Dallas may be a city known for its brunches, patios and rooftop bars, but there’s so much more to explore. When’s the last time you grabbed a bike and hit the trail? If you’re craving something refreshing, scenic, and just a little adventurous, it’s time to rediscover White Rock Lake Trail. With over 9 miles of waterfront paths, tree-covered stretches, and skyline views, this iconic Dallas trail might just become your new favorite way to spend a weekend. Trust us — brunch will taste even better after the ride.
White Rock Lake Trail offers fantastic views, peaceful energy, and if you haven’t gone to the gym in awhile like us, some much needed exercise. 😂 Add in a scenic picnic, and you’ve got a day that’s equal parts wholesome and tranquil.
So let’s get into it.
Here’s What’s Up, Dallas!
Table of Contents:
- Our Experience Biking White Rock Lake Trail
- Biking at White Rock Lake: What to Know
- Where to Rent Bikes for White Rock Lake Trail
- Picnic Spots & What to Pack
- Extra Things to Do
- Summary
Our Experience Biking White Rock Lake Trail
Okay, so here’s what happened. We had a free Saturday, blue skies, and absolutely no desire to stay inside. So we headed to White Rock Lake with a simple plan: bike the trail, and post up for a picnic with snacks and sunshine.
It. Was. Glorious.
We pedaled past sailboats, watched birds do their birdy thing, and caught little glimpses of turtles basking on rocks like they owned the place. There were families, couples, solo riders, and yes — a surprising number of serious cyclists in full Tour de France gear. Did you know professional bikes can cost upwards of $5000? Sometimes even twice that! That’s a crazy fun fact, huh? Don’t worry though: the trail is wide enough for everyone!
After an easy ride, we parked under a shady tree and busted out our picnic. We laid down on our lovely blanket and had chips, salsa, fruit and Capri Suns!
It was chill, it was cheap, and it was perfect.
Biking at White Rock Lake: What to Know
Let’s get the basics out of the way.
🚴♀️ Trail Length: Roughly 9.3 miles.
🧭 Difficulty: Easy/moderate (We recommend doing the full loop!)
👟 Crowd Level: Busy on weekends, but totally manageable
🌳 Scenery: Water views, tree-lined paths, bird wildlife and city glimpses!
🐕 Dog-Friendly: Leashed pups are welcome
Yes, the trail is lengthy. And yes, it’s worth it. This is not your average concrete loop. On White Rock Lake Trail, city meets nature. You’re greeted with the Dallas Skyline at the same time you’re riding through tree groves. The trail loops all the way around the lake, but you don’t have to do the full loop. That said, you should! You can do it, and we believe in you!
We started near one of the boathouses and went clockwise. Doing the trail with a light frame road bike will make it easier, but you can also just use a heavier bike (the kind you get at the Supermarket) and cruise. We’ve done both, and either way, you’ll have a great time!
Where to Rent Bikes at White Rock Lake Trail
Don’t have a bike? You have options! Your first option is to borrow from your friends. That’s what we did when we discovered our bikes weren’t working. 😅 Oops. Your next option is to buy a bike. Also not a bad idea! Your last option is to rent a bike, but it’ll cost you…
Bike Mart Dallas: To our knowledge, this is the only true bike rental near White Rock Lake. As of 2025, the daily rate starts at $55 for a hybrid city bike and $75 for an electric hybrid. You can also get a road bike (recommended) or a mountain bike for $65 a day.
- 9040 Garland Rd. Dallas, TX, 75218
- 214-321-0705
- Mon – Fri: 10:00am – 7:00pm, Sat: 9:00am – 5:00pm, Sun: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Other Options: You can rollerblade! We saw someone doing this and it looked awesome! You can also walk of course, but you probably don’t want to walk the full 10 mile trail. As for E-bike and E-scooter rentals through companies like Lime or Bird, you’re out of luck. The area of White Rock Lake is not serviced. Though, you never know, that might change in the future!
💡 Pro Tip: Make sure to bring a water bottle (or two) and sunscreen. Dallas heat does not play, especially during the summer.
Picnic Spots & What to Pack
There’s no point in telling you about the perfect picnic spot because the entire park is a spot. White Rock Lake has picnic-perfect patches everywhere, for every kind of vibe — whether you’re rolling in after a long ride or just want to chill lakeside with snacks. You’ll find:
- Shaded decks with breezy views and space to sprawl
- Cozy little nooks tucked behind tree groves for a secluded feel
- Gently sloped hills perfect for sunset-watching
- Wide, flat grassy areas where you can really spread out
What to Pack:
- A picnic blanket or mat
- Self-contained or pre-cut fruit (way easier than slicing on the fly)
- Chips and Salsa, or Cheese and crackers
- Sandwiches and wraps
- Sparkling water or juice boxes (bonus points for Capri Suns)
- And a trash bag (be a hero, leave no trace!)
Extra Things to Do Nearby
Make a whole day of it! After you bike and picnic, here’s what else you can do in the area:
- 🎭 Bath House Cultural Center – A quirky art space right on the lake. Free to visit and often has local art shows.
- 🎯 Plug and Play DTX – Just a few minutes away and a great post-bike wind-down. Think arcade games, nostalgia, and cold drinks.
- 🌿 Dallas Arboretum – Technically on the eastern edge of the lake. If you’re more of a flower person than a forest person, this is your place. (Shoutout to our Dallas Arboretum Post!)
Summary
If you’re looking for a peaceful, pretty, low-cost Dallas adventure — White Rock Lake Trail is it.
There’s something about biking under tall trees and hearing birds chirping that brings serenity. The roads leading into the lake area wind through charming neighborhoods and leafy streets. Parking can be tight in some areas, but it’s never impossible — and in Dallas, that makes this place an absolute gem. As for the crowd, there are yoga moms in Lululemon, shirtless dudes training for triathlons, picnic couples in flowy dresses, the whole bit. Everyone’s vibing, and it’s just good energy and open air. So grab a bike, pack a picnic and go riding!
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