Bikers at White Rock Lake — Photo courtesy of White Rock Dallas
Bikers visiting Dallas will be pleased to see all of the offerings in "Big D"! While this "Lone Star State" city features a wide variety of marked biking and hiking trails, the best of the best bike ride occurs just east of downtown Dallas at White Rock Lake Park. If you'd like to spend a half day exploring this part of Dallas on your bicycle, then follow this simple route:
Start out at Mockingbird Station, located at U.S. 75 and Mockingbird Avenue just north of downtown. This popular shopping, dining and entertainment venue is actually a DART train stop, so it's easy to access via train or vehicle. Head East on Mockingbird Avenue and take in all the sights and sounds of one of the most happening neighborhoods in Dallas, the M Streets, where nightlife comes alive.
Mockingbird Lane will lead you into the prominent neighborhood of Lakewood, full of well-manicured lawns, beautiful homes and lots of trees. (You'll be on Mockingbird Lane for a total of 3.5 miles.) Enter White Rock Lake Park at the Dog Park area at 8000 East Mockingbird Lane. Head South on the paved and marked biking trail.
South shoreline at White Rock Lake — Photo courtesy of White Rock Lake
The trail at this park goes around the entire lake, about nine miles total. You'll pass under canopies of trees and little meadows. Make a quick stop at the little dam overlook to take in some beautiful views. Then make your way to the trail's halfway point at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
If you want to spend an hour or so, enter this wonderful Dallas attraction, stroll through the gardens and grab a bite to eat at one of many onsite restaurants and cafes there.
During the spring months, you'll get to see the annual Dallas blooms exhibit, and during the autumn months, you can experience the fall exhibits, complete with life-sized fairytale pumpkin houses!
After you're finished taking a break, get back on your bike and continue north on the paved path. This will take you to the east side of the lake, where the Bath House Cultural Center is located.
On the weekends, this eccentric spot features local performers and artists. It also has a historic bath house, the White Rock Lake Museum and a 116-seat theater. If you'd prefer to bring a picnic, this part of the lake has great views of the Dallas skyline and nice seating options, too.
Then get back on the trail and head on back to the Dog Park entrance to return to Mockingbird Avenue. This last part of the trail features a fun bridge to cross over on your bike.
Have a great day!
