McKinney, Texas, offers a diverse array of trails suitable for walking, hiking, and biking enthusiasts. With over 80 miles of trails, the city provides options for all skill levels and preferences. This guide will help you locate the top trails to explore in McKinney.
Wilson Creek Trail
This expansive linear trail stretches approximately 10 miles and serves as a vital recreational artery, linking multiple city parks—including Towne Lake Park and Bonnie Wenk Park—into a unified greenway. Officially recognized with a national designation in 2023 by the National Trail System, the Wilson Creek Trail offers a smooth, paved surface ideal for walking, running, and cycling.
Users benefit from convenient amenities such as parking areas and restrooms, making it accessible and user-friendly for all ages and activity levels.
- Location: Multiple entry points
- Length: Approximately 10 miles
- Surface: Paved
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
Covering 289 acres of preserved natural landscape, the Heard Sanctuary is a haven for biodiversity and environmental education. This treasured destination boasts a unique blend of native ecosystems, including wetlands, prairie, and bottomland forest. Visitors can explore five miles of scenic, unpaved hiking trails that wind through the property, visit a seasonal butterfly house, and engage with interactive exhibits at the museum. Kid-favorite visiting exhibits like Dinosaurs Live and BUGS bring giant animatronic creatures to the trails, making the trails Instagram-ready and educational at the same time!
It’s an ideal location for birdwatching, nature photography, and hands-on learning for all ages.
- Location: 1 Nature Place, McKinney, 75069
- Length: 5 miles of hiking trails
- Surface: Natural