If you want a city break with plenty of access to the outdoors, you’d struggle to find a better location than Dallas. From Dallas, you can easily get to a wealth of state parks, lakes, and wildlife areas all across North and Central Texas. Many of these are easily achievable as day trips from Dallas, while some have so much to do that we recommend you book a cabin or bring a tent and make a weekend of it. Here, to get you started, are some of the very best outdoor adventures within an easy drive of Dallas:
Palo Duro Canyon, one outdoor adventure within an easy drive of Dallas – Wikimedia Creative Commons – By Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=152790464
First, find the right vehicle
You will need a car for many of these outdoor adventures, so if you’re flying into Dallas or otherwise not bringing your own vehicle, it’s a good idea to look into rental cars at DFW Airport. Pick a vehicle that’s big enough to comfortably accommodate you, your family, and any luggage or baggage you might have with you. Also make sure to get a car with good air con – especially if you’re traveling in the summer. Texan summers can be very hot and humid.
Related: Hiking Big Bend Outer Mountain Loop
Walk among dinosaur footprints
Drive to Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose if you want a mixture of history and outdoor activity. It’s a big hit with children (and those who are kids at heart!) for the preserved dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River, but these are only a part of what you can do in the park. You’ll also find walking trails, mountain bike routes and picnic areas galore, so it’s easy to spend an entire day there. Do bear in mind that water levels in the river change throughout the year, so check current conditions before traveling if seeing the footprints is your main priority.
Hike to Gorman Falls
Colorado Bend State Park is a very easy drive from central Dallas, and the walk to Gorman Falls is one of the park’s best routes. The Falls are beautiful, and well worth a visit – but the rest of the park also has plenty to offer. Take a day or half a day to explore and enjoy caves, river access, and quiet trails away from the busier areas.
Pack sturdy walking shoes and carry plenty of drinking water, because some routes don’t have a lot of shade during the warmer months. Also, if you plan to explore the caves, check whether permits or guided trips apply before setting off.
Spend the day on Possum Kingdom Lake
Possum Kingdom Lake is a fantastic choice for families and anyone who enjoys water sports. Bring your own kayak or paddleboard if you have one, or hire equipment upon arrival. Alternatively, if you prefer a slower pace, enjoy some fishing, swimming, or boating.
Hell’s Gate – two enormous limestone cliffs forming a ‘gateway’ to a cove – is a popular feature for visitors. However, do keep to designated viewing areas when heading for the ‘gate’ unless you know the water and understand the local conditions.
Related: Balmorhea Lake State Park and cement pond swimming pool
Explore Palo Duro Canyon
Palo Duro Canyon takes much longer to reach than the other destinations on this list, so plan at least one overnight stay if you want enough time to explore properly. Walking trails range from short scenic routes to much longer hikes, while horse riding gives you another way to see the canyon. If you visit during the summer, you might be able to catch a performance of the musical ‘Texas’ – check to see what’s on and book tickets before you head out.
Do remember that summer temperatures can become extremely high in this part of Texas, so start longer walks early in the day.
Paddle through Caddo Lake
Caddo Lake feels completely different from the dry landscapes that many people associate with outdoor activities in Texas. Hire a canoe or kayak and paddle through the cypress trees, or follow one of the walking trails around the park. The water is usually quieter early in the morning, and you’ll also usually get better opportunities for wildlife watching if you’re up and out early.
As a tip, carry insect repellent if you visit during the warmer months, because mosquitoes can be a big nuisance around the lake.
Match the destination to the time you have
Some parks work well as straightforward day trips from Dallas, while others deserve much longer. Check driving times before leaving, pack enough food and water for the day, and leave enough time to enjoy the destination instead of spending most of the day behind the wheel. Overall, there are plenty of fantastic outdoor destinations to visit within a very easy drive of Dallas – so pick the ones that most appeal to you and get on the road!
Adventure on!
