Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise, yet there are so many amazing benefits from it. Walking increases your heart rate in a healthy way, reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke, and strengthens bone density and balance.
Walking also provides the opportunity to be in the moment, to slow down, and take in what is happening around you. Enjoy the sounds that nature has to offer, or listen to music or your favorite podcast.
You don’t need any fancy equipment or shoes — sturdy sneakers and a fanny pack or backpack to store your keys, bug spray, phone, and a water bottle are sufficient. Pack a light snack, like an apple or granola bar, if you plan to take a long walk or a hike.
And a scenic area enhances the experience of a walk. We have great places to take a walk in Collin County. Here are a few of my favorite local walking trails for all ages and abilities!
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1. Allen :: Cottonwood Creek Trail
Cottonwood Creek Trail is a paved, 7.5-mile walk through the woods and historical spots in Allen. This trail is great to walk, but a bike ride would also be wonderful. It is stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Park in the northern section of the trail at Stacey Road and Starcreek Parkway or in the southern section at Ford Park West.
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2. Carrollton :: Furneaux Creek Blue Trail
Explore the ponds, lakes, and flowers of Furneaux Creek Blue Trail, a 4.5-mile trail through Carrollton. The Friends of Furneaux Creek maintain the wildflower gardens and indigenous landscape. The trail is wide enough to accommodate bikes and strollers. Benches are scattered throughout the trail to rest and take in the scenery. Park at Tree Line Park (along Tree Line Drive).
3. Frisco :: Beavers Bend Park
Pack a picnic and bring the kids to Beavers Bend Park. This mile-long trail winds around a pond and ends at a playground and picnic area. Parking and public restrooms are available adjacent to the park.
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4. Little Elm :: Lakefront Trail
Lakefront Trail is an eight-mile crushed granite trail that winds around Lake Lewisville. This trail is accessible year-round. It’s a great trail to walk or 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!
5. Plano :: Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve offers paths less taken (think rugged) with the sounds of a trickling creek along the way. Find public restrooms, a water fountain, playground, and sitting area at the start of the trails — perfect for prepping for your walk. Fill your water bottle, tie your shoes, have a potty break, and let the kids warm up on the playground before setting off on one of the trails in the preserve.
The paved trails are wide and wheelchair-, bike-, and stroller-friendly! This is a popular spot and, while there is ample parking, spots fill up quickly, so the earlier you plan your visit, the better.
These are just a few of the amazing places to walk here right in our own backyard. Where are some of your favorite places to walk in Collin County? Please share in the comments below.
Thank you so much for sharing! My family used to go bike riding on the Blue Trail in Carrollton every weekend! I love that it’s pretty shady and passes by some beautiful ponds! Two other great walking trails in Plano are the Bluebonnet Trail and the Oak Point Park & Reserve!