Katy Trail

This 3.5 mile long urban forest has been offering city dwellers a dose of green since 2000. It's located just north of downtown among residential high-rises, shopping complexes and streets, but parts of the trail make you swear you're in a state park. Big, beautiful trees canopy much of the concrete path, which offers easy access to Reverchon Park and Turtle Creek Trail. The spring honeysuckle along the trail can be so fragrant that runners almost don't mind having to breathe heavily.

The trail is in a constant state of improvement, beautification and trail extension, thanks to the Friends of the Katy Trail organization. Ongoing plans include tree planting, additional entry plazas and staircases, lighting and drinking fountains. The Michelob Ultra No. 8 Katy 5K Run-Walk-Skate helps fuel the project each year, along with private and public funds.

The Katy
• The trail currently runs, roughly, from the American Airlines Center to just south of Southern Methodist University.
• Parking and access points include the Dallas Theater Center and Reverchon Park. A much-used access point is "David's Way" at nearby Knox Street and Abbott Avenue, and some folks park on the gravel behind Lamps Plus. There's a doggy water fountain at that access point for your pooch running partner, too.
• Runners, walkers, skaters and cyclists are all welcome on the trail.