Visit Katy Trail

Katy Trail
#21 of 100 things to do in Dallas

The Katy Trail is a jogging, walking, inline skating, and bicycling path that runs through the Uptown and Oak Lawn areas of Dallas, Texas, following the path of the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, which was known as MKT or the Katy. Wikipedia

Directions from the South to the Victory Park Trail Head
– Take your best route to I35 North
– Exit High Line Drive
– Take a Right on High Line Drive (High Line turns into Victory
– Park as close as you can to the corner of Houston St. and Lyle.
– The Trail begins just North of the corner of Houston and Lyle St.

Perhaps the best place to park near the north end of the Katy Trail is the parking lot behind the Lamps Plus store on Knox Street. To get to it, take Travis Street south from the Knox intersection, then take a right into the first retail parking lot on your right. Go straight and it will turn become an alley that leads you to a lot adjacent to the Katy Trail. Note that some of the spaces are reserved for E2M employees during business hours.

Dallas, Texas is known for its bustling city life, but tucked into the heart of Uptown and Oak Lawn lies a peaceful, historic escape: Katy Trail. This 3.5-mile urban greenbelt park, built on an abandoned Union Pacific railroad line, has become an iconic and beloved destination for trailgoers of all ages.

Whether you are a serious runner, a parent pushing a stroller, a cyclist commuting to work, or a tourist looking to experience Dallas like a local, this guide provides everything you need to know—from trail length and access points to activities for adults and children, parking tips, and how to support this treasured community asset.

Katy Trail is more than just a path; it is a beautifully varied natural landscape that weaves through some of Dallas’s most vibrant neighborhoods, including Uptown, Turtle Creek, and Oak Lawn. It was constructed on the former right-of-way of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (nicknamed the “Katy”), which ceased operations in the 1980s. Today, the trail provides a place to exercise, experience nature, gather, commute, and access local restaurants and businesses.

The trail is operated and enhanced by Friends of the Katy Trail, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, for the benefit of both Dallas citizens and tourists. Maintaining this 3.5-mile gem costs over $1.5 million annually, funded entirely by donations and memberships.

Key Details at a Glance:

• Length: 3.5 miles (one way)

• Surface: Paved, mostly flat (accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, bikes)

• Location: From American Airlines Center / Victory Park (north end) to Southern Methodist University (SMU) / Mockingbird Station (south end)

• Official Website: https://katytraildallas.org

---

Trail Hours & Access

Katy Trail is an outdoor public park, so it is technically open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, for safety and the best experience, the following hours are recommended:

Note: The trail has no lighting in many sections, so night use is discouraged. Friends of the Katy Trail do not maintain overnight security.

Access Points (with parking and amenities):

1. North End: Victory Park / American Airlines Center (2500 Victory Ave) – Paid parking garages, restrooms at nearby restaurants.

2. Midpoint: Reverchon Park (3505 Maple Ave) – Free parking lot, restrooms, playground, baseball fields.

3. South End: Mockingbird Station (5307 E Mockingbird Ln) – Free parking garage, DART rail station, restrooms, cinema, dining.

---

Activities for Adults & Children: Fitness, Nature & Fun

👨‍🖥️ Adults: Exercise, Commuting & Socializing

1. Running & Jogging
   The flat, paved surface is ideal for distance training. Many local running clubs use Katy Trail for group runs, especially on weekday evenings and weekend mornings.

2. Cycling & Bicycle Commuting
   Cyclists use the trail to commute between Uptown, Oak Lawn, and SMU. The path connects to the Dallas On-Street Bike Network, making it a key artery for car-free travel. Remember: cyclists must yield to pedestrians and announce passes.

3. Walking & Power Walking
   With benches every quarter mile, adults can walk at their own pace, take breaks, and enjoy birdwatching or reading.

4. Access to Local Restaurants & Breweries
   The trail has several “trailheads” with direct access to popular spots:

   • Katy Trail Ice House (3127 Routh St) – Outdoor beer garden right on the trail.

   • Velvet Taco (3012 N Henderson Ave) – Quick walk from the midpoint.

   • Mutts Canine Cantina (2889 Cityplace W Blvd) – Dog park and bar.

5. Photography & Nature Observation
   What’s blooming on the Katy Trail changes with the seasons. Look for wildflowers, mature pecans, oaks, and migratory birds. The trail is a favorite for amateur nature photographers.

👧 Children & Families: Playgrounds, Stroller Walks & Wildlife Spotting

1. Stroller-Friendly Path
   The entire 3.5 miles are paved and mostly flat, making it perfect for jogging strollers and wagons. Families often walk a 1–2 mile round trip from Reverchon Park.

2. Reverchon Park Playground
   Located at the midpoint (3505 Maple Ave), this large, shaded playground includes:

   • Swings (baby and big kid)

   • Climbing structures

   • Slides

   • Picnic tables and open grass areas

   • Public restrooms

3. Nature Scavenger Hunt
   Parents can create a DIY scavenger hunt: spot a squirrel, find three different bird species, count the park benches, or identify a butterfly. The trail’s varied landscape changes with seasons, so it is never boring.

4. Safe Biking for Kids
   The trail is separated from street traffic. Children comfortable on two wheels can bike alongside parents, but helmets are strongly recommended for all ages. Teach kids to stay on the right side and call out “passing on your left.”

5. Katy Trail Art & History
   Look for historical markers and interpretive signs along the route that tell the story of the old Katy Railroad. Older children (8+) enjoy reading about how the train line became a park.

---

What’s Blooming? Seasonal Nature on the Trail

Thanks to the Friends of the Katy Trail’s landscaping efforts, the trail features a rotating display of native Texas plants. While exact blooms vary by weather, here is an evergreen guide:

Check the official website’s “What’s Blooming” section for current highlights.

---

Parking & Public Transportation

🚗 Parking (Free & Paid)

Pro Tip for Families: Park at Reverchon Park for direct access to the playground and restrooms. Arrive before 10 AM on weekends for a spot.

🚆 DART Rail (Best for Avoiding Traffic)

• Mockingbird Station (South end) – Serves Red, Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. Walk out of the station directly onto the trail.

• Cityplace/Uptown Station (Midpoint) – Serves Red, Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. Exit to the trail via the Katy Trail access walkway.

• Victory Station (North end) – Serves Green and Orange lines. Short walk to the trail near American Airlines Center.

---

Safety, Etiquette & Rules

To keep Katy Trail clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone, please follow these evergreen guidelines:

• Stay to the right – Pass on the left, just like a road.

• Announce passes – Cyclists: call out “On your left” before passing walkers/runners.

• Leash dogs – Dallas city law requires all dogs on leashes no longer than 6 feet.

• Clean up after pets – Waste stations are located at each access point.

• No motorized vehicles – Scooters, mopeds, and e-bikes with throttles are not allowed.

• Lights at night – If you must use the trail after dark, wear reflective gear and use a headlamp. Better yet, go during daylight hours.

---

How to Support the Katy Trail: Become a Member

Katy Trail is maintained entirely by Friends of the Katy Trail, a nonprofit organization. The annual cost of maintenance exceeds $1.5 million, funded by donations, grants, and memberships. You can help by:

• Becoming a Member – Individual memberships start at $40/year and include decals, event invites, and newsletters.

• Volunteering – Join a trail clean-up or planting day (check the website for schedules).

• Sponsoring a Bench – Honor a loved one with a bench plaque ($5,000).

• Donating – One-time or recurring gifts of any amount go directly to landscaping, trash removal, and safety improvements.

Join at https://katytraildallas.org/support.

---

Tips for Your Visit

1. Bring water – There are no water fountains along the middle sections. Fill up before you go.

2. Wear sun protection – Only about 40% of the trail is shaded. Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential.

3. Use the restrooms before you go – Public restrooms are only at Reverchon Park and Mockingbird Station.

4. Check event schedules – The trail occasionally hosts 5K races or charity walks that may close sections. Check the website’s calendar.

5. Combine with the Katy Trail Ice House – End your walk with a cold drink and a snack at this legendary trailside spot (family-friendly until 9 PM).

---

Stay Connected:

Follow Friends of the Katy Trail on social media for real-time updates on trail conditions, blooming wildflowers, volunteer opportunities, and special events.

• YouTube: Friends of the Katy Trail – Trail tours, history documentaries, and event recaps

• Facebook: Friends of the Katy Trail – Daily photos, trail alerts, and community posts

• X (Twitter): @KatyTrailDallas – Weather closures, maintenance updates, and wildlife sightings

• Instagram: @katytraildallas – Stunning seasonal photos of wildflowers and sunsets

If you have any experience with this place, please share it with us in the comments below!