Trinity Trails | Fort Worth

Overview

The Trinity Trails is a network of more than 100 miles of trails that follow the Clear Fork and West Fork of the Trinity River. It winds through Fort Worth and surrounding areas, offering one of the most comprehensive urban trail systems in the United States.

Managed by: Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD)

Length: Over 100 miles of paved and crushed granite trails

Purpose: Recreation, fitness, commuting, events, and nature access

Trail Uses

Cycling: Wide paths for road and mountain bikes; multiple bike repair stations along the route

Running and Walking: Ideal for both leisure and competitive running

Equestrian Trails: Certain trail segments near Benbrook and River Park allow horseback riding

Commuting: Cyclists and pedestrians use the trails to commute to downtown Fort Worth, TCU, the medical district, and local neighborhoods

Water Access: Kayak launches and fishing spots are available at several points

Geography and Layout

Main River Forks: Trails run primarily along the West Fork and Clear Fork of the Trinity River.

Connected Districts:

Downtown Fort Worth

Cultural District (near Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum)

Medical District

TCU and Zoo areas

Clearfork area (shopping, dining, entertainment)

Panther Island Pavilion

Gateway Park

Benbrook Lake Area

Surface Types:

Mostly concrete or asphalt, with some natural surface sections

Accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and all bicycles

Key Access Points and Landmarks

Clearfork Trailhead

Popular starting point near retail and restaurants (The Shops at Clearfork)

Parking, restrooms, water

Panther Island Pavilion

Riverfront stage and recreation area

Hosts concerts, tubing events, and festivals

Woodshed Smokehouse Area

Dining with trail access and views of the river

Includes kayak rental and a casual rest stop

Gateway Park

One of the largest urban parks in the U.S.

Connects to trails and mountain biking paths

Airfield Falls Conservation Park

Home to the largest natural waterfall in Fort Worth

Features gardens, military aircraft monument, and educational signage

Amenities and Infrastructure

Parking: Designated lots at major trailheads

Restrooms and Water Stations: Found near larger trailheads and parks

Lighting: Some sections near downtown and Clearfork are lighted at night

Signage: Detailed wayfinding markers and maps posted along trails

Benches and Shade: Regularly spaced for breaks

Emergency Call Boxes: In select areas for safety

Events and Community Engagement

Annual Events:

Trinity 5000 Summer Race Series

Rockin' the River (live music + tubing at Panther Island)

FitWorth community events

Volunteer Cleanups: TRWD organizes trash clean-up days along the river

Fitness Programs: Boot camps, yoga, and running groups use the trail regularly

Wildlife and Nature

Trails pass through areas with natural prairie, riparian woodlands, and wetlands.

You may spot:

Great blue herons, egrets, hawks

Turtles, frogs, and fish in the river

Occasional sightings of deer and other wildlife in less urban segments

Trail Etiquette and Safety

Keep right except to pass

Use signals (bell or voice) when overtaking others

Pets must be on a leash

Cyclists should yield to pedestrians

Dispose of trash properly; many waste bins provided

Trails are patrolled by Fort Worth Police bike units in some areas

Future Expansion

Plans include:

Extending the trails into more neighborhoods

Creating safer trail crossings at busy roadways

Enhancing equestrian routes in the west

Continued connection with regional trail systems like the Veloweb

Trinity Trails serve as a backbone for Fort Worth’s outdoor life, combining recreation, connectivity, ecology, and culture in a single, well-designed network.