The coastal ecosystems around Savannah are rich with wildlife. On trails, especially in places like the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, you have the chance to see alligators, white-tailed deer, and a vast array of birds, including herons, egrets, and wood storks. Along tidal creeks, it's even possible to spot dolphins.
Are there any waterfalls on the trails near Savannah?
No, the landscape around Savannah is characterized by its low elevation and coastal plains. As a result, you will not find waterfalls on the hiking trails in the immediate vicinity. The beauty of hiking here lies in the unique scenery of the maritime forests, salt marshes, and tidal rivers.
Where can I find longer hiking trails for a full day out?
For a more substantial hike, consider the McCord Park loop from Little Elm High School. This moderate route covers over 7 miles (12 km) and gives you a great tour of the local landscape. It's a good choice if you're looking to spend several hours on the trail.
What's the difference between hiking at Skidaway Island State Park and Savannah National Wildlife Refuge?
Skidaway Island State Park offers a classic coastal hiking experience with trails through maritime forest, past Civil War earthworks, and an observation tower overlooking the marsh. The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is larger and more focused on wildlife viewing, with a 4-mile wildlife drive and adjacent trails that explore freshwater marshes and bottomland hardwoods, offering prime opportunities to see alligators and migratory birds.
Are there any trails with historical significance?
Yes, Wormsloe State Historic Site is perfect for this. Its nature trail takes you past the tabby ruins of an 18th-century colonial estate. The trails at Skidaway Island State Park also feature historical points of interest, including Civil War earthworks and remnants of a Prohibition-era liquor still.
Where are the best spots for scenic views or photography?
For iconic photos, the oak-lined avenue at Wormsloe State Historic Site is unmatched. For expansive marshland views, the observation tower on the Big Ferry Trail at Skidaway Island State Park is a must-visit. The boardwalks and piers throughout the area, such as at Moon River at Downing Piers, also provide beautiful, unobstructed views of the tidal creeks and salt flats, especially at sunrise or sunset.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Savannah?
The trails around Savannah are well-regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of 4.0 stars. Hikers often praise the unique coastal scenery, particularly the live oaks draped in Spanish moss and the serene views across the salt marshes. The accessibility of the flat, well-maintained paths is also a frequently mentioned positive.
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