Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails In Texas (2025 Guide)

Black and brown Australian Shepherd dog on leash on the Pacific Crest hiking trail near Ashland

Texas offers a wide variety of landscapes from canyons, mountains, deserts, plains, and forests, to islands and coastline. Basically, there’s plenty of nature to enjoy in the beautiful Lone Star State and there’s plenty of land to cover.

Of course, there’s no better way to enjoy some rugged, natural beauty than with your four-legged hiking partner, so where are they welcome to join you in the great state of Texas? Well, there’s no shortage of dog-friendly hiking destinations in the state, but here’s a list of our favorites.

Dogster divider_v1_NEW_MAY_24_

The 10 Dog Friendly Hiking Trails In Texas

1. Trinity Skyline Trail

️ Address: Trinity Skyline Trail, Dallas, TX 75207
Open times: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-leash: No
  • Hard surface hiking trail that offers amazing views of downtown Dallas.
  • Parking access points are located at Continental Avenue Bridge and West Dallas Gateway, Trammell Crow Park, and Trinity Overlook.
  • 6-mile multi-use trail that’s great for hiking with your pup.

2. Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail

️ Address: Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, Austin, TX 78746
Open times: 5:00 am–10:00 pm
Cost: Free
Off-leash: No
  • The Barton Creek Greenbelt Preserve is a great dog-friendly recreational area.
  • There are 7 access points to Barton Creek Greenbelt.
  • The 7.9-mile dirt trail is great for hiking to both Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls
  • Leashes are required and don’t forget to pack the poop bags.

3. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

️ Address: 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX, US, 77024
Open times: 7:00 am–Dusk (daily)
Cost: $5.50 per vehicle Friday–Wednesday.
Off-leash: No
  • Houston Arboretum & Nature Center features 155 and 5 miles of walking trails.
  • Walk with your pup through various wildlife habitats and enjoy the views.
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash and do not forget to clean up their messes.
  • There is parking at the Woodway Entrance and the 610 Entrance
  • Parking is free on Thursdays but $5.50 every other day.

4. Eisenhower Park

️ Address: 19399 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78257
Open times: Sunrise–Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-leash: No
  • Eisenhower Park is just north of San Antonio’s outer belt.
  • This 300-acre park features a combination of paved trails, gravel trails, and dirt trails.
  • Dogs must always remain on leash and owners are responsible for cleanup.
  • Visit the Observatory Tower for some wonderful views of the city.

5. Franklin Mountains State Park

️ Address: Tom Mays Park Access Rd, El Paso, TX 79930
Open times: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: $5/adult
Off-leash: No
  • During the busy season the gate opens at 6:30 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • There are over 100 miles of hiking trails with rugged desert terrain.
  • This State Park is just 15 minutes from El Paso and has over 27,000 acres to explore.
  • Dogs are not permitted in any of the buildings.
  • Cost to enter is $5 per adult, children 12 and under are free.

6. Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve

️ Address: 2446 N Oso Pkwy, Corpus Christi, TX 78414
Open times: Dawn to Dusk
Cost: Free
Off-leash: No
  • Visit the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve for a hike filled with nature and wildlife.
  • The walking trails and playground are open daily from dawn to dusk.
  • This nature preserve features 162 acres to explore and enjoy.
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash.

 7. Big Bend Ranch State Park

️ Address: 21800 FM170, Terlingua, TX 79852
Open times: 8:00 am–4:30 pm (entrances)
Cost: $5/person
Off-leash: No
  • Just west of Big Bend National Park.
  • Features 275,000 acres of managed wilderness and rugged volcanic landscapes.
  • The cost to enter is $5 per person for those 13 years or older.
  • Pack plenty of water and be careful of the summer heat.

8. Guadalupe River State Park

️ Address: 3350 Park Rd 31, Spring Branch, TX, US, 78070
Open times: 8:00 am–10:00 pm
Cost: $7/person
Off-leash: No
  • Entry to Guadalupe River State Park is $7 per person, children 12 and under are free.
  • This area can get crowded during the nice weather months.
  • This large, clean park has plenty of things to do.
  • Take your dog on a hike and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
  • Make sure to keep your pup leashed and clean up any mess.

9. Tyler State Park Lakeshore Trail

️ Address: 789 Park Rd. 16. Tyler, TX 75706
Open times: N/A
Cost: $6/ person
Off-leash: No
  • The Lakeshore Trail is a 2-mile loop near Tyler, Texas.
  • This will give you and your pup a moderately challenging hike.
  • Dogs must be leashed at Tyler State Park.
  • The trail is open all year round and there are plenty of others to enjoy, too.
  • It costs $6 per person to enter the park but children 12 and under are free.


10. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

️ Address: 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX, US, 79015
Open times: 7:00 am–9:00 pm
Cost: $8/person
Off-leash: No
  • Located in the Texas Panhandle near the cities of Amarillo and Canyon.
  • This is the second-largest canyon in the United States.
  • Enjoy over 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
  • The cost to enter is $8 per day for anyone 13 years of age or older.
  • Dogs must always remain on leash and owners are responsible for cleanup.

Dogster divider_v1_NEW_MAY_24_

In Conclusion

Texas is home to plenty of hiking destinations that are certainly worth exploring alongside your precious pup. Not only are there some great trails all over, but Texas has 89 state parks that offer plenty of hiking and outdoor adventures.

You can expect to pay an entry fee for the Texas State Parks if you are over the age of 13, but regardless of where you decide to venture, you’re in for a treat.

You Might Also Be Interested in


Featured Image Credit: thatrogersfamily, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

9 Best Wireless Dog Fences in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Keeping your dog safe and preventing escapes is challenging when you are unable to build a fence to contain them. Installing a tall...

15 Superfoods For Dogs: Our Vet Lists Top Foods & Their Benefits

Whether you’re a health fanatic or someone looking to add excellent nutrition to your dog’s diet, you might be wondering about superfoods that...

Why Do Dogs Lick Your Feet? Vet-Reviewed Reasons & Solutions

Whether you love it or hate it, one thing is for sure: your dog just loves to lick your feet! It’s hard to...

Vet-Verified Pros & Cons of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: What to Consider Before Bringing One Home

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (also known as CKCS) is a sweet, affectionate dog that makes an excellent pet. These small spaniels are...

More related

Can Dogs Eat Plums? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks

While choosing and preparing fruits and vegetables for your canine friend, it’s essential to be mindful of specific options that may not suit...

How Smart Is a Pitbull? Facts & FAQ

Affectionate and friendly when socialized as a puppy, the Pitbull is an amazing dog. Many who own Pitbulls praise them for their devoted...

15 Classic Hound Dog Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

The American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Hound Group is large and diverse, including familiar hunting dogs like Bloodhounds and Basset Hounds, swift sighthounds like...

Chiweenie (Chihuahua & Dachshund Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & Traits

The Chiweenie is the perfect pooch for the person that wants to bring their dog everywhere they go. If you can’t stand to...

Keep reading

Is It Cheaper to Make Your Own Dog Food? Vet-Approved Facts & Advice

As more and more pet parents realize the value of good nutrition for overall health, the amount spent on commercial dog food is soaring. In the U.S., owners spent $422 on pet food in 2020. The pet industry expenditure has...

man preparing homemade dog food

Can Dog Food Go Bad? Vet-Approved Facts & Tips to Preserve It

< Every dog owner has been in a situation where they buy bulk dog food to save money, trips to the grocery store, or time. Maybe you couldn’t power through that one open bag of dog food quite yet, or...

wet and dry dog food

10 Best Fresh Dog Food Delivery Services in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Dog food subscription and delivery services are a convenient way to buy food for your pet, and while they are generally slightly more expensive, they do take most of the hassle out of shopping for your pal’s meals. Luckily, there...

Finny opening the door with the farmers dog delivery

Why Does My Dog Walk Away From Their Food? 3 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & What to Do

If you’re noticing that your dog likes to check out their food but doesn’t actually do much eating, it can be extremely frustrating. Or perhaps you’re finding that your dog is taking their food out of their bowl to eat...

dog not eating its food

Why Does My Puppy Eat So Fast? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & Advice

Bringing a new puppy into your home is always exciting, but along with the good can sometimes come some bad. Your puppy may exhibit some behaviors that you need to train them out of, like chewing on absolutely everything or...

Great Dane Puppy Eating

Blue Buffalo Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Verdict

Review Summary Blue Buffalo is one of the largest dog food manufacturers in the United States, and its surge to the top is because it creates high-quality and nutritious food for dogs. It makes all its food in the United...

Dogster_Blue Buffalo Dog Food Review

10 Best Dog Foods for Autoimmune Disease in 2025: Vet Approved Reviews

Like humans, dogs have an immune system to protect them from illness and disease. When this natural defense system can’t distinguish between foreign cells and the body’s own cells, it can turn on itself. An autoimmune disease is when the...

Dog-with-a-full-food-bowl_nancy-dressel_shutterstock

10 Best Raw Dog Food Delivery Services in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

It can be overwhelming to choose food for your dog, especially a raw diet. Raw diets have been becoming popular, so many companies are offering raw foods. However, that doesn’t mean all companies produce balanced, high-quality raw diets. We’ve compiled...

raw dog food