Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1
Katy Trail
The former railroad right-of-way has gone from neighborhood eyesore to the place to see and be seen in
uptown Dallas. It's the closest thing North Texas hiking has to a singles bar, as the city's buff and beau-
tiful sweat out romance. Some couples have even married on the trail. But don't feel put off if you're
not in the market. The trail welcomes all ages, as long as you don't try to wander into the adjacent
private homes and apartment complexes.
Distance: 5.0 miles out and back
Approximate hiking time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Trail surface: Concrete with side trail made out of pedestrian-friendly soft surface
Best season: Mar through June; Oct through Dec
Other trail users: Runners, cyclists, in-line skaters, dog walkers
Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted
Fees and permits: No fees or permits required
Schedule: Park open daily 5:00 a.m. to midnight
Maps: TOPO! Texas CD; Friends of the Katy Trail map
Trail contacts: The trail is operated by the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department but
is largely maintained and improved by the very active Friends of the Katy Trail; (214)
303-1180; www.katytraildallas.org.
Special considerations: The biggest bummer about the Katy Trail is the lack of re-
strooms. There are a few portable toilets in Reverchon Park but nothing along the trail.
And don't think you can slip into the woods—both sides of the trail are densely popu-
lated, and you could end up on someone's back patio. At Knox Street you can stop for a
drink at one of the bistros or grab a latte at a coffee shop and use the facilities, other-
wise—sweat it out.
Finding the trailhead:
From downtown Dallas, take Woodhall Rogers Freeway north
to the Pearl Street exit. Go north on Pearl to Maple Avenue and follow Maple Avenue to
