Getting Outside in Garland
Garland tends to get overlooked in conversations about DFW outdoor recreation, but the city maintains 63 parks, miles of connected trail corridors, and access to one of the largest reservoirs in Texas. Whether you are looking for a shaded morning walk, a technical mountain bike ride, or a weekend afternoon on the water, there is more here than most residents realize.
Trails for Walking, Running, and Biking
The Duck Creek Greenbelt Trail is the backbone of Garland’s trail network and the longest continuous trail in the northeastern corner of Dallas County. It follows Duck Creek between Richardson and Garland, connecting Troth Ablon Park, Gatewood Park, and Cody Park along the way. The southern trailhead links to the Mesquite Heritage Trail, and the northern end connects to Richardson via the Owens Trail — making it one of the best options in the area for longer point-to-point rides or runs. Benches, drinking fountains, and shaded picnic spots are spaced throughout.
For mountain bikers, the Rowlett Creek DORBA Trail is the standout. The 14.2-mile route carries the most elevation gain of any trail in the Garland area, with 206 feet of total ascent, and it draws riders from across the region. It is a genuinely technical ride by North Texas standards and worth knowing about if you have been relying on the same flat greenway loops.
The city’s parks and recreation portal is the most reliable place to check trail conditions, hours, and any closures across the full network.
Nature Preserves and Wildlife Areas
The Spring Creek Forest Preserve stands apart from most Garland green spaces. The 230-acre preserve in north Garland holds over 8 miles of trails winding through oak forests, native prairies, and a 20-acre greenbelt. More than 650 plant and animal species have been documented here, including nearly 200 bird species — a number that makes it a serious destination for birdwatchers. Some of the trees on the property date back to the 18th century, which gives the preserve a character you will not find in a typical city park.
Lake Ray Hubbard and Waterfront Access
At 22,745 acres with a maximum depth of 40 feet, Lake Ray Hubbard is one of the defining geographic features of Garland’s eastern edge. The lake supports boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife watching, with multiple boat launches and marinas accessible from the Garland side. Anglers specifically will want to know that the predominant species include white and hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, channel and blue catfish, and white crappie. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Ray Hubbard fishing page has current stocking reports and regulation details.
For those who want lake access without a boat, the Lake Ray Hubbard Greenbelt offers a quieter option. This 24.5-acre natural wooded area sits near Captain’s Cove Marina in southern Garland, with lakefront views and fishing spots in a setting that feels removed from the surrounding development.
Disc Golf and Alternative Recreation
Audubon Park Disc Golf Course is one of Garland’s more underappreciated assets. The 18-hole basket course runs 6,741 feet through a layout that uses moderate hills, old-growth pecan trees, and a large creek to create genuine challenge. It is open to the public daily from 6 a.m. to midnight at no charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. Disc golfers of all skill levels use it regularly, but the terrain rewards players who can navigate wooded gaps and elevation changes.
Golf
Firewheel Golf Park offers 63 holes of championship-caliber play across three regulation courses, making it one of the larger public golf facilities in the DFW area. It regularly hosts the North Texas PGA Junior Championships and other competitive events, but the courses are open for recreational rounds and league play as well. Details on tee times and course conditions are available at golffirewheel.com.
Recreation Centers and the Broader Parks System
Beyond the trails and natural areas, Garland operates six fully equipped recreation centers offering fitness classes and arts and cultural programming. The trail system as a whole spans routes from under a mile to nearly 15 miles, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and preserves in a way that makes it possible to piece together varied outdoor routines without leaving the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the longest trail in Garland, TX?
The Duck Creek Greenbelt Trail is the longest continuous trail in the area, running between Garland and Richardson through several parks along Duck Creek. It also connects southward to the Mesquite Heritage Trail and northward to Richardson via the Owens Trail.
Is Spring Creek Forest Preserve good for birdwatching?
Yes. The 230-acre preserve in north Garland has documented nearly 200 bird species among its more than 650 total plant and animal species, making it one of the best birdwatching sites in the city.
What fish can I catch at Lake Ray Hubbard?
The lake supports white and hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, channel and blue catfish, and white crappie. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department maintains current stocking and regulation information for the lake.
Is the Audubon Park Disc Golf Course free to use?
Yes. The 18-hole course at Audubon Park is open to the public at no charge during park hours, which run from 6 a.m. to midnight daily, on a first-come, first-served basis.
