Some of the most enjoyable and scenic running in Dallas can be found in the White Rock Lake area. The 1,015-acre reservoir, located 5 miles northeast of downtown, is a popular recreation area and running/bike spot. There’s a 9.2-mile loop trail around the lake, plus several other running options in the area. Numerous other activities are enjoyed in White Rock Lake park, such as boating, kayaking, and disc golf. Note it’s possible to run here from downtown using the Santa Fe Trail. Bathrooms, water, parking, and overlooks are well interspersed.
Running options in this area:
White Rock Lake Trail. This is the go-to run at White Rock Lake. The perimeter trail is a paved, 9.2 mile multi-use path around the lake. There are lake views a good park of the way, some lovely homes, other parks, and a spillway at the south end. Other park features include a cultural center, Audubon preserve, Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden (fee required), and the White Rock Lake Museum.
There are numerous access points for White Rock Lake. For those who don’t want to do the full loop, it’s best to choose a section. In our view, the ~3 miles at the northeast end from the Boat Club to Sunset Bay, are the least interesting. Among our favorite sections for running:
- North end lake: From the Runners’ Parking lot, run for ~2.7 miles along the west bank to T.&P. Hill. There are great lake views, and some lovely homes of the Lakewood neighborhood.
- South End of Lake. From the Spillway lot at the south end, there’s a nice section north for 1.5 miles along the west bank to the Boathouse, and for ~2 miles north to Sunset Bay.
White Rock Creek Greenbelt Trail. Trail through a greenbelt that begins at the northern end of White Rock Lake, at Mockingbird & W. Lawther Dr. Some 7.5 miles of woodsy, shaded terrain, connecting several parks. Also connects to the Cottonwood Creek Trail.
Lakewood Neighborhood. A wonderful, hilly residential area on western side of lake off W. Lawther that has many pleasant streets for running.
SoPac Trail. This paved multi-use path runs from the White Rock Lake Trail north to Harry Moss Park, paralleling the White Rock Creek Greenbelt for much of the way. Just north of Mockingbird Ln., you can connect to the University Crossing Trail, which heads west for 2.7 miles to the SMU campus and the north end of the Katy Trail.
White Rock Lake Map
Some of the most enjoyable and scenic running in Dallas can be found in the White Rock Lake area. The 1,015-acre reservoir, located 5 miles northeast of downtown, is a popular recreation area and running/bike spot. There’s a 9.2-mile loop trail around the lake, plus several other running options in the area. Numerous other activities are enjoyed in White Rock Lake park, such as boating, kayaking, and disc golf. Note it’s possible to run here from downtown using the Santa Fe Trail. Bathrooms, water, parking, and overlooks are well interspersed.
Running options in this area:
White Rock Lake Trail. This is the go-to run at White Rock Lake. The perimeter trail is a paved, 9.2 mile multi-use path around the lake. There are lake views a good park of the way, some lovely homes, other parks, and a spillway at the south end. Other park features include a cultural center, Audubon preserve, Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden (fee required), and the White Rock Lake Museum.
There are numerous access points for White Rock Lake. For those who don’t want to do the full loop, it’s best to choose a section. In our view, the ~3 miles at the northeast end from the Boat Club to Sunset Bay, are the least interesting. Among our favorite sections for running:
- North end lake: From the Runners’ Parking lot, run for ~2.7 miles along the west bank to T.&P. Hill. There are great lake views, and some lovely homes of the Lakewood neighborhood.
- South End of Lake. From the Spillway lot at the south end, there’s a nice section north for 1.5 miles along the west bank to the Boathouse, and for ~2 miles north to Sunset Bay.
White Rock Creek Greenbelt Trail. Trail through a greenbelt that begins at the northern end of White Rock Lake, at Mockingbird & W. Lawther Dr. Some 7.5 miles of woodsy, shaded terrain, connecting several parks. Also connects to the Cottonwood Creek Trail.
Lakewood Neighborhood. A wonderful, hilly residential area on western side of lake off W. Lawther that has many pleasant streets for running.
SoPac Trail. This paved multi-use path runs from the White Rock Lake Trail north to Harry Moss Park, paralleling the White Rock Creek Greenbelt for much of the way. Just north of Mockingbird Ln., you can connect to the University Crossing Trail, which heads west for 2.7 miles to the SMU campus and the north end of the Katy Trail.
White Rock Lake Map
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