White Rock Lake. Dallas, TX.

Our family loves going for bike rides around White Rock Lake. We strap our toddler on Dad’s bike and get to it. The 9 mile asphalt trail that circles the lake sports a beautiful view and is frequented by walkers, joggers, cyclists and in-line skaters alike. It’s one of the best places to get a good dose of nature in the city. White Rock Lake is just 5 miles northeast of downtown Dallas, near the Arboretum.

We made plenty of other stops along the way to let the tot play and explore while we caught our breath and stretched our legs. Since White Rock Lake is an Audubon Society-designated bird watching area and wetlands site, it was no surprise that at one point on our ride we spotted lots of cool birds perched near a dock and just had to stop. As we approached the dock we were surrounded by ducks and geese. As we neared the end of the dock we spotted a swan, seagulls, pelicans, turtles, cranes and other beautiful birds. Our little guy LOVED it!

 
Though we didn’t stop at all the playgrounds, we passed 2 different playground areas on the bike trail and 3 additional playgrounds off the path, with restrooms and water fountains at almost every playground. Oh! and there is a dog park with a doggy swim area!

White Rock Lake is home to numerous fishing piers for catfish, sunfish, and bass fishing. It’s also home to multiple annaul special events and sponsored runs, including the March of Dimes Walk America, White Rock Marathon, the White Rock Lake Trash Bash.
 

Know Before You Go:

There is plenty of parking around the lake and loads of shady areas for picnics. To reserve Pavilions call (214) 670-8740.

BE AWARE of the hardcore cyclists. Don’t be startled when from behind someone calls out something like, “ON YOUR LEFT!”

The entrance to a woodsy gravel trail designed only for foot traffic is located between the spillway and the Pump Station. This may be a safer option if you’re walking with younger children who lack spacial awareness.

Weekends can be crowded, yet still manageable. Marathon training groups often meet on Saturday mornings.

Parking: we typically park at the south park entrance near the Arboretum, on Garland Road at E. Lawther. There are other parking areas all around the lake, a few include: Buckner just south of Northwest Hwy, Poppy west of Buckner and several lots off of West Lawther.

This handy map provided by whiterocklake.org shows parking, playgrounds, lake access and more.

 

Getting There

South Park Entrance: 8300 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218

Points of Interest

Get Involved

For the Love of the Lake is an organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of White Rock Lake Park as an urban oasis. They organize several family-friendly volunteer opportunities, including the monthly Shoreline Spruce-up, which meets Second Saturday’s between 8-9am and includes continental breakfast, refreshments, giveaways and spruce-up supplies. Free Spruce-up supplies are also available at their office on any Saturday morning between 8-noon (excluding holidays), if you’re in the neighborhood and want to contribute. Kayaks and Canoes are welcomed! FTLOTL’s Adopt a Shoreline Program is a great opportunity for scout troops or homeschool co-ops to have some fun, get some exercise and do some good.

We hope your family enjoys White Rock as much as we do!

Go out and have some DFW FREE FUN!!!