DFW Discovery Trail

Cyclist riding near River Legacy Park

Photo Courtesy of City of Arlington


Overview

Since 2013, NCTCOG has been coordinating with the mayors of the five core cities of the metropolitan area - Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, and Dallas - to implement a continuous regional trail from Downtown Fort Worth to Downtown Dallas. The DFW Discovery Trail alignment provides access to transit, jobs, schools, and other major destinations. The trail serves as a resource and asset to the region for transportation, economic development, and tourism, as well as the benefits to health and reduction of congestion that alternative transportation routes offer. 

The DFW Discovery Trail Branding and Wayfinding Initiative was completed in January 2023. The trail branding and wayfinding initiative developed a consistent name, logo, and identified best practices for trail signage to be implemented by the five cities. The trail alignment is more than 63 miles in length from Panther Island and the Trinity Trails along the West Fork Trinity River near Downtown Fort Worth to the intersection with the Santa Fe Trestle Trail south of Downtown Dallas. Engineering and construction of various sections of the trail continue to advance, with construction of most of the trail alignment expected to be completed in 2029.
 

Images of the new DFW discovery trail

Regional Trail History & Resources    

DFW Discovery Trail Connection Map (updated May 2026)
DFW Discovery Trail Location Map (updated May 2026)  
Trail Funded and Planned Sections (Local Contact Information)
Regional Trail Branding and Wayfinding Initiative

History:
In November 2013, a meeting coordinated by NCTCOG brought together the Mayors of the cities of Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving and Dallas to discuss the idea of a Regional Trail from Downtown Fort Worth to Downtown Dallas.

On April 11, 2019, the Mayors met again at NCTCOG to express continued support and collaboration to implement the trail through each of the cities. Engineering and construction of various sections of the trail continue to advance, with construction of all of the trail segments expected to be completed in 2029. 

Presentation to Mayors on April 11, 2019
Presentation to RTC on October 11, 2018
Presentation at Mayors' Luncheon on November 8, 2013

Clay Jenkins Ground Breaking

Photo Courtesy of the City of Irving


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Staff Contact:  Catherine Richardson