Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise. Yet there are so many amazing benefits, including increasing your heart rate in a healthy way, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, and help strengthening bone density and balance, just to name a few. Walking also provides the opportunity to be in the moment, to slow down, and take in what is happening around you.
You don’t need any fancy equipment or shoes; sturdy sneakers and a fanny pack or backpack to store your keys, bug spray, cellphone, and a water bottle are sufficient. You may want to pack a light snack, like an apple or granola bar if you plan to take a long walk or a hike. You can enjoy the sounds that nature has to offer or listen to music or your favorite podcast.
5 Great Places To Take A Walk In Collin County
A scenic area just enhances the experience of a walk. We have some great places to take a walk in Collin County. Here are a few of my favorite local walking trails:
Best Walking Trail in Plano:
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve offers paved and dirt trails. A beautiful creek runs through the interior of the preserve as well. If you don’t want to walk, they have free public scooters that you can try out on the paved paths (first come, first serve!) Public restrooms, a large playground, and a nice sitting area are located at the start of the trails. The paved trails are wide and wheelchair-, bike-, and stroller-friendly! This is a popular spot and while they do have ample parking, spots fill up pretty quickly. So the earlier you plan your visit, the better!
Best Walking Trail in Little Elm:
Lakefront Trail has an eight-mile paved crushed granite trail that winds its way around beautiful Lake Lewisville. This trail is accessible year-round. It’s a great trail if you’re just looking to walk or even run. It is also dog-friendly, as long as your fur baby stays on a leash. Throughout the trail, there is access to two playgrounds, a dog park, a splash pad, a small pond, and a disc golf course. This easy trail is a great one for the entire family!
Best Walking Trail in Frisco:
Beavers Bend Park offers a 1.2-mile paved trail that winds around a beautiful pond. This trail is a great one to take the kids on, as there is a playground and picnic area at the end of the trail. Parking is available adjacent to the park. Public restrooms are also available at the park.
Best Walking Trail in Carrollton:
Furneaux Creek Blue Trail offers beautiful views on a 4.5-mile path through Carrollton. “The paved pathway offers views of ponds, lakes, and fields of wildflowers.” The Friends of Furneaux Creek maintain the wildflower gardens and natural landscape indigenous to the area. The trail is wide enough to accommodate bikes and strollers. Benches are scattered throughout the trail to provide opportunities for rest and to enjoy the beautiful natural landscape. Parking available at Tree Line Park (along Tree Line Drive).
Best Walking Trail in Allen:
At Cottonwood Creek Trail you can enjoy a 7.5-mile scenic paved walk through the woods and historical spots in Allen. Parking is available in the northern section of the trail at Stacey Road and Starcreek Parkway. For the southern section, parking is available at Ford Park West. This trail is a great one to walk, but a bike ride would also be a wonderful experience as well. If you have a bit of extra time on your hands to explore a bit, then I highly recommend this trail, which is also stroller friendly and wheelchair accessible.
These are just a few of the amazing places to walk that we have here right in our own backyard! Where are some of your favorite places to walk in Collin County? Please share in the comments below.
