Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapOverview
The Katy Trail in Dallas is a 4.4-mile premier urban trail, linking the business district with recreational opportunities, shopping, and residential neighborhoods. The corridor is the perfect non-motorized route for families to commute between home and work or school, as well as to recreation and entertainment venues.
About the Route
In addition to its paved surface, the route includes an adjacent soft-surface track for runners and walkers. The pathway runs between Dallas' West End and the AA Center arena, traversing the city's urban core past Knox Street, Southern Methodist University, and the Mockingbird DART Station, providing car-free trail access for local trail users.
Along its route, the Katy Trail weaves through the northern end of Dallas past Glencoe, Turtle Creek, and Reverchon Park.
Connections
At the northern end of the trail, trail users can connect to the University Crossing Trail.
Parts of the Katy Trail run parallel to the Turtle Creek Trail (TX).
The Katy Trail (Dallas) runs between University Crossing Trail (Dallas) and 2620 Katy Trail (Dallas), where parking is available.
Parking is also available at:
Please see TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
Parking for the trail was full at Knox on a Friday morning at 10:00 am. Parking at Reverchon Park did not feel safe due to multiple homeless people in the parking lot living out of their cars and wandering around. The rec center is only open from 2-7 pm so no bathrooms are available there except between 2-7 pm. I ended up parking at a parking garage near Victory Park that had a two hour limit even though you pay to park there. It is a very nice trail if you live near by but trying to find safe parking and restrooms was enough to keep me away. I will not go back until the parking lots are safe.
Despite dedicated walking/running sections that are more suited to running, everyone walks on the concrete sections making cycling more difficult.
I’ve gone to this trail multiple times. I love that it has a walking lane separate from the bike lane. My only complaint is that it is hard to find parking since it is mostly in the city and surrounded by residential area.
My wife and I just got new bikes and rode on the Katy Trail today. A little crowded with pedestrians. There is a ped trail that is underutilized. Other than the crowded trail, it was great. Nice to see people out. Loved the shade and kept up nicely.
This is a lovely, easy urban ride, usually quite busy but manageable traffic. Lots of walkers with dogs and people to dodge but mostly disciplined users who keep right and expect to be passed on the left. Separate path for walkers in quite a bit of it. Runs through beautiful neighbourhoods and by interesting eateries. Starts near the Magnolia Dart station with parking in nearby city park with baseball field and abruptly ends near the AA stadium.
Connects the Park Cities to downtown. Use it to commute to work in the city. For out of towners, leisurely ride with many places to stop for food / drinks. Is usually very crowded after work so slow down and enjoy he ride.
This is a classic "RR right of way turned trail" as it runs through a heavily treed area from downtown toward the urban burbs and SMU. There's a very slight rise from the south end up to the trail, then it's virtually flat. The separate jogging path, for about 50% of the trail, is helpful for all, but the original concrete path is wide enough as long as everyone is being respectful and alert to each other, walkers, joggers, and bicyclists. There are rush hours, but it's mostly just fine.
There are 4 segments of vegetations including native zero scaping and hardwoods.
I use this trail as part of my route when riding my bicycle around the Dallas area. It's usually very crowded with pedestrians, so it's a great place to slow down and recover a bit.
SMU and Downtown Dallas are easily accessible from this trail. I usually arrive from downtown (Houston St.). My route also includes the Trinity Trail system, Santa Fe Trail, and White Rock Lake and Creek trails.
Very Good Trail for a leisurely bike ride.
Our family loves this trail. We typically park in the American Airlines parking garage, which is acceptable if there are no events, and pick up the trail right outside. As I continue to train for increased distance, the Katy Trail's length is perfect. 1/4 miles are clearly marked, there is plenty of space to move around others and people tend to be very considerate with picking up after their animals. We also enjoy the Katy Trail Icehouse for a treat after a long jog. There is something for everyone on this trail and plenty of people watching to take your mind off the exercise!
"cycle it...Love it, smooth, eye candy everywhere, leads into downtown Dallas, turtle creek, uptown and highland park, great fun in the evening but make sure to wear a light so people can see you"
"The Katy Trail is beautiful, smooth, plenty wide, well maintained. Now, if they'd just make it longer. It's supposed to connect up with White Rock, but when????"
"Even though the Katy is not long, ot does have the adavantage of being an above grade trail. What this means is tha even after it rains it drys very quickly and is skateable, unlike the White Rock Creek Trail wich gets covered in mud and water after rain. Hope to see you out there sometime... If you are a skater in the Dallas Area check out our skate club at www.pegasusflyers.org"
_67887_nb.jpg)
_128091_nb.jpg)
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
_212034_sc.jpg)
_212033_sc.jpg)
_209587_sc.jpg)
_72046_sc.jpg)
_72045_sc.jpg)
_50427_sc.jpg)
