The Outdoors in Carrollton, Texas
Carrollton runs along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River on the northwest side of Dallas, and the river corridor gives it a real outdoor spine — more than twenty miles of trails, a nature preserve, and big riverside parks, plus an old-school amusement park for families.
Here's where to get outside in and around Carrollton.
The Elm Fork Trails
More than 20 miles of paved trails wind along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River through Carrollton, connecting parks like McInnish and Sandy Lake and putting a long ride or run within minutes of the city center. It's one of the better trail corridors in the northern suburbs.
The trails follow the river through woods and open space, good for biking, running, and spotting wildlife, and they tie the town's riverside parks into one connected system.
Elm Fork Nature Preserve
The Elm Fork Nature Preserve is a 40-acre natural area along the river, with a network of paved and unpaved trails winding through forest and bottomland. It's a quieter, wilder spot than the developed parks — a place for a nature walk and birdwatching close to home.
For a built-up part of the Metroplex, having a real preserve along the river is an asset, and it rounds out Carrollton's outdoor offerings beyond the trails and ballfields.
Sandy Lake Amusement Park
For a different kind of outdoor day, Sandy Lake Amusement Park is a longtime family destination with rides, paddle boats, bumper cars, a merry-go-round, pony rides, and picnic areas. It's an old-fashioned, low-key amusement park — carnival rides and green space rather than a mega-park.
It's the kind of nostalgic family spot that's become rare, and it's a Carrollton fixture for a relaxed day out with kids.
City & County Parks
Municipal and county parks, greenspaces, and recreation areas in and around Carrollton.
- Martha Pointer Park
- Clifford E. "Bill" Hall Park
- Josey Ranch Lake Park
- Rosemeade Park
- Ward Steensen Park
- Timbercreek Park
- Ken Good Park
- Mill Valley Park
- Harold K Bessire Park
- Ward Steenson Park
- Josey Ranch Athletic Complex
- Porter Park
- Thomas Park
- Oak Hills Park
- Primrose Park
- Fairway Vista Park
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Lakes Near Carrollton
Major East Texas lakes and reservoirs within driving distance — fishing, boating, and lakeside camping.
- Lewisville Lake · ~12 mi
- Grapevine Lake · ~13 mi
- White Rock Lake · ~15 mi
- Mountain Creek Lake · ~19 mi
- Lake Ray Hubbard · ~22 mi
- Lavon Lake · ~26 mi
- Lake Arlington · ~27 mi
- Joe Pool Lake · ~28 mi
State Parks & Natural Areas Near Carrollton
Public lands within reach of Carrollton — state parks, natural areas, and historic sites managed by Texas Parks & Wildlife — with approximate straight-line distance from town.
- Ray Roberts Lake - Greenbelt Unit State Park · Denton County ~23 mi
- Cedar Hill State Park · Dallas County ~26 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Elm Fork Unit State Park · Denton County ~26 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Isle du Bois Unit State Park · Denton County ~27 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Jordon Unit State Park · Denton County ~29 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Sanger Unit State Park · Denton County ~29 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Trail Corridor Unit State Park · Denton County ~29 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Pond Creek Unit State Park · Denton County ~30 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Buck Creek Unit State Park · Grayson County ~31 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Johnson Branch Unit State Park · Denton County ~32 mi
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from Carrollton. Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department — park locations
FAQ: Outdoors in Carrollton
Yes. More than 20 miles of paved trails run along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River through Carrollton, connecting parks like McInnish and Sandy Lake, with the 40-acre Elm Fork Nature Preserve adding paved and unpaved trails through forest and bottomland.
Sandy Lake Amusement Park in Carrollton is a longtime family amusement park with rides, paddle boats, bumper cars, a merry-go-round, pony rides, and picnic areas — an old-fashioned, low-key destination for a day out with kids.
Carrollton offers more than 20 miles of Elm Fork river trails, the Elm Fork Nature Preserve, riverside parks like McInnish, and the family-friendly Sandy Lake Amusement Park.
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