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A Guide to Great Trinity Forest in Dallas That Every Weekend Wanderer Should Explore
- Where is the Great Trinity Forest?
- How to Get to Great Trinity Forest
- Best Time to Go to Great Trinity Forest
- Things to Do at Great Trinity Forest
- Walk the trails at the Trinity River Audubon Center.
- Paddle along the Trinity River.
- Climb, zip, and swing at the Trinity Forest Adventure Park.
- Have a quiet picnic at the Forest Gateway.
- Wander the Texas Buckeye Trail.
- Where to Eat Near the Great Trinity Forest
- Crazy Brothers Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Classe Ghost Kitchen
- Where to Stay Near the Great Trinity Forest
- Red Roof Inn Hutchins
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas - Hutchins
I’ll be honest—my first trip to Great Trinity Forest didn’t exactly start like some epic outdoor adventure. I thought I was going for a short walk to clear my head, but my GPS had other plans and dropped me somewhere that looked straight out of Jumanji.
Fifteen minutes later, a squirrel sized me up as if I’d stumble into the wrong neighborhood. That’s when I realized I’d completely underestimated just how wild this place can be!
But that’s the beauty of it—Great Trinity Forest isn’t your average manicured park. This is the largest urban hardwood forest in the country, and once you get past the feeling that a raccoon might judge your outfit, it’s pure magic.
Winding trails through dense greenery, the scent of fresh earth after a rain, and a level of tranquility you didn’t think existed inside city limits—it’s all here waiting for you!
Where is the Great Trinity Forest?
The Great Trinity Forest is situated in southeast Dallas, adjacent to the Trinity River. It sits close to neighborhoods like Pleasant Grove and Buckner Terrace.
You’ll probably pass through areas like Loop 12 or I-45 to get there, depending on which trailhead or park entrance you’re aiming for.
How to Get to Great Trinity Forest
By Car: The easiest way is to drive and enter through popular access points like the Trinity River Audubon Center or McCommas Bluff Preserve. Parking is usually available, and you can reach several trails with minimal walking.
By Bike: If you’re up for a scenic ride, hop on the AT&T Trail or the Santa Fe Trail, which connect to the path leading towards the forest. It’s a great way to enjoy the greenery before you even arrive.
By Public Transit: Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) trains and buses can bring you within reach of the area.
The Buckner Station on the Green Line is one of the closest rail stops, just a short ride-share from the Trinity River Audubon Center.
For McCommas Bluff Preserve, bus routes that serve the Lake June Transit Center can get you within a moderate walk of the trails.
By Guided Tour or Group Trip: Book with local operators, such as the Trinity River Audubon Center, Texas Discovery Gardens, or nature-focused Meetup groups that arrange trips into the forest.
Many offer shuttle services or charter buses departing from central Dallas landmarks like Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, or DART’s Union Station.
You’ll be dropped off directly at the main entry points—often the Audubon Center or McCommas Bluff Preserve—so you can start exploring right away without worrying about parking or directions.
Best Time to Go to Great Trinity Forest
The best time to explore the Great Trinity Forest is in the early morning or late afternoon when the air is cooler.
During these hours, sunlight filters through the canopy, casting a golden glow on the trails and making the wildlife more active and easy to spot.
Things to Do at Great Trinity Forest
1. Walk the trails at the Trinity River Audubon Center.
Media credit: trinityriverauduboncenter
Address: 6500 S Great Trinity Forest Way
Website: http://trinityriver.audubon.org/
Phone: +1 214 309 5801
Business hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Friday and Sunday: 9 am – 4 pm
- Saturday: 8 am – 4 pm
The paths at the Trinity River Audubon Center might be one of the calmest places in all of Dallas—and I’m not exaggerating. Here, you’ll be surrounded by leafy giants, chirping birds, and a quiet that makes you forget highways even exist.
You’ll find all sorts of routes to explore. Some wind beneath shady woods, others cut across sunny prairies, and a few lead straight to the riverbank. If luck’s on you’re side, you might spot a heron just standing there like it owns the land!
And don’t worry—this place isn’t just for expert hikers or hardcore bird nerds. Whether you’re out for a coffee stroll or trying to get your daily steps in, the whole area just feels good to walk through.
Plus, there are benches along the way if you want to sit down and enjoy the view—maybe even pretend you’re in a nature show!
2. Paddle along the Trinity River.
Media credit: trinityriverauduboncenter
For a change of pace, launch a kayak or canoe from one of the access points and you’re off, floating past towering trees, overhanging vines, and the occasional turtle giving you a judgy look from a log.
The water’s usually calm, which is ideal for both experienced paddlers and newbies trying not to drift in circles.
Bring a dry bag for your phone (unless you’re willing to take a risk) and consider packing a snack or two. You’ll want to stay out there longer than you planned!
3. Climb, zip, and swing at the Trinity Forest Adventure Park.
Media credit: trinityforestadventurepark
Address: 1800 Dowdy Ferry Rd
Website: https://trinitytreetops.com/
Phone: +1 214 391 1000
Business hours:
- Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
- Thursday: Closed
If you’ve ever wanted to live your childhood treehouse dreams as an adult (or just have kids with endless energy), this place makes it happen, only now with ziplines, rope bridges, and platforms high above the ground.
You don’t have to be a superhero to join in, since the courses are made for all levels. But if you crave a serious adrenaline rush, the advanced ones will definitely get your heart racing!
Safety gear and instruction are part of the deal, so you’re in good hands even if you’re nervous about heights.
4. Have a quiet picnic at the Forest Gateway.
Media credit: historicalindigenoussites
Address: 21611 Dowdy Ferry Rd
Website: https://www.dallasparks.org/Great-Trinity-Forest-Gateway-and-Horse-T
Business hours: Monday to Sunday: 5 am – 11 pm
When high ropes and river paddling sound too much, don’t worry—this area’s also ideal for relaxing. There’s a wide grassy field, a peaceful pond where turtles float around, and shaded picnic tables that practically beg you to stay awhile.
Some people bring fishing rods, others bring stories to read, and a few just lie back on the lawn with their eyes closed and toes in the breeze.
You can stroll along the loop, smile at joggers, or toss some healthy snacks to the ducks (but skip the bread—they need real food!).
If you stick around long enough, the light filtering through the trees as the sun starts to dip is kind of magical. No camera tricks needed.
5. Wander the Texas Buckeye Trail.
Media credit: trinityparkconservancy
Website: https://trinityrivercorridor.com/recreation/texas-buckeye-trail
Phone: +1 214 421 0892
This one’s a bit more rugged, but worth the effort! The Texas Buckeye Trail cuts through a more untamed area, and if you visit here in spring, you’ll catch the rare buckeye trees in bloom—big clusters of pale flowers hanging like little lanterns.
They don’t last long, which makes it even more special when you do see them.
Even outside of season, it’s a great hike. There are boardwalks over marshy bits, leafy sections that feel like a jungle, and a few scenic overlooks that make you stop and stare for a second.
Where to Eat Near the Great Trinity Forest
1. Crazy Brothers Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Media credit: crazybrotherz
Address: 7812 S Great Trinity Forest Way
Website: http://crazybrotherscuisine.com/
Phone: +1 214 309 1720
Business hours:
- Sunday and Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 8 am – 4 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 8 am – 5 pm
Must-order: Surf & Turf
At Crazy Brothers, I showed up thinking I’d grab a quick bite—ended up needing a nap and a food coma playlist to recover.
I went all in on their best-seller, the Surf & Turf. Crispy wings, fried fish, pickles, jalapeños, fries, and a slice of white bread to soak it all up. Zero regrets!
The vibe’s just as good as the food—super friendly crew, loud laughs from the tables around, and that feeling like you somehow got adopted into the family mid-meal.
2. Classe Ghost Kitchen
Media credit: classe_eats
Address: 7634 S Great Trinity Forest Way
Website: http://www.classeeats.com/
Phone: +1 469 206 0015
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 am – 5 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Must-order: Smothered Chicken Plate
It’s worth coming to Classe Ghost Kitchen just for the Smothered Chicken Plate alone. Sure, it’s a bit pricey at $15, but that’s how it is when everything’s made fresh!
The chicken is tender and soaked in this deep, savory gravy that makes you want to sop up every drop. I always go for the macaroni and cornbread muffins on the side—it hits all the right notes!
Oh, and if you catch pasta salad in the lineup that day, don’t sleep on it. It’s creamy and flavorful—also a great pair to balance out the heat from the main.
Where to Stay Near the Great Trinity Forest
1. Red Roof Inn Hutchins
Media credit: redroofinn
Address: 1100 Dowdy Ferry Rd
Website: https://www.redroof.com/property/tx/hutchins
Phone: +14697099595
Business hours:
- Check-in time: 2 pm
- Check-out time: 12 pm
Sure, Red Roof Inn Hutchins is easy on the wallet, but it gives you more than just the basics!
Each room has helpful extras like a flat-screen TV with HBO, a microwave, a mini-fridge, and blackout curtains that actually block out light, perfect for resting after a busy day.
You’ll also get your own private bathroom, solid air conditioning, and Wi-Fi that doesn’t leave you staring at a loading screen forever. Daily housekeeping keeps things fresh without you having to ask.
If you’re bringing in pets, good news—your first one stays free, and they allow up to two per room, which is rare for a budget stay like this, right?
2. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas – Hutchins
Media credit: laquintahotels
Address: 1000 Dowdy Ferry Rd, Hutchins
Website: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/hutchins/la-quinta-dallas-hutchins
Phone: +1 945 356 0974
Business hours:
- Check-in time: 3 pm
- Check-out time: 12 pm
This hotel might not be the first name that pops into your head when you think of a comfy Dallas stay, but La Quinta Inn & Suites is honestly one of those pleasant surprises that checks all the right boxes without overcomplicating things.
Here, the rooms are comfy and clean, with air conditioning and a private bathroom that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. I always appreciate having a microwave and mini-fridge—perfect for storing late-night snacks or reheating leftovers.
And yes, there’s a coffee maker too, a lifesaver if you’re like me and can’t function without caffeine in the morning.
One of my favorite perks is their complimentary Bright Side Breakfast. We’re talking waffles, eggs, sausage—a meal that makes waking up early a little easier!
Wi-Fi and parking are also free, which sounds basic, but shocking how many places still charge for those.
