The best walks and hikes around Hurst

Embark on an easy hike along the River Legacy Trail, a 1.4 miles (2.2 km) route that offers a refreshing escape into nature. You will find yourself winding through thick forests, with the trail providing both paved and unpaved sections for a varied experience. As you hike, you will gain a gentle 14 feet (4 metres) in elevation, making it accessible for nearly everyone. The path follows the Trinity River, offering glimpses of the water through the dense tree canopy. Expect numerous twists and turns on the singletrack sections, with some quick hills and gentle rolls adding to the dynamic terrain, all completable in about 33 minutes.

Planning your visit to the River Legacy Trail is straightforward, as the park offers well-marked parking areas for easy access. You will also find essential facilities available, including restrooms and water fountains, ensuring a comfortable outing. This trail system is multi-use, meaning you will be sharing the paths with mountain bikers. For your safety and to maintain a smooth flow, hikers are specifically advised to travel counter-clockwise when using the dirt singletrack sections. This helps prevent conflicts and ensures a pleasant experience for all users.

Beyond the varied terrain, the River Legacy Trail is a haven for bird watchers, providing frequent opportunities to spot various bird species. You can also observe other wildlife under the protective cover of the dense tree canopy. The trail's location within River Legacy Park makes it a convenient and accessible option for a quick outdoor adventure. It's an ideal spot to connect with nature and enjoy the local ecosystem without venturing far from urban conveniences.

The Fossil Creek Red Trail offers a delightful, easy hike through a wooded landscape right in Fort Worth, Texas. You'll follow a winding singletrack path under good tree cover, eventually reaching the creek bed where a bridge provides a scenic viewpoint. Keep an eye out for the unique rock formations and ancient fossilized burrows that give the area its name, making this 1.0-mile (1.6 km) route with just 12 feet (4 metres) of elevation gain a surprisingly engaging experience.

This family-friendly and dog-friendly trail is a quick adventure, typically taking only about 23 minutes to complete. As part of the larger Fossil Creek Park network, you can easily extend your hike by connecting to other loops. No permits are required, and the trail is generally accessible, making it a great choice for a spontaneous outdoor escape.

Fossil Creek Park is named for the rich geological history of the area, where you can discover actual fossils like ammonites and echinoids near the creek. The trail itself winds through wetlands featuring plants like willow and cattails, providing a pleasant natural environment. This trail is an excellent option for beginner hikers or anyone looking for a short, rewarding nature walk.

The River Legacy Trail East offers an easy hike through varied terrain, including paved sections, hard-pack dirt, and singletrack paths. You will wind through dense forests and along the West Fork of the Trinity River, where scenic overlooks provide views of the riverbed below. This route is a quick 1.1-mile (1.8 km) journey, gaining just 16 feet (5 metres) in elevation, and typically takes about 28 minutes to complete. As you explore, you might pass through grassy fields dotted with wildflowers, all while enjoying the shade from the extensive tree cover. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and birds.

You can begin your hike on the River Legacy Trail East from River Legacy Park, where ample parking is available. Before you head out, be aware that some sections of the wider River Legacy Park trail system are currently closed for repairs due to river erosion. These closures are expected to continue until late 2025 or early 2026. It is always a good idea to check for current park updates before your visit to ensure access.

This trail is part of the larger River Legacy Park, a significant natural area that preserves the ecosystem along the West Fork of the Trinity River. The extensive tree cover provides a cool, shaded environment, making it a pleasant escape even on warmer days. You can often spot a variety of wildlife and birds, highlighting the park's role as a vital habitat. The mix of natural beauty and accessible paths makes this a notable spot for a short, refreshing outdoor experience.

The Colleyville Nature Center Trail offers a delightful and easy escape into a surprisingly diverse natural setting. As you walk this route, you'll journey through shaded woodlands, open meadows, and tranquil wetlands, often on a mix of paved, dirt, and crushed granite paths. The highlight for many is the series of nine picturesque ponds, which are havens for ducks, turtles, and other waterfowl, providing fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Planning your visit to the Colleyville Nature Center is simple, as it's designed for accessibility and convenience. You'll find plenty of Colleyville Nature Center parking available, along with restrooms and other amenities like a playground and fishing dock. This easy 1.4-mile (2.2 km) hiking route, with only 6 feet (2 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 33 minutes, making it perfect for a quick outing. It's an excellent choice for family friendly hikes, and many sections are stroller-friendly.

Beyond its easy terrain, the Colleyville Nature Center is a true nature lover's paradise, boasting rich biodiversity within its 46 acres. Birdwatchers will appreciate the chance to see herons, hawks, and woodpeckers, while other visitors might encounter reptiles, amphibians, or even baby raccoons. The center's commitment to providing a serene atmosphere and educational opportunities makes it a standout destination in the region for connecting with nature.