Best running trails in Texas
Ranked by the runners who actually run there — Google rating weighted by review volume, across 827,333 reviews of Texas trails. A trail needs at least 25 reviews to qualify (892 in Texas do) and each name appears once. Nobody pays for a place. Updated 2026.
The 20 below run across 13 cities, 6 of them paved, 3 loops, 10 shaded, and 2 with a stated distance. This is a popularity ranking, not a difficulty score — for what a trail is actually like underfoot, open its page for surface, loop distance, shade, lighting, restrooms and parking.
Memorial Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 10,826 reviews
Expansive city park with lush natural features, popular running trail, golf course & lots of shade.
Landa Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,747 reviews
51-acre riverside park with a miniature train, nature trail, mini-golf, picnic tables & more.
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,080 reviews
This 200-acre park features a trail system, playground, picnic pavilion & public restrooms.
Buffalo Bayou Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 6,348 reviews
Winding, 160-acre green space featuring views of the Houston skyline plus a fountain & a skate park.
Cole Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 6,121 reviews
Bayside park with a playground, lighted fishing pier, skate park & open spaces for outdoor activity.
Trinity Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 5,826 reviews
Public 252-acre park along the Trinity River, home to a pond, a fishing pier, playgrounds & trails.
Cedar Ridge Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 5,688 reviews
Audubon nature preserve offering 9 miles of hiking trails through 600 acres of hill country habitat.
Little Elm Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 5,609 reviews
Beachfront park offering swimming, athletic fields, hiking trails, picnicking & a playground.
White Rock Lake Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 5,154 reviews
Green space circling an artificial lake offering trails, boating, picnicking & bird-watching.
McAllister Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 4,939 reviews
Natural area with jogging & biking trails, picnic spots, a dog park, playscapes & athletic fields.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
4.7 ★★★★★ 4,508 reviews
This popular urban natural area offers opportunities for biking, hiking, swimming & rock climbing.
Cameron Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 4,124 reviews
400-acre park featuring 2 rivers, cliffs & playgrounds, plus hiking, biking & festival areas.
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 4,190 reviews
This large public park known for its system of hiking & biking trails also has a playground & pool.
Terry Hershey Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 4,077 reviews
Extensive network of hiking & biking trails along a stretch of Buffalo Bayou encompassing 500 acres.
Vitruvian Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,996 reviews
Residential area with shopping & services plus an attached park with trails, creek & amphitheater.
Mary Jo Peckham Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,827 reviews
Community park with a fishing pond, walking trails & an indoor swimming pool & fitness area.
Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,651 reviews
Natural 800-acre park around a small lake with a pavilion, amphitheater & nearly 13 miles of trails.
Where these trails are
The cities in this ranking, if you'd rather start from where you live.
- Running trails in Houston, TX
- Running trails in New Braunfels, TX
- Running trails in Plano, TX
- Running trails in Pilot Point, TX
- Running trails in Corpus Christi, TX
- Running trails in Fort Worth, TX
- Running trails in Dallas, TX
- Running trails in Little Elm, TX
- Running trails in San Antonio, TX
- Running trails in Austin, TX
- Running trails in Waco, TX
- Running trails in Addison, TX
- Running trails in Katy, TX