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Oak Cliff Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,102 Google reviews · Running trail in Dallas, Texas · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 8 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Oak Cliff Nature 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.
121 rolling acres of woodlands & wildflower meadows, with 8 miles of hike-&-bike trails.
What runners say about Oak Cliff Nature Preserve
“There's beautiful overlooks into the five mile creek, extensive trails, and it's very clean.”
“Beautiful, pristine nature preserve with lots of wild life and the beautiful Kiest Park next door.”
“Very peaceful, big place to explore, amazing sounds from the birds and crickets, just a relaxing place.”
Hidden gem! 5.18.25 OMG y'all, geaaaaux here now, just after the rain. Y'all it's for realz like really pretty there right now #thanksnature #sorrysinuses Go early morning sometime and just get lost on all the trails. Mind the bicycles though, darlings...
Had a blast mountain biking here. They have multiple fun trails that are labeled by color. The white trail is the main trail where you find the other trails to offshoot to.
Beautiful, pristine nature preserve with lots of wild life and the beautiful Kiest Park next door. We always detour to the park whenever it rains and gets slippery in the preserve. There are parts with pebble underlayment so it's easier to walk after the rain.
Well, all I can say is, this is an amazing spot for hiking. There are several loop paths that take you through the preserve. For most of the hike, you have no idea that you are in the middle of a city. I suggest downloading the trail map so you don’t get lost in there.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful, pristine nature preserve with lots of wild life and the beautiful Kiest Park next door.”
“Very peaceful, big place to explore, amazing sounds from the birds and crickets, just a relaxing place.”
“Also the red loop has a really fun jump line that’s a blast and you can pick your lines based on your skill level.”
“There’s some elevation here but you will find a lot of good tight twisty single track, punchy climbs, nice descents with some chunky technical descents.”
“There’s some elevation here but you will find a lot of good tight twisty single track, punchy climbs, nice descents with some chunky technical descents.”
“Many people go with their dogs off leash because it's normally very quiet.”
“I only explored a small portion of the preserve this time, but look forward to seeing more of the 8 miles of trails.”
Plan your run at Oak Cliff Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance8 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitetexaslandconservancy.org
- Phone+1 972-696-9810
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
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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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