DFW Discovery Trail Nears Completion, Enhancing North Texas' Environmental Connectivity

North Texas is on the brink of a transformative environmental milestone with the nearing completion of the DFW Discovery Trail, a project set to seamlessly connect Fort Worth and Dallas through a continuous network of bike and pedestrian paths.

Spanning over 63 miles, this ambitious trail is designed to promote sustainable transportation and recreational opportunities, fostering a deeper connection between urban centers and natural landscapes.

As of September 2025, less than 10 miles remain to be constructed, with substantial completion anticipated by 2026.

The North Central Texas Council of Governments has been instrumental in coordinating efforts among the five cities involved: Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, and Dallas.

Each city has undertaken specific segments to ensure the trail's continuity and accessibility.

In Fort Worth, the Trinity Lakes Trail is a significant 4.5-mile segment connecting the existing Trinity Trails to the River Legacy Trail in Arlington.

Construction is currently underway, with completion expected by late 2025.

Additionally, the CentrePort Station Trail, a 1.63-mile path extending from CentrePort to the Irving city limits, is slated to begin construction in 2026, aiming for early 2027 completion.

In Grand Prairie, the Rock Island Trail will add 1.6 miles from the Fort Worth city limits to West Irving Station, though a construction timeline has yet to be established.

The Trinity Boulevard/Roy Orr Trail, spanning 1.81 miles from CentrePort Station Trail to the existing Mike Lewis Trail, is expected to commence construction in December, with early 2028 as the target for completion.

Irving is contributing a 1.07-mile extension of the Rock Island Trail, connecting it to the Centennial Park Trail, though construction dates are pending.

Additionally, a pedestrian crossing at Stenter Road is planned, with timelines to be determined.

In Dallas, an underpass beneath Interstate 35E is scheduled for construction in 2027, further enhancing the trail's connectivity.

Beyond the physical construction, the trail's development has been marked by significant community engagement and environmental stewardship.

In July 2025, the Tarrant Regional Water District announced a $200,000 investment to upgrade safety standards and etiquette guidelines for the 100-mile Trinity Trails system.

These enhancements include new signage, striping, and speed limit signs, reflecting a commitment to user safety and environmental preservation.

Local cyclists and pedestrians have expressed enthusiasm for the trail's expansion.

Charles Devilver, a lifelong cyclist, frequents the Trinity Trails in Clearfork multiple times a week.

He appreciates the uninterrupted paths and moderate traffic, stating, "These trails aren't very interrupted by cars and don't get too full, which I love."

While he enjoys the local trails, he acknowledges the ambitious scope of the DFW Discovery Trail, noting, "That's quite a ways. There are plenty of trails over here."

Newcomers to cycling, like Monica Henze, have also found value in the trail system.

She and her husband recently explored the Trinity Trails together for the first time.

Monica highlighted recent expansions, saying, "They've just expanded the trails to the CentrePort train station, which is amazing."

They look forward to further expansions that will allow them to venture greater distances.

Local businesses are also witnessing the trail's positive impact.

Ethan Ryan, a sales associate at Bike Mart in Clearfork, observes the growing popularity of the Trinity Trails.

He notes, "Most customers just want to ride on the Trinity Trail. It's already long and getting longer—they're even working on connecting it to Mansfield and Arlington, all the way to Dallas."

The DFW Discovery Trail represents a significant investment in North Texas' environmental and recreational infrastructure.

By promoting sustainable transportation and providing residents with expanded access to natural spaces, the trail is poised to enhance the region's quality of life and environmental connectivity.

As the final segments progress toward completion, the anticipation among communities continues to build, reflecting a collective commitment to a greener, more connected future.