North Shore Trail has become one of my fave places to escape for a few hours. It was my first trek…read moreon these trails, and even though I'm used to climbing mountains when I hike, navigating a hilly terrain full of rocks and tree roots was its own kind of challenge. It definitely keeps you on your toes in a different way. I love how the trail winds through the trees, opens up to peaceful lake views, and gives you just enough difficulty to make the scenery feel earned. I usually start near Murrell Park, and that stretch has some of the prettiest spots. Lots of quiet coves, shaded paths and little pockets where you can stop and just listen to the water. You'll see plenty of wildlife, too. I've run into deer more than once. The trail can get rocky and narrow in places especially with mountain bikers flying through, so staying alert is a must. It will definitely keep you engaged instead of just strolling on autopilot. What I appreciate most is how peaceful the hike feels even when others are out enjoying the trail. North Shore Trail always delivers a sense of calm and connection to nature.

Where else are you going to find 22 miles of hiking trails in DFW? That alone gets a 5 star review…read morefrom me. Plus the well maintained trails and good amount of parking along the trails, this is a great spot if you're looking to get into nature without having to go too far. As a hiker, there are a lot of bikers along the path, so don't use headphones or you could get hit. Even when it's crowded with bikers, everyone shares the path well.

This is a very suburban paved trail. The trail itself is well maintained. It's wide enough for…read morebikers and walkers to share and when we went, the grass on either side of the trail was recently mowed. There are a few areas where the trail crosses over the creek and in these places we did see a good amount of trash (come on, people!) but those were the only areas looking anything short of pristine. You could probably walk this entire trail in one day, but having kids who like to stop and explore every 10 feet, we split the walk over two days, the first day walking from the trailhead at the fire station off Davis to Smithfield Rd. and the second day covering Smithfield to Creekridge Dr., which is about where the John Barfield trail ends and the Little Bear Creek trail begins. We did not explore the trail East of Davis Blvd. so I cannot comment on that. From the starting point of the fire station, heading west, the trail is bordered by foliage on one side and houses on the other. There are large power lines lining the trail. It might as well be a walk down a neighborhood sidewalk. West of Smithfield, the trail does escape the housing developments for a bit and is lined by dense trees on either side. It offers very little shade, but it nevertheless a pretty walk. If it had been that way the for the entire trail, I would have given John Barfield 4 stars, but the other portions of the trail are just too suburban and sterile. It's a place to exercise, but frankly, this is no nature walk. This trail is a great feature for those who live within walking distance, but others will likely not find it to be worth the drive. FYI: the google app on my iPhone led us to a neighborhood near the trail off Davis. The correct location for the main trailhead (which is actually in the center of the trail) is at the fire station at Davis and Shadywood Ln.

So in Keller, North Richland Hills, Hurst, Colleyville, Grapevine, Southlake and Fort Worth there's…read morea pretty good network of trails. These trails are typically wide sidewalks, suitable for walking, running or cycling. While I'm fond of the Keller trails, they lack (peaceful) connectivity to the larger system of trails in Tarrant Co. I say peaceful, because while Rufe Snow Blvd has a wide sidewalk that can get you to the John Barfield Trail, it's not the most pleasant of of routes (I take Cat Mountain to North Tarrant Pky to get off Rufe Snow). That being said, once you get on the trail (you can pick it up near Rufe Snow and North Tarrant Pky (or near Keller-Smithfied Rd and North Tarrant Pky if you use the Cat Mtn bypass) it is quite peaceful. On the Barnfield Trail you can walk or ride, in relative peace, (almost) all the way to Grapevine (via the Cottonbelt) if you choose. On this day, I did. I started my walk on the John Barfield Trail, just south of North Tarrant Pky near Keller-Smithfield Rd. Very peaceful place to walk. A little lacking on facilities (water/restrooms), but those can be found further along the trail (Pleasant Run Soccer Complex in Colleyville) or at businesses near the trail. Do bring water though, as it's easier than detouring off the trail. The trail winds through neighborhoods, eventually ending up at the Cotton Belt trail (near Precinct Line Rd). From here, you can get all the way to Grapevine, but the trail peters out at Highway 26 (Coleyville Blvd). If there's a good trail into Grapevine (from here), I have yet to discover it. John Barnfield Trail url: http://www.nrhtx.com/Facilities.aspx?Page=detail&RID=46 NRH trail system: http://www.nrhtx.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/593 Cotton Belt Trail : http://www.traillink.com/trail/cotton-belt-trail.aspx (map at URL) Bottom line: Once on the trail, it's a wonderful escape.

Seems like this should be an updated review. I'm not sure how I missed this park. It's a nicely…read moreshaded paved trail which connects to multiple trailhead along the way. It's out and back or I just haven't made the loop yet. Moderate traffic during week and busy on weekend. Very scenic and well maintained with plenty of shaded areas for picnic or rest. Plenty of activities for youth sports,fishing and grills available. Absolutely one of the best parks in this area.

I went during open play, and it was great. People were courteous and inviting to others. I would…read morehighly recommend.

This is a miniature park tucked away near apartment complexes in Northlake/Roanoke area. It is tiny…read morewith minimal equipment. There are no shade trees, no covered pavilion and no restrooms. The playground equipment has grass, dirt and no soft playground padding at all. Toddlers aren't super picky fortunately. Older children might be ready to search out another park with better facilities pretty quickly. And personally I like park benches and shade trees or a nice covered pavilion.

This is a pretty little "park" (I say in quotes because it's minimal on infrastructure, in a good…read moreway) just off to the side of the highway where you can appreciate the open spaces.

This is a beautiful park. We went to the dog park and enjoyed the shared dog area. There is a…read morewonderful splash pad for the puppies as well as a dog bath area. There are restrooms for the humans. The park has artificial turf and there is a large concrete covered area if you need some shade. The water fountain didn't work for the dogs though so make sure to bring water for them just in case. We will definitely be back!

Such a lovely and CLEAN dog park! I was amazed at the shared spaces and seating as well as the…read moreoption for a mini dog water fountains!

I love Hurst! The park's are clean and well lit. Good place to play with family or just enjoy…read morenature. Hurst is the best!

In a good neighborhood and safe area, park is always clean and maintained. I would recommend anyone…read morewith kids should come here. The trail is not to long and good for a nice stroll. I will be coming back here.

Marine Creek Lake Trail is a beautiful and peaceful six mile trail that goes around the lake. There…read moreare good views of the lake throughout the walk and there are plenty of people walking the trail. I also noticed a couple of people riding their bikes throughout the walk. Marine Creek Lake is beside the TCC Northwest campus which is nice. I'm grateful to have this walking trail close by. I look forward to returning to this trail.

This review is focused more on the lake itself and not the trail since I walked down the incline to…read morethe lake onto the deck and around that area. Marine Creek Lake is a 250-acre no wake lake (more tranquil waters) which provides a welcome, peaceful respite from hectic city life. The 6-mile trail adjacent to the lake offers walking and running opportunities. At the lake, boating/kayaking/canoeing, swimming and fishing--with catfish here and there and bass on the riprap--are some of the main activities people participated in. After researching various parks in and around the Fort Worth area for a recent visit, I decided on Marine Creek Lake. Although unconventional in the park area, I also think the Marine Creek Lake area has everything I enjoy re: parks like verdure, beautiful landscapes, lots of trees, cool people, places to relax and interesting activities. Personally, one of my favorite activities was just walking along the deck and looking out at the lake waters and everything in the background. I met, rather serendipitously, two cool people who were also visiting Marine Creek Lake. One guy was there mainly to fish and let me borrow his fishing pole but all I caught was some seaweed-like aquatic plants, which he said is more than what he caught. (Haha) In the beginning of each try, I could feel something substantial and heavy underwater, but no dice. Another person was there walking his Chihuahua-Corgi mix named Finny. Parking here was easy, as I recall. The Marine Creek Lake area wasn't crowded, so the adjacent parking lot had lots of spaces available on a Saturday morning. I am kind of glad its existence seems to be a well kept secret of sorts. It is definitely a hidden gem. [5/5], Highly recommended!

Still a wonderful trail after all of these years! I come here often to explore the trail and lake…read moreviews. I've also done long runs out here training for trail ultras over the last decade and have enjoyed that. If you are a trail runner/hiker/or just want to up your game and get fit COME HERE! The nature views are colorful and it is tucked behind a neighborhood that makes you feel as if you are not in DFW anymore. If you enjoy boating they also have a dock area as well as a pavilion to bring your picnic baskets or cooler etc. They have a main entrance where they check you in but it is a free park to the public. There's also a cute marina café and other things to explore. Come enjoy and get your nature on now that the weather is cooling off.

My favorite place for sunset's, hanging with the fur kid's and more! Many thing's , I was there…read moreyesterday! Sailboats, jet skiers, people and children swimming and playing. Nice place and please pick up after yourselves!