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Goat Island Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 10 Google reviews · Running trail in Dallas, Texas · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Goat Island Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Goat Island Preserve
I've lived in DFW for over a decade and didn't even know this preserve existed in Dallas County. I saw no one on the trail the Saturday morning I visited, which is rare for anywhere I go hiking. The main trail is a gravel road, but there are a lot of side trails that branch off into dirt/grass paths.
Goat Island Preserve is a must-try for serious hikers in the DFW area! This expansive trail system offers a fantastic variety of well-shaded paths that seem to go on forever. While some light trail maintenance would be beneficial, the sheer mileage and diversity of scenery make it worthwhile.
Goat Island Preserve is a good hiking, biking, and trail running trail. It is ungroomed in many places and this trail is significantly less used than other DORBA trails. The trails are marked and the map accurately shows the trails including where one is washed out. The trails are flat, fast and marked.
Miles of trails! Very beautiful place to connect with nature! Be ready to walk! Also want to mention on my way out close to the entrance we saw wild hogs! It was a group of them with small ones! Be CAUTIOUS of your surroundings when you are out there!
Trail conditions & character
“Many loop trails to explore, sightings of wildlife to behold though likely soggy walking after a rain”
“The path is also relatively flat, so it's not strenuous.”
“The south end is not currently accessible by car because of construction on the Beltline bridge.”
Plan your run at Goat Island Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitedallascounty.org
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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