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15 Amazing Hiking and Running Trails within 30 Minutes from Frisco, TX

Frisco offers beginner-friendly and well-developed trails for nature fans of all skill levels. The city's routes are perfect for trail running, hiking, and cycling.
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Photo: Billy Bob Bain

Almost all of the hiking trails in Frisco are flat and easy, with minimal elevation gain. This is good and bad simultaneously. Hikers who are used to mountains will find Frisco’s trails boring. Yet, they are perfect for so many activities like running, cycling, and family strolls.

We created a list of the top-rated trails near Frisco, which are loved and treasured by locals. These are the best in town!

Trails near Frisco:

  1. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Trail
  2. Erwin Park Trail
  3. Tribute Shoreline Nature Trail
  4. Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve
  5. Little Elm Lakefront Trail
  6. Clear Creek Wetlands and Prairie Trails Loop
  7. Pilot Knoll Trail 
  8. Bonnie Wenk Nature Trail
  9. Colony Shoreline Trail
  10. Legacy Trail
  11. Johnny Broyles Nature Trail
  12. Rowlett Creek Trail
  13. Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt Trail
  14. Bluebonnet Trail (West to East)
  15. Ranger Loop

1. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Trail

  • Highlight: Stunning, paved loop around a popular nature preserve; flat, easy trail with lots of shade; fantastic for wildlife.
  • Type: Loop
  • Trail Length: 2.5 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 127 ft
  • Time to Complete: 1h
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: Arbor Hills Lot: Google Maps
  • Distance from Frisco: 9 miles (15 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Trail is a 2.5-mile loop near Plano, used by hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.

This trail is easy for all skill levels, rising a mere 127ft. It’s a paved route with rocky tracks leading off it, but those sections are not part of this hike.

This is a beautifully scenic trail offering a real chance to connect with nature. Yes, it’s in a city, but it’s not noticeable when on this route.

Because it’s a popular city hike, it can get a little overcrowded, especially the main trail, which is perfect for family trips.

But there’s a plus side to that, too. It is a well-maintained and well-developed area with lots of easy trails to extend your hike or run.

2. Erwin Park Trail

  • Highlight: Beautiful area with a mix of shaded woods and fields; relatively quiet; perfect for runners and dog walkers. 
  • Type: Loop
  • Trail Length: 8.9 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 521 ft
  • Time to Complete: 4h 30min
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Parking: Lot at the Center: Google Maps
  • Distance from Frisco: 18 miles (30 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Erwin Park Trail is an 8.9-mile loop near McKinney, primarily used for hiking, running, and mountain biking.

This is a moderate trail because of its length and 521ft of elevation gain. The trail snakes through a forest, which is often muddy and harder to traverse.

This trail takes you through woods, past prairies, and open plains where you can take in the surrounding sights.

The major complaint about this route is that the hiking and mountain bike paths merge at different points, putting trail users in each other’s way. Staying aware and being courteous to other visitors will make the hike more enjoyable.

Otherwise, it is a simple route to follow and well-marked. Just remember to bring sensible footwear for when it gets muddy.

3. Tribute Shoreline Nature Trail

  • Highlight: Scenic trail with golf and lake views; flat and easy; perfect for trail runners and bicycle trips; rich in wildlife.
  • Type: Lollipop
  • Trail Length: 4.1 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 36 ft
  • Time to Complete: 2h
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: Lebanon Road: Google Maps
  • Distance from Frisco: 9 miles (20 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Tribute Shoreline Nature Trail is a 4.1-mile loop near The Colony, used for hiking, running, and fishing.

The trail is easy for all skill levels, with only 36ft of elevation gain. It is a wide gravel road that cyclists would love, too.

Filled with information about the history of the land, this trail takes you around Wynwood Park to the edge of the stunning Lewisville Lake.

Some people complain about the number of bikes that use this route. But this isn’t a problem so long as hikers keep their wits about them.

The trail is well-maintained and easy to navigate. It loops through wooded areas and past meadows and is a lovely, leisurely hike.

4. Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve

  • Highlight: Beautiful nature preserve with boardwalks, creeks, and a lake; flat and easy, great for running, and rich in wildlife.
  • Type: Loop
  • Trail Length: 4.5 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 72 ft
  • Time to Complete: 2h
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: Main Park Lot: Google Maps
  • Distance from Frisco: 16 miles (30 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Oak Point Park connects Willow Springs and Bobcat Run trails into a charming loop around the nature preserve.

Combined, the two trails only have an elevation gain of 72ft over 4.5 miles, so this hike is gentle and perfect for all skill levels.

Oak Point Park Nature Reserve is partially paved and has many trails snaking through it, all offering beautiful views of lakes, wooded areas, and Rowlett Creek.

Because it’s so popular, the park can be bustling at times. But the routes are all wide and easy to navigate regardless of how busy it is.

This well-maintained and wonderfully developed park offers a slice of nature in an otherwise urbanized area.

5. Little Elm Lakefront Trail

Little Elm Lakefront Trail
Photo: John BoxCC BY 2.0
  • Highlight: Flat and wide gravel track that runs along the scenic lake; easy and partly shaded hike; perfect for cycling, running, and hiking.
  • Type: Out and Back
  • Trail Length: 8.6 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 104 ft
  • Time to Complete: 4h
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: Lot off Witt Road: Google Maps
  • Distance from Frisco: 5 miles (10 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Little Elm Lakefront Trail is an 8.6 mile out and back route near Little Elm, primarily used for hiking, birdwatching, and mountain biking.

This trail is suitable for all skill levels, with just 104ft elevation gain. The partially paved route makes it even easier to navigate, too.

This trail offers a unique experience alongside Lewisville Lake, offering stunning views of the water. It’s also possible to see where Cottonwood Creek and the lake merge.

The main problem with this trail is that it is in an urban area again, but this time, it doesn’t do a great job of being secluded from that. Noises from busy streets and houses are frequent on this trail.

Still, there are plenty of beautiful trees, shrubs, and wildflowers and the part-paved, part-gravel trail is clean and well kept.

6. Clear Creek Wetlands and Prairie Trails Loop

Clear Creek Wetlands and Prairie Trails Loop
Photo: G. LamarCC BY 2.0
  • Highlight: Stunning wetlands area with diverse wildlife and shaded trails; flat and easy; perfect for running and hiking.
  • Type: Loop
  • Trail Length: 3.3 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 59 ft
  • Time to Complete: 1h 30min
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: Lot off Collins Road: Google Maps
  • Distance from Frisco: 23 miles (35 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Clear Creek Wetlands and Prairie Trails is a 3.3-mile loop near Krugerville, used by hikers, runners, and dog walkers.

This trail is rated as easy for all skill levels thanks to the small 59ft elevation gain. But be warned, these wetlands are on a floodplain and can get very muddy.

The stunning Clear Creek wetland area offers a diverse range of wildflowers and wildlife. This trail also offers beautiful views of Clear Creek and Elm Fork Trinity River.

The main complaint about this route is that some areas of the trail are overgrown. As a natural trail in the Lewisville Lake floodplain, it can also become impassable at times.

As a result, this trail can be trickier than it first seems. Visit on a dry day, though, and finding a clear route ought to be much easier.

7. Pilot Knoll Trail 

  • Highlight: Lengthy trail on the other side of the Lewisville Lake; flat and easy with lots of wildlife; perfect for hiking and running.
  • Type: Out and Back
  • Trail Length: 7.9 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 223 ft
  • Time to Complete: 4h
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
  • Distance from Frisco: 21 miles (35 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Pilot Knoll Trail is a 7.9 mile out and back route near Argyle, primarily used for hiking, horseback riding, and nature trips.

This trail is suitable for all skill levels, with just 223ft of elevation over 7.9 miles. It’s also well-marked and effortless to follow.

Offering stunning views of Hickory Creek as it merges with Lewisville Lake, this hike is a hive of activity for wildflowers and water birds.

The major problem is that it can flood, effectively cutting off access to the hike, and it has a few graffiti and littering problems, especially near the trailhead.

It’s a shame because the poorly maintained trailhead conditions can hinder the natural beauty of the area. However, look past this, and you’ll be rewarded with a great hike!

8. Bonnie Wenk Nature Trail

Bonnie Wenk Nature Trail
Photo: Rick RayCC BY 2.0
  • Highlight: Well-maintained, paved trail along the creek with lake views and shaded sections; perfect for running and wheelchair-friendly.
  • Type: Out and Back
  • Trail Length: 4.6 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 91 ft
  • Time to Complete: 2h
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: Bonnie Wenk Park Lot: Google Maps
  • Distance from Frisco: 13 miles (25 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Bonnie Wenk Nature Trail is a 4.6 mile out and back trail near McKinney, used for hiking, road biking, and dog walking.

This paved trail is rated as easy for all skill levels with just 91ft of elevation. It is also wheelchair and stroller-friendly.

Winding through wooded areas, past scenic ponds, and alongside Wilson Creek, this trail offers many stunning views along its wide, paved path.

This can become quite a noisy route in the afternoon because there are several playgrounds for children nearby.

But this trail is well-maintained, with plenty of benches and restrooms, and it’s a genuine joy to follow whatever the time of day.

9. Colony Shoreline Trail

  • Highlight: Charming lakeside trail with lots of wildlife; flat, easy, but has little shade; suitable for trail running, biking, and hiking.
  • Type: Out and Back
  • Trail Length: 6.9 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 101 ft
  • Time to Complete: 3h 30min
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
  • Distance from Frisco: 10 miles (20 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Colony Shoreline Trail is a 6.9 mile out and back trail near The Colony, used mainly by hikers, runners, and mountain bikers.

This trail is, again, suitable for all skill levels with just 101ft elevation gain. But be aware that there isn’t much shade along this route, so bring plenty of water.

The trail takes you along the Colony shoreline of Lewisville Lake, offering unrivaled views across the water with plenty of wildflowers to enjoy on the way, too.

The main problem with this trail is the lack of shade after first setting off, and the 6.9 miles in Texan heat can feel grueling.

However, the trail is well-developed and has water stations at the beginning and the turnaround point. It’s also an easy trail to follow, so it should be fun for everyone.

10. Legacy Trail

  • Highlight: Superb paved trail along the White Rock Creek; well-maintained and great for runners and cyclists; stroller and wheelchair-friendly.
  • Type: Out and Back
  • Trail Length: 10.4 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 209 ft
  • Time to Complete: 5h
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: Windhaven Park Lot: Google Maps
  • Distance from Frisco: 8 miles (15 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Legacy Trail is a 10.4 mile out and back trail near Plano, used for hiking, running, and road biking.

This trail is suitable for all fitness levels with just 209ft of elevation gain. It’s also rated as wheelchair and stroller-friendly, thanks to its smooth, flat surface.

It offers lovely views of the Whiterock Creek Lakes all along the route, with plenty of benches to sit back and enjoy the wildlife.

The water can become a little stagnant on hot days, attracting mosquitos, so be sure to use repellent.

Because this is a well-traveled route, it is very well kept and easy to follow, thanks to the clear signs along the way.

11. Johnny Broyles Nature Trail

  • Highlight: Short trail with beautiful lake views and diverse wildlife; partly paved, easy, and flat; perfect for runners and cyclists.
  • Type: Lollipop
  • Trail Length: 2.7 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 55 ft
  • Time to Complete: 1h 20min
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: Off Lobo Lane: Google Maps
  • Distance from Frisco: 9 miles (15 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Johnny Broyles Nature Trail is a 2.7-mile loop near Little Elm, used mainly for hiking, running, and birdwatching.

This trail is easy for everyone with just 55ft of elevation gain and is wheelchair and stroller approved. Yet, it has sections with paved or soft gravel. 

The route offers beautiful views over Lewisville Lake and diverse lakeside wildlife with many bird species.

Bug spray is advised for this trail, as local mosquitos can be vicious. Also, the area has plenty of spiders; early mornings here are the arachnologist’s dream.

The best thing about this trail is how well-maintained and developed it is. It has everything from lakes, woods, clearings, park benches, and paved areas, so it’s a perfect hike!

12. Rowlett Creek Trail

  • Highlight: Short, partly paved trail along the creek; mostly shaded as it runs through the woods, but feels urban; great for runners and hikers. 
  • Type: Out and Back
  • Trail Length: 3.8 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 108 ft
  • Time to Complete: 2h
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: End of Rollins Dr: Google Maps
  • Distance from Frisco: 12 miles (20 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Rowlett Creek Trail is a 3.8 mile out and back route near Allen, primarily used for hiking and running. Cyclists are not allowed on this route.

This trail is suitable for all skill levels with just 108ft of elevation gain. It’s also a partially paved route, so it is made even more effortless.

Following different branches of Rowlett Creek, this route takes you through wooded and scenic areas with amazing views.

Although partially paved, as many expect it to be in an urban area, there are some surprise dirt tracks, so bring appropriate footwear.

It is an easy-to-follow route, but there are complaints about littering, especially in the wooded areas. It just needs some more maintenance to make this great hike perfect!

13. Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt Trail

  • Highlight: Paved greenbelt trail with lots of wildlife; flat and easy; stroller and wheelchair-friendly; runs along the creek but has little shade.
  • Type: Out and Back
  • Trail Length: 4.6 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 82 ft
  • Time to Complete: 2h 20min
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: Wolverine Way: Google Maps
  • Distance from Frisco: 4 miles (10 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt trail is one of the best hiking trails near Frisco. This 4.6-mile loop is mainly used for hiking, running, and birdwatching.

With just 82ft elevation gain, this route is easy for all skill levels. It’s paved throughout, too, so it’s accessible for strollers and wheelchairs the entire way.

This beautiful greenbelt trail is full of wildlife, waterbirds, and wildflowers all along Cottonwood Creek and the beautiful ponds with fishing landings.

There isn’t a lot of shade on this hike, so pack sun cream and plenty of water to help beat that Texas heat.

This entirely paved trail is well maintained and not too busy, so perfect for anybody looking for peaceful hiking trails near Frisco!

14. Bluebonnet Trail (West to East)

  • Highlight: Pretty urban trail through the flower meadows; flat, easy, and paved; great for commuting and workouts.
  • Type: Point to Point
  • Trail Length: 6.3 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 114 ft
  • Time to Complete: 3h
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: On-street: Google Maps
  • Distance from Frisco: 8 miles (15 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Bluebonnet Trail is a 6.3-mile point-to-point route near Plano that’s great for hiking and running.

This trail is suitable for all fitness levels with just 114ft of elevation gain. It’s another entirely paved trail that is suitable for wheelchair users and strollers.

As you’d expect, this is the perfect trail for Bluebonnet flowers in the spring, but even without them, the route has lots to offer.

The main problem with this trail is that there are hillier sections which might be problematic for some users.

But the estimated grade is gentle at 5% or less, so this well-maintained hike should be easy for everybody with appropriate preparation!

15. Ranger Loop

Ranger Loop
Photo: USAIDCC BY 2.0
  • Highlight: Pleasant area for hiking, trail running, and MTBs; partly shaded with many trail options to extend your hike.
  • Type: Loop
  • Trail Length: 2.8 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 72 ft
  • Time to Complete: 1h 30min
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
  • Distance from Frisco: 6 miles (10 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Ranger Loop is another fine example of the hiking trails near Frisco. This 2.8-mile loop is used for hiking, running, and mountain biking.

With 72ft of elevation, this trail is easy for every skill level. However, the path can be hard to follow when the grass is left uncut.

The route is beautiful and really allows you to connect with nature. It loops around Northwest Community Park, featuring a pond and plenty of wildlife and wildflowers.

The main problem with this hike is that the conditions change frequently. Sometimes the grass is uncut, making the trail appear poorly maintained, plus it gets very muddy.

However, choose a nice warm day, and the trail will be enjoyable. But bring water because there are only small amounts of shade up for grabs!

Final Thoughts

Although Frisco won’t win the ‘hardest trail’ award, it will get the ‘beginner-friendly and most accessible’ trails prize; that’s for sure.

The flat and well-developed routes welcome any fitness level users and can accommodate almost any outdoor activity. Enjoy!

For more hiking motivation, check out Funny and Inspirational Hiking Quotes.

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