A Trail Through Time

Nestled in the heart of Dallas’ Design District, the Trinity Strand Trail follows the path of the original channel of the Trinity River—a natural waterway that once defined the city’s early geography. Before the Great Trinity River Levee project in the 1920s redirected the river, this channel meandered right through what is now one of the city’s most dynamic urban neighborhoods.

From Forgotten Channel to Revitalized Greenway

By the mid-20th century, much of the original river channel and surrounding lands had become industrialized and largely forgotten. But in the early 2000s, a group of community leaders, planners, and environmental advocates saw an opportunity to reclaim the space as a vibrant urban trail—restoring green space, improving connectivity, and telling the untold story of Dallas’ natural and cultural evolution.

The Trinity Strand Trail was officially envisioned as a 7.8-mile multi-use trail system, weaving together urban design, floodplain resilience, and community pride. Today, the trail connects the Katy Trail, Turtle Creek, the Medical District, and the Design District, providing residents and visitors with access to nature, recreation, and history in the heart of the city.

The River That Shaped Dallas

Before levees and flood control channels, the Trinity River—and specifically this original channel—was the lifeline of early Dallas. The river supported trade, farming, and settlement. After devastating floods in the early 1900s, city leaders undertook one of the most ambitious public works projects in the country at the time: moving the river and constructing levees to protect downtown.

What was left behind was this forgotten bend—a historic channel that is now at the center of one of Dallas’ most exciting revitalization efforts.

Reconnecting Past and Present

Today, the Trinity Strand Trail is not just a recreational path—it’s a living story of urban transformation. From early indigenous routes and 19th-century settlements to 20th-century flood control and 21st-century redevelopment, this area reflects the layers of Dallas history.

Through art, signage, landscaping, and restoration efforts, the Trinity Strand Trail honors that history while offering a vision for a greener, more connected Dallas.

Come Walk With Us

Whether you’re biking, walking, or just exploring, the Trinity Strand Trail invites you to experience the beauty, resilience, and deep roots of the Design District and Trinity River channel. As construction continues, including a new bridge linking Hi Line Drive to Market Center Blvd, we’re excited to bring even more people into this incredible urban story.