I love hiking. The wind in my hair. Trees everywhere. Adrenaline pumping. What I don’t love is bringing my little ones on trails that are too tough or not family-friendly. The last thing anybody wants is to hold a heavy toddler while scaling rocky terrain!
Fortunately, no matter what age your kids are, there are plenty of family-friendly hiking trails in Denton County sure to get everyone off the screens and in nature for a while.
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1. Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center
There’s a reason why Clear Creek is the quintessential hiking trail in Denton. Nestled in the heart of north Denton, this center is one of the best ways to get up close and personal with local plants and wildlife. Hike through wetlands and forest on well-marked trails, and see what animals and habitats you can spy — turtles, herons, beavers, and more!
For an extra fun outing, schedule your hike ahead of time with a master naturalist. It’s free, but you’ll need at least five people in your group.
- Length: Multiple trails total over 3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Restrooms: Yes
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2. Corinth Community Park
The smooth, shady trail at Corinth Community Park is a pleasant surprise for nature lovers. It’s a little oasis that feels off the beaten path even though it’s part of a popular park. With more than six miles of winding intersections, it’s the perfect hike for adventurous kids.
It’s easily customizable for any family. Cut it short if you have little ones, or make a bigger outing of it and explore for hours! With all the crisscrossing paths, you can take a different route every time you visit. Corinth Community Park also has a playground and sports area, so hit up those spots before or after if your kids (and you) have the energy.
- Length: 6.4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Restrooms: Yes
3. Cottonwood Nature Trail
Not to be confused with the Cottonwood Creek Trail in Lewisville, Little Elm’s Cottonwood Nature Trail is another great spot to hike with the whole family. This rustic trail makes you feel like you’re far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
A heavy canopy of trees provides nice shade in several areas, creating that real woodsy atmosphere that avid hikers love. The trail ends in a gorgeous clearing with a view of Lewisville Lake, great for a quick snack or a little picnic.
- Length: 1.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Restrooms: Yes (at the visitor center)
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4. Cottonwood Trail at LLELA
The LLELA Nature Preserve in Lewisville has a hiking trail for everyone! For budding bird lovers, Cottonwood Trail is a must-see, weaving along Cottonwood Creek through grasslands and ponds. See if your kids can spot native prairie birds including bluebirds, lark sparrows, meadowlarks, herons, and egrets. Hint: The last two hang out by the water. You’re sure to see your fair share of turtles and frogs popping up by the creek!
If your kids can keep going, add in the Cicada Trail. This one goes through a wooded forest area and offers sightings of different animals (including the occasional wild turkey!) LLELA has several other trails as well, so make it a regular family spot and hike them all.
- Length: 1.3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Restrooms: Yes (at the visitor center)
5. North Shore Trail
North Shore Trail in Grapevine is a longer hike with some rough spots and narrow pathways with bikers. Families with littles might want to hold off, but for older or more advanced junior hikers, it’s a can’t-miss option. The trail boasts a beautiful view of Lake Grapevine earning it a spot as one of the most popular hiking and biking trails in North Texas.
You can start at Rockledge Park, Twin Coves Park, or Murrell Park. Starting at Murrell Park is free (Rockledge and Twin Coves have small parking fees) and gives you the choice of taking an easy or challenging route — east for easy, west for a challenge.
- Length: 22 miles total (multiple sections)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Restrooms: Yes (at various trailheads)
6. Purple Coneflower Trail
A casual hike for wildflower lovers, the Purple Coneflower Trail in Flower Mound winds past neighborhoods and connects Lawson Park and Wilkerson Park. The accessible, stroller-friendly, paved trail follows a creek, making it a beautiful family outing and providing plenty of photo ops, too.
Create a wildflower scavenger hunt to keep your kids entertained, or challenge everyone to spy animals in the creek and brush for added entertainment.
- Length: 2.6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Restrooms: No
With so many family-friendly hiking trails in Denton, it’s time to plan your next adventure. Pack up plenty of sunscreen, bug spray, and water, and get your family out in nature!
