There’s no better way to enjoy some time together as a family than with a day spent in nature. Thankfully, the area around Coppell features an abundance of outdoor areas you’ll love exploring with your kids. From easy paved trails to more difficult hikes suited to adventurous kiddos, our area has it all.
Of course, it can feel like a challenge to plan a day when you don’t know where to look. That’s why Crème de la Crème on Denton Tap Rd in Coppell, TX put together this list of the best places to hike near our hometown to take the guesswork out of finding a fun place to explore. You don’t have to travel far from home to have an outdoor adventure every member of the family will love.
Coppell Nature Park Loop and Coppell Nature Park
Image via Unsplash by patrickian4
You don’t have to leave Coppell to enjoy a day with the family in the great outdoors. You’ll find Coppell Nature Park Loop right here in our own backyard! Head over to Coppell Nature Park to spend a day enjoying wildlife while walking along the 1.7-mile loop trail, which offers an easy hike suited to all skill levels. Whether you’re hiking, running, or walking, visiting this loop trail makes a fun outing for the whole family. The trail is accessible throughout the year.
Coppell Nature Park is 66 acres, and it’s open from sunrise to sunset. With more than 130 species of birds migrating through the park every year, this setting is a great place to introduce the kids to plenty of interesting species. Look out for bobcats, coyotes, and hawks while you’re there. The park boasts more than five miles of trail to explore, so you’ll still have tons of opportunity for outdoor fun once you’ve walked the entire loop.
North Shore Trail
You’ll find Rockledge Park, home to North Shore Trail, which are just about a ten-minute drive from Coppell in Grapevine. This 18-mile out-and-back trail running along the north side of Lake Grapevine is a popular hiking spot that residents flock to from all over North Texas. Look forward to beautiful views as you walk along lake cliffs and shores.
You’ll come across moderately difficult hiking conditions here. While the trail is suited to both hikers and bicyclists, you’ll want to use caution as you go as there are some rough spots. You’ll also want to watch out for those bikers zipping past if your family goes on foot. You can access the trail throughout the year, but keep in mind that it may close sometimes because of weather such as heavy rain and mud on the trail.
You can start your hike at either Rockledge Park, Murrell Park, or Twin Coves Park as each features trail heads and parking for the trail. The Rockledge Park and Murrell Park entrances are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., but other entrances don’t have opening and closing hours.
Horseshoe Trails
Grapevine is also home to the Horseshoe Trails. 5.61 miles of natural surface trails offer a day of moderate hiking, not to mention some more breathtaking views of Grapevine Lake. You can hike, walk, run, or bike these trails. Need a break from the walking? Take the kids fishing, or have a picnic outdoors while enjoying the view. Kids are sure to love spotting gorgeous wildflowers as you walk.
The trail network includes clearly marked signs, helping you find your way along dirt trails perfect for a mountain biking or hiking excursion or a paved trail that makes walking just a bit easier. One option, Snakey Lane, offers a great trail for hikers and runners looking for a path along the lake.
Big Bear Creek Trail
Looking for an easy hike close to home? You can’t go wrong with Big Bear Creek Trail, also located in Grapevine. With paved trails stretching for 3.22 miles, it’s easy to fill a day here taking in the scenery as you hike (or run, bike, or walk) with the family.
Highlights include a creek-side overlook and interpretive signs that you’ll encounter along the way. Pack a lunch, then head over to the picnic area to eat after a long walk. You can also check out the rest of Bear Creek Park, which has a playground for the little ones.
Cypress Waters Trail
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful lakeside stroll or a trail that offers big adventure, you can’t go wrong with the new Cypress Waters Trail area at The Sound. Currently under construction, the Cypress Waters Trail will be a 6-mile trail that will loop around the lake and connect with nearby Irving’s Campion Trail. Today, you’ll already find a 2-mile paved trail ideal for walking, biking, or jogging along with 2.5 miles of gravel and grass trails for more of a challenge.
Add to the fun by following along with the Cypress Waters Scavenger Hunt. You can access this adventure from the website, then let it guide your kids along as you search for unique views, art, and more.
Colleyville Nature Center Trail and Colleyville Nature Center
Discover another easy trail to hike at Colleyville Nature Center. Colleyville Nature Center Trail is a 2.1-mile loop trail appropriate for all skill levels, and it features wildlife and stunning wildflowers along the way.
You’ll also want to explore all the nature center, a 46-acre preserve, has to offer while you’re in the area. Multi-use trails stretch through woods and around ponds, and you’ll find a picnic pavilion and playground here, too. The preserve is open from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset, making it easy to spend a day in nature.
There you have it: Crème de la Crème of Coppell’s list of amazing places to get out and hike close to home! We hope we’ve inspired you to explore all our area has to offer. Do you have a favorite park, nature preserve, or lakeside spot we didn’t cover in this roundup? Let us know so we can check out your favorite trail and add it to our list.