Runners eagerly seeking to train for a 5K, half marathon, or other distances should trek the trails at the John F. Burke Nature Preserve.  Texas is host to more than 1,000 races each year that bring thousands and thousands of runners to the starting line.

Farmers Branch continues to host a variety of races each year including Dash for Dignity 5K, The Dream Mile 5K and 10K, and the Kids! Summer Splash & Dash Aquathlon. We are also known as The City in a Park because we have more than 30 award-winning parks.

The John F. Burke Nature Preserve has a distinctive system of upland forest and wetlands taking over 104 acres of Texas land. At times it’s hard to believe this retreat is only 10 miles from the Dallas-Fort Worth airport! It’s an urban oasis waiting to be explored.

John F. Burke Nature Preserve in Farmers Branch

When temperatures begin to cool down the John F. Burke Nature Preserve sets up for a challenging but gorgeous view for runners to experience. Natural plant life and wildlife specific to the area will keep your eyes wide-open to seeing new things. Grab a backpack and your walking shoes and take a hike through the trails of Farmers Branch.

The River Trail Loop is .66-mile, Pond Trail Loop is .68-mile and Thicket Trail Loop is the longest at .74-mile. All terrain trails totaling 2.08 miles, make sure to check out the trail maps located throughout the path to learn more about the track you are exploring.

Choose one trail at the John F. Burke Nature Preserve to take on or wind your way through them all. Either way they will have you easily enjoying a walk, jog or bike ride through nature. While you may venture here to discover the outdoors with your family, take beautiful pictures or just enjoy this haven, remember to leave only footprints.

The John F. Burke Nature Preserve is located at 1111 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, Texas 75039 and you may contact their office for more information by calling 972-919-2620.

Browse Running In The USA to discover races in Texas. 

Looking for more trails in Farmers Branch? There are many to discover within the City.

Rawhide Park

Rawhide Park is a linear park with a walking trail divided into three loops:
Loop I – Between Tom Field and Josey Lane 0.86 mile
Loop II – Between Josey Lane and Longmeade 0.73 mile
Loop III – Between Longmeade and Webb Chapel 0.83 mile
Loops I & II: 1.52 miles
Loops II & III: 1.48 miles
Loops I, II, & III: 2.27 miles

Gussie Field Watterworth Park

Starting at Valley View Lane, round trip through main trial of park: 0.75 mile

Farmers Branch Park

One lap: 0.56 mile

Temple Trails Park

One lap: 0.30 mile

Don Showman Park

One lap: 0.38 mile

View the City of Farmers Branch trails on an interactive map.

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