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Northern Gateway Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 207 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 Northern Gateway Park'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.
City park offering picnic facilities, a children's playground, a ball field, and hiking trails.
What runners say about Northern Gateway Park
“Love The atmosphere Clean great place for any celebration”
“Also nice that it's walking distance from Lover's Leap, which has great views!”
The views over the river were nice. There is a playground in the park just a short walk from the view. There were a couple places to picnic around the river. There were quite a few hiking trails around that one could go explore. Not much elevation gain around for a hike that is too hard through.
This is a great place to park when riding Cameron Park's trails. Many different levels of trails begin here. Bathrooms and well light parking lot.
Part of the Cameron Park, this place is awesome. You got a covered area that can be rented and it comes with public restrooms. Several play things will keep the kids entertained and the trail heads just behind it will keep all busy. Lovely place, clean and beautiful.
Clean restroom facility and cute playground!! Water fountain currently doesn't work well enough to drink from. A lot of tables and potential "stage" areas. We are planning on having a concert there and I wish the tables weren't bolted down, that way we could just set up chairs.
Trail conditions & character
“Kids love the view and the park is the best place in Waco Texas great location”
“You got a covered area that can be rented and it comes with public restrooms.”
“Water fountain currently doesn't work well enough to drink from.”
Plan your run at Northern Gateway Park
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, water — reported by runners
- Websitewaco-texas.com
- Phone(254) 750-5980
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–12 AM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–12 AM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–12 AM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–12 AM |
| Friday | 6 AM–12 AM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–12 AM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–12 AM |
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.
Cameron Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 4,124 reviews
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
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Sprawling city park abutting the Brazos River, with scenic views, boat ramps & horseshoe pits.
Miss Nellie's Pretty Place
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Nature preserve with wildflowers, picnic facilities, and a fountain, plus a playground.
North Waco Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 292 reviews
Picnic-friendly outdoor area featuring a playground and a soccer field, plus trails for walking and jogging.
Jacob's Ladder
4.7 ★★★★★ 631 reviews
Park with picnic tables and a popular set of stairs providing a workout and scenic views.