Happy Trails to Family Fitness:

The turning of a New Year seems to bring an influx of fitness-fanatics to parks and hiking trails all across the country. Fort Worth is no different, offering many places to ring-in a fit and healthy new year. Walking is one of the easiest and best introductions to a healthier way of life, and Cowtown has some of the best walking or jogging trails around. Here are just a few of the easiest walks and most scenic trails for your enjoyment in Fort Worth and surrounding suburbs. Enjoy!

Trinity Trails:

One of the most scenic trails along Trinity River and its tributaries begins at Pumphrey Drive, where a little-known natural treasure of Fort Worth flows undiscovered and hidden in nature...along this backwoods walking and jogging path. Snaking for miles along Farmer's Branch Creek Trail to White Settlement Road, this naturistic hike offers a glimpse of Farmer's Branch Waterfall; the only natural waterfall in Fort Worth. This section of Trinity Trail is rather awe-inspiring, with several trickling falls, scenic foot-bridges, native foliage, and resting spots along the river where you can sit...relax, and take in nature's offerings.

A better-known scenic walk along Trinity Trails begins at mile-marker zero, just a few blocks from Sundance Square on the northern-most end of Taylor Street downtown. Following the river through Trinity Park, this is the best walk for hikers, runners, and cyclists with children, since it features a playground, the Forest Park Miniature Train sub-station, and several port-a-potties along the way to University Drive.

The last time I walked this trail with my family, we chose to turn back at University Drive due only to some construction beneath the I-30 Bridge, which seemed to block the trail. This walk from Taylor Street to University and I-30 is roughly three miles one-way. To lengthen your walk by a few miles, start beneath the Northside Drive Bridge and walk the path to University.

But, nothing says you have to stop there. The Trinity Trail goes on for more than 40 miles along The Trinity River and its tributaries, connecting with 21 local parks, The Botanic and Japanese Gardens, as well as Log Cabin Village, The Fort Worth Zoo, The Historic Stockyards, and Downtown Fort Worth; just a few short blocks from Sundance Square.

Linda Spurlock Park:

Nestled in the suburbs of Greater Fort Worth in North Richland Hills, Linda Spurlock Park offers a walking/jogging trail, an updated playground for the kids, fishing in the sparkling pond with fountain water-feature...ducks and geese, and a charming picnic gazebo in a natural setting.

The paved trail snakes around the outer perimeter of this corner park, and spans roughly one-mile around. I've walked this trail many times and find it more peaceful during the weekday morning hours. As always, exercise caution when walking alone in any park, though at this little park, you'll often share the trail with a friendly bunch of folks.

Haltom Road Park:

Located on Haltom Road between Broadway and 28^th Streets in the Fort Worth suburb of Haltom City. Haltom Road Park offers a paved walking/jogging trail that stretches for about a mile. In addition, there are restrooms, an updated playground, and a picnic pavilion; all within a natural setting. Again, exercise caution when walking alone at any park or trail.

Arcadia Trail Park:

Tucked away in a quiet Watauga neighborhood, I discovered this park when my son first went to practice soccer there...some years back. This hidden gem offers miles of sprawling trails for walking or jogging, along with plenty of room to roam...run and play, fly a kite...you name it. With abundant trees and nature, it's the perfect little escape for city-dwelling families.

Fort Woof Dog Park & Gateway Park Trails:

Just inside Gateway Park, Fort Woof Dog Park is a favorite of Fort Worthans with K-9 kids, and fitness-fun on the agenda. In a natural setting with plenty of room to run, Fort Woof has become a local favorite for dog owners all across the Fort.

For fitness buffs alike in Fort Worth, Gateway Park offers everything from baseball to rugby, not to mention the miles upon miles of jogging, biking and hiking trails. Meandering on and on through a heavily wooded natural setting, eventually branching out to the Trinity River Trails-should you choose to take that fork in the trail-Gateway Trails are free for the enjoying.

Even though the park is lit up at night, the trails are best utilized during the daylight hours. Always exercise caution when hiking, biking, or jogging alone in secluded areas.

Fort Worth Community Trails Listing

Fort Worth City & Neighborhood Park Listing

WORKS CITED:

www.fortworth.gov

www.fortworth.com

www.trinitytrails.org

www.ridgmar.net

www.metroplexing.blogspot.com

www.google.com

www.yahoomaps.com

www.bing.com