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Lake Waco Dam
4.7 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · Running trail in Waco, Texas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Waco Dam'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 Lake Waco Dam
“Very nice and very calming good for couples and family for walks and watch the sun goes down very beautiful”
“Great spot for running and walking!”
“It's very peaceful and offers a long pathway to walk/run/bike on besides the water.”
Waco Dam completed in 1965, impounds water from the Bosque River to form Lake Waco. Prior to the construction of the dam, Waco suffered from perpetual cycles of drought and flood. Originally a vote was presented to and passed by the electorate in the mid to late twenties.
This place holds back more than just water—it held back my tears of joy. I came, I saw, I was dam-azed. Whether you’re into hydroelectric power, awe-inspiring engineering, or just enjoy standing beside giant walls of water while rethinking your life choices, this dam delivers.
Great place for hiking and quiet walks over the damn and around the lake. Bring a jacket in the winter. It got chilly out there with the wind
US Army Corps of Engineers built the dam in the 1950s to stop flooding. The trail from the gazebo up to the dam offers a nice hike and great views of the lake.
Trail conditions & character
“Today, a public hiking trail traverses the entire length of the dam and offers many nice views of the lake.”
“Parking lot to the dam/lake path is mostly rock and just under half a mile.”
“It's very peaceful and offers a long pathway to walk/run/bike on besides the water.”
“The water level is about 12 ft lower from normal level, said the local Airport Park ranger.”
Plan your run at Lake Waco Dam
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Waco
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
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North Waco Park
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Northern Gateway Park
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City park offering picnic facilities, a children's playground, a ball field, and hiking trails.
Cameron Park
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400-acre park featuring 2 rivers, cliffs & playgrounds, plus hiking, biking & festival areas.
Cameron Park Hiking Trail
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City of Waco Brazos Park East
4.7 ★★★★★ 808 reviews
Sprawling city park abutting the Brazos River, with scenic views, boat ramps & horseshoe pits.