The Loop Dallas

Big news for Dallas trail users! Dallas trails are getting safer, starting now. We’ve teamed up with Greenspace Dallas to make Dallas trails safer, cleaner, and more accessible for everyone— by working together to actively clear trails across the city. We have committed to making capital improvements to reduce the City’s and Friends’ groups maintenance burden across Dallas' entire trail network. This collaboration focuses on removing invasive species like privet, which block views and create safety hazards. Clearing these plants will make our trails safer, more scenic, and more enjoyable for all Dallas residents and visitors. You can already check out the exciting progress on the SoPac Trail, and we can’t wait to bring even more improvements across the city. This work not only enhances safety but also restores the health of our ecosystems— making Dallas trails better for both people and wildlife. We can’t wait to get out and explore these newly clear, safer trails together.

We are grateful beyond words to The Addy Foundation for the incredible $5M donation to The Loop Dallas. This generosity is a driving force behind The Loop Plaza, a community space that will serve our city for years to come. This landmark gift is a testament to The Addy Foundation’s dedication and vision for a thriving, connected Dallas. Thank you so much for your support. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more vibrant city. Stay tuned for an upcoming post recognizing our other generous major donors! . . . . #ConnectingDallastoDallas #CommunityImpact #Gratitude #LegacyOfGiving

We’re so excited to share this preview of our new video with you– an illustration of our story and the work we’re doing to Connect Dallas to Dallas. (Head to Youtube to watch the full video: https://lnkd.in/gx4V8jkC) The Loop Dallas is uniting our city with a 50-mile run, walk and bike trail through Dallas’ urban core, joining 39 miles of existing trails with 11 miles of newly built trails. A catalyst for economic and physical mobility, it’s a lifeline between communities—connecting people to public transportation, walkable green space and one another. It’s connecting our city north, south, east and west by trail for the first time, peppered with amenities like mountain bike trails, art and beautiful gathering spaces. As Dallas continues to grow and attract new businesses and residents, investing in a state-of-the-art transportation system connecting neighborhoods throughout the city is one of the most important investments Dallas can make for our residents for generations to come. The Loop Dallas is a shared public asset that’s making green space a part of our city’s identity, connecting communities and changing the way people move through them. We look forward to all of the progress and milestones ahead! #ConnectingDallastoDallas

February has arrived - it’s time for the next up in our series showcasing 12 unique trail routes around The Loop Dallas! TRAIL JOURNEY #2: Sante Fe Trail and SoPac Trail -Total Distance: 9.9 miles -Scenery: Enjoy a historic and natural route through Dallas, passing through parks and tree-lined streets. The Sante Fe Trail is a well-loved path for commuting and recreational riding, while SoPac offers beautiful suburban scenery. -Environmental Highlights: The Sante Fe Trail follows the path of the historic Santa Fe Railroad and runs through a mix of natural habitats and urban landscapes. The SoPac Trail offers a closer look at Dallas’ wildlife including birds and butterflies, some lovely gardens and a respite area you won’t want to miss. -Fun Fact: Both trails are rails-to-trails projects, meaning these corridors historically were created for active railroad use and remnants of its history are still visible along the path. -Difficulty: Easy to moderate . . . . Click the link to see how you can take this route! https://lnkd.in/gVPR78qm

I was inspired to run and bike ride by one of my older sisters. She got into triathlons and Ironman races about ten years ago. In the midst of trying to qualify for the World Championships in Kona, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Despite the diagnosis, she delayed treatment by a month to first try to qualify for a preplanned race. Unfortunately, she didn’t qualify but, more importantly, she beat cancer. To celebrate, another one of my sisters and I did an Olympic-distance triathlon with her in May 2019. After that, I caught the endurance race/triathlon bug. My sister then got back into triathlons and qualified for the 2023 Ironman World Championships (she’s the toughest person I know). My name is Nathan Cox and this is My Dallas Trail Story. When I’m not using the trails, I’m either working as a business litigation attorney or being tackled by my two sons, aged 2 and 4. For several years, I had to cross and ride along busy streets to access the trails. Doing this multiple times a week made my wife (and depending on traffic, myself) nervous about getting hit by a car. Now that the trails have expanded to connect to the Forest Hills neighborhood, I can take a few side streets through my neighborhood to get on the new Trinity Forest Spine Trail and go all the way up to Richardson or over to Victory Park while avoiding roads. I use the trails for both cycling and running. I’m also a member of the Tri-Now Endurance triathlon club and we use various parts of the trails for team runs which is a safer and more enjoyable place to run than most other options. My favorite ride is to get on the Trinity Forest Spine Trail, go around White Rock Lake and then up to Richardson using the White Rock Creek Trail. A special memory of mine - I officiated one of my best friend’s weddings at Winfrey Point, on the east side of White Rock Lake, so it’s always fun when I run or ride past that spot on the trail. . . . . Click this link to see how you can take Nathan’s route: https://lnkd.in/gkZeVb4N

Looking back on 2024, we’re so grateful to DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) for partnering with us to bring the incredible mural along the Hi Line Connector to life last August. It marked the first time that a bridge facade has been transformed with public art in Dallas. The vibrant mural, created by six talented Dallas artists, not only celebrates our city’s creative spirit, the process also underscores the commitment that DART and The Loop Dallas share in prioritizing safety. The artists even received certifications through DART to work on this massive project, completing two safety trainings along the way - both light rail and freight. The underpass is now colorful and bright with lighting, creating a much safer area to walk, jog or ride at any time of day. From the artists in bright safety gear on lifts, to trains passing by above the mural, it’s great to look back on these behind-the-scenes shots and to have brought art and community together in this special collaboration with DART. Photos: @exploredinary . . . . #ConnectingDallastoDallas

As work kicks off on The Loop Plaza, we wanted to share some of the awesome key features of this project with you! Designed by TBG Partners, The Loop Plaza will feature several exciting elements: -The Katy Trail will run on an elevated pedestrian and bike bridge, creating a unique gathering space beneath the bridge for socializing, relaxing and enjoying the surroundings -Stunning architectural metalwork as the bridge railing, calling reference to the exposed escarpment along the Katy Trail and the exterior of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science -An ADA-compliant ramp that will connect the top trail to the plaza below, ensuring full accessibility -A donor wall showcasing our generous supporters. We are so grateful for the partnership between The Loop Dallas and the City of Dallas, and want to extend a heartfelt thank you to The Addy Foundation and our other charitable donors for making this incredible asset possible. This multi-use space will enhance connectivity and create a special destination for Dallas trail users, Victory Park residents and visitors. . . . . #ConnectingDallastoDallas

National Bird Day was earlier this month– and it had us reminiscing on a majestic Great Blue Heron that we spotted recently on the Trinity Strand Trail. This stunning bird is one of the most graceful residents of our local wetlands, and reminds us of the incredible diversity of wildlife along Dallas' parks and trails. Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) Facts: -With its striking blue-gray plumage and long, sharp bill, the Great Blue Heron is the largest heron species in North America. -They can stand at over 4 feet tall with a wingspan that can reach up to 6.5 feet. These birds are true aerial acrobats, soaring gracefully over the water in search of fish, amphibians, and small mammals. -Herons are known for their patient hunting style—standing still for long periods, waiting for the perfect moment to strike with their sharp beaks. -They play an important role in our ecosystems, helping to control fish populations and maintaining the health of wetlands. The Trinity Strand Trail is a fantastic place to spot not just herons, but a wide variety of wildlife. From the calm waters of the Trinity River to the lush greenery along the path, the trail is a habitat for many species of birds, turtles, and other creatures. Whether you're walking, running, or biking, you’re bound to encounter something unexpected—just like this beautiful heron. So, next time you’re out on the trails, keep your eyes peeled. It’s a reminder that nature is right here in the heart of Dallas, just waiting to be discovered. . . . . #TrinityStrandTrail #GreatBlueHeron #DallasWildlife #Birdwatching #NatureInTheCity #DallasTrails

As the new year unfolds, we’re all setting our sights on fresh starts and new possibilities. Whether you're aiming to hit new fitness goals or just get outdoors (bundled up right now), Dallas has a ton of incredible trails to explore. We’re kicking off 2025 with a special series showcasing 12 unique trail routes around The Loop Dallas—one for each month of the year. Each route offers a blend of urban and natural beauty, featuring trail facts and environmental insights to complement your journey. From walking and biking to simply soaking in the scenery, these paths will help you stay on track with your wellness resolutions while discovering Dallas' green, sustainable spaces. So lace up those sneakers, grab your bike, or just enjoy the view—there’s a trail for everyone to explore. TRAIL JOURNEY #1: Hi Line Connector to Skyline Trail Total Distance: 6.5 miles (It’s only a 14 minute bike ride from Hi Line to the Trinity River) Trail(s): Hi Line Connector + Trinity Strand Trail + Skyline Trail Scenery: This route combines urban views with nature. Start with the urban landscape of the Hi Line Connector and then transition to the stunning views along the Skyline Trail. Environmental Highlights: The Skyline Trail runs through the Trinity River floodplain, supporting local biodiversity, and offers lush green areas within the city. Fun Fact: The Skyline Trail is part of the larger Trinity Trails system, which will eventually connect to Fort Worth. Difficulty: Easy with one gradual incline Stay tuned for February’s route! . . . #NewYearNewTrails #DallasOutdoors #2025Goals #FitnessJourney #ExploreDallas #TrailLife #ConnectingDallastoDallas

We’re excited to announce the start of construction on The Loop Plaza, a groundbreaking project that will transform the way people move between Victory Park and the Design District. What is currently a retaining wall along Houston St. will be turned into an open, vibrant space for walking, biking and gathering - a “front porch” for our 50-mile trail system! This first-of-its-kind development along the Katy Trail will be a seamless and welcoming open space that connects the surrounding neighborhoods - allowing the Katy Trail, Victory Park and the Design District to connect to West Dallas and the Trinity Strand Trail. An innovative underpass beneath I-35 will further enhance accessibility, making it easier to travel between these vibrant areas. Construction begins this week and a rerouted stretch of the Katy Trail is being offered to ensure safety and convenience while the work is underway. The reroute will add only two minutes to your walk, with signage being installed to direct trail users and provide more information. With four million trail visits to the Katy Trail annually, The Loop Plaza will offer additional connectivity to some of Dallas’ most exciting areas, including shops, restaurants, businesses and residences along the Trail. This project is a key piece in the ongoing revitalization of North Victory Avenue and a crucial addition to Dallas’ growing infrastructure. This exciting project wouldn’t be possible without the partnership between The Loop Dallas, the City of Dallas and generous private donors. The Loop Dallas is working closely with Friends of the Katy Trail, the organization that operates and maintains the trail. We can’t wait to bring this vision to life and look forward to updating you as construction progresses! Thank you for your continued support as we work to create a more vibrant, connected, and accessible Dallas for all. More details on key features to come!