Dallas Katy Trail Run From the Downtown YMCA With a Day Pass

About 4.6 km of the run is on the Katy Trail, a car free path on the old rail bed with shade for much of the way, and the return follows Turtle Creek through two parks. The trail is shared with walkers, cyclists and dogs, so it is friendly rather than fast. The downtown streets at each end have several crossings, so wait for the signals.

Distance

11.1 km (6.9 mi)

Start

T. Boone Pickens YMCA

From the Y, run north on Akard Street across Ross Avenue, the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, McKinney Avenue and Cedar Springs Road, staying with Akard where it jogs. Turn onto Olive Street and Caroline Avenue, then follow Payne Street and Houston Street to the Katy Trail's south end by Victory Park, about 1.4 km out. Run north on the softer pedestrian path; the concrete beside it is shared with bikes. You pass the Katy Trail Ice House at Routh Street at about 2.8 km. Short on time? Turn around there and come back the same way, for about 5.7 km. Otherwise, keep north over Fitzhugh Avenue to The Terminal at Katy Trail, about 5.1 km out, and take the steps down. Cross Fitzhugh, head west on Avondale Avenue to Turtle Creek Boulevard and follow the creek south on sidewalks and park paths. They pass under the Lemmon Avenue and Hall Street bridges in Turtle Creek Park, cross Cedar Springs Road and go under Maple Avenue into Reverchon Park. Climb the steps to Thomsen Overlook, rejoin the trail at about 8.5 km and run south to its end. From there, take Lyte Street to Akard, cross Field Street and follow Harry Hines Boulevard, Harwood Street and Cedar Springs Road to St. Paul Street. Run south on St. Paul past Klyde Warren Park and across Ross Avenue, then turn right on San Jacinto Street to the Y. Trail work, at the south end or north of Knox Street, can bring a signed detour; follow the signs if you meet one.