How to Hike Murrell Park on Grapevine Lake

Murrell Park, nestled along the scenic shores of Grapevine Lake in North Texas, offers one of the most accessible and rewarding hiking experiences in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. While often overshadowed by larger state parks and more famous trails, Murrell Park delivers a unique blend of natural beauty, well-maintained trails, and panoramic lake views—all within a compact, family-friendly setting. Whether you're a seasoned hiker seeking a quick morning escape or a beginner looking to explore nature without venturing too far from urban conveniences, Murrell Park provides an ideal gateway into outdoor recreation.

The park’s significance lies not only in its proximity to major highways and residential areas but also in its carefully preserved ecosystems. Spanning over 180 acres, Murrell Park features native grasses, mature oak and cedar trees, limestone outcrops, and a network of trails that wind through woodlands and along the water’s edge. Unlike many heavily trafficked urban parks, Murrell maintains a tranquil atmosphere, making it a sanctuary for birdwatchers, photographers, and those seeking quiet reflection.

This guide is designed to help you navigate Murrell Park with confidence. You’ll learn how to plan your hike, choose the right trails, prepare for changing conditions, and respect the environment—all while maximizing your enjoyment. By following this comprehensive tutorial, you’ll transform a simple walk into a meaningful outdoor experience that connects you with the natural rhythm of Grapevine Lake.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Plan Your Visit Based on Season and Weather

Before heading out, check the local weather forecast for Grapevine, Texas. Murrell Park experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable hiking conditions. Temperatures in July and August can exceed 95°F, so plan early morning hikes between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. to avoid peak heat. Winter months, from December to February, are ideal for longer hikes, with temperatures averaging 45–65°F.

Spring (March–May) brings wildflowers and active wildlife, while autumn (September–November) offers golden foliage and crisp air. Avoid hiking immediately after heavy rain—trail sections near the lake can become muddy or slippery. The park’s official website and local weather stations provide real-time updates on trail conditions.

Step 2: Choose Your Starting Point and Parking

Murrell Park has two main entry points: the primary entrance off FM 1171 (also known as Grapevine Lake Road) and a secondary access near the boat ramp. For most hikers, the main entrance is recommended. Follow signs for “Murrell Park” and park in the designated lot adjacent to the pavilion and restrooms. This lot has ample space, including a few ADA-accessible spots.

Arrive early on weekends—parking fills quickly between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. If the main lot is full, use the overflow parking area located 200 yards west along FM 1171. Always lock your vehicle and avoid leaving valuables visible. There is no fee to enter or park at Murrell Park.

Step 3: Pick Your Trail Route

Murrell Park offers three primary trails, each marked with color-coded signage. Choose based on your fitness level and desired experience:

• Blue Trail (1.2 miles, Easy): A flat, paved loop ideal for families, strollers, and casual walkers. It hugs the lake shoreline and offers multiple viewing platforms with benches. Perfect for sunrise or sunset strolls.
• Red Trail (2.1 miles, Moderate): A natural-surface trail that climbs gently through wooded areas and crosses small limestone ridges. This route connects to the Blue Trail and offers the most varied terrain and wildlife sightings.
• Green Trail (0.8 miles, Easy): A short connector trail that links the main parking area to the boat ramp and fishing pier. Ideal for a quick 15–20 minute walk with lake access.

For a combined experience, create a 3-mile loop by starting on the Blue Trail, cutting onto the Red Trail at the northern junction, and returning via the Green Trail. This route provides the full range of Murrell Park’s landscape without excessive elevation gain.

Step 4: Prepare Your Gear

Even on short hikes, preparation matters. Pack the following essentials:

• Water: Carry at least 16–24 oz per person. There are no water fountains along the trails, only at the restrooms near the parking lot.
• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes with grip are recommended, especially for the Red Trail, where roots and loose gravel are common. Avoid sandals or flip-flops.
• Sun protection: Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and SPF 30+ sunscreen are critical, even on cloudy days. The lake reflects sunlight, increasing UV exposure.
• Trail map: Download the official Murrell Park trail map from the Tarrant County Parks website or pick up a free printed copy at the information kiosk near the parking lot.
• Light snack: Energy bars, trail mix, or fruit can help maintain energy on longer hikes.
• Phone and power bank: Cell service is generally reliable, but a portable charger ensures you can navigate or call for help if needed.

Step 5: Begin Your Hike and Follow Trail Markers

Start at the main pavilion and locate the trailhead sign for your chosen route. The Blue Trail begins directly to the left of the pavilion, marked by blue diamonds painted on trees and posts. Walk slowly at first to acclimate to the terrain and observe your surroundings.

Pay attention to trail markers—they are consistently placed every 150–200 feet. The Red Trail features red circles on tree trunks and occasional metal tags nailed to posts. If you lose sight of a marker, stop and look around. Never assume you’re on the right path; backtrack to the last visible sign.

Stay on designated trails. Cutting switchbacks or wandering off-path damages native vegetation and increases erosion. The park’s soil is fragile, and repeated off-trail traffic can degrade habitats for ground-nesting birds and pollinators.

Step 6: Observe Wildlife and Natural Features

Murrell Park is home to white-tailed deer, eastern gray squirrels, red-shouldered hawks, and numerous migratory songbirds. Keep your voice low and move slowly to increase your chances of spotting wildlife. Look for deer tracks in muddy patches near the lake and listen for the call of the barred owl at dawn.

Watch for limestone outcrops along the Red Trail—these are remnants of the Cretaceous-era seabed that once covered this region. Embedded fossils, such as ancient clam shells and coral fragments, can sometimes be seen in exposed rock faces. Do not remove or disturb any natural objects; leave them for others to discover.

During spring, the park bursts into color with bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and black-eyed Susans. Fall brings vibrant reds and golds from sumac and sweetgum trees. Take time to appreciate these seasonal changes—they’re part of what makes Murrell Park special.

Step 7: Complete Your Hike and Leave No Trace

When you return to the parking lot, take a moment to reflect on your journey. Before leaving, ensure you’ve collected all personal items, including water bottles, wrappers, and tissues. Use the trash and recycling bins provided at the pavilion.

Practice Leave No Trace principles:

• Carry out everything you bring in.
• Do not feed animals—this alters their natural behavior and can be dangerous.
• Stay on marked trails to protect plant life.
• Respect other visitors by keeping noise levels low.

If you brought a dog, ensure it remains on a leash no longer than 6 feet and that you clean up after it. Dogs are permitted but must be under control at all times.

Step 8: Record Your Experience

Consider documenting your hike with a photo, journal entry, or GPS log. Apps like AllTrails or Gaia GPS allow you to save your route, note trail conditions, and share your experience with others. This not only helps you track your progress but also contributes valuable data to the park’s visitor monitoring system.

Many hikers return to Murrell Park weekly, each time discovering something new—a new bird species, a hidden bench with the best view, or a patch of wildflowers that bloomed overnight. Keeping a record helps you notice these subtle changes and deepens your connection to the landscape.

Best Practices

Timing Your Hike for Optimal Conditions

The best time to hike Murrell Park is during the “golden hours”—the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. During these times, the light is soft and warm, ideal for photography, and temperatures are coolest. Wildlife is also most active, increasing your chances of seeing deer, foxes, or even the occasional river otter near the water’s edge.

Avoid midday hikes during summer. The sun reflects off the lake, creating a greenhouse effect that can raise perceived temperatures by 10–15°F. If you must hike during peak heat, wear moisture-wicking clothing, carry extra water, and take frequent breaks in shaded areas.

Trail Etiquette and Visitor Respect

Murrell Park is shared by hikers, joggers, cyclists, and birdwatchers. To ensure everyone’s enjoyment:

• Yield to uphill hikers on narrow trails.
• Step aside to let faster users pass on the Blue Trail.
• Use headphones if listening to music—natural sounds are part of the experience.
• Keep groups small and quiet, especially near bird nesting zones.

Respect quiet zones marked by signs near the lake’s western end. These areas are protected for nesting waterfowl and are off-limits to dogs and loud activity.

Hydration and Nutrition

Dehydration is the most common issue among hikers, even on short trails. Texas heat can cause rapid fluid loss, especially if you’re not acclimated. Drink water before you start, sip every 15–20 minutes, and rehydrate after your hike.

Bring electrolyte-rich snacks like bananas, nuts, or trail mix with dried fruit. Avoid sugary candy or soda—they cause energy spikes followed by crashes. If you have a medical condition requiring specific nutrition, bring your own supplies and inform a companion.

Environmental Stewardship

Murrell Park is part of the larger Grapevine Lake watershed, which provides drinking water for over 2 million people. Protecting this environment isn’t optional—it’s essential.

• Never use soap, shampoo, or cleaning products near the water.
• Dispose of cigarette butts in trash bins—they’re toxic to wildlife and pollute the soil.
• Report invasive species like Chinese tallow trees or feral hogs to the Tarrant County Parks office.
• Participate in volunteer clean-up days—held monthly from March to November.

Navigation and Safety

While Murrell Park is well-marked, trails can be confusing during heavy rain or fog. Always carry a physical map and know how to read it. GPS apps are helpful but can fail due to battery drain or signal loss.

Let someone know your planned route and return time. If you’re hiking alone, consider using a personal locator beacon (PLB) or smartphone app with emergency SOS features.

Be aware of poison ivy, which grows along the edges of the Red Trail. Learn to identify it by its “leaves of three” pattern. If you come into contact with it, wash the area immediately with soap and cold water.

Seasonal Adjustments

Each season demands different preparation:

• Spring: Watch for ticks. Wear permethrin-treated clothing and check for ticks after your hike.
• Summer: Carry a lightweight towel to wipe sweat and prevent heat rash.
• Fall: Bring a light jacket—temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
• Winter: Wear layers. The wind off the lake can feel colder than the thermometer suggests.

Tools and Resources

Official Park Resources

The Tarrant County Parks Department maintains the most accurate and up-to-date information for Murrell Park. Visit tarrantcounty.com/parks/murrell-park for:

• Real-time trail closures due to maintenance or flooding
• Seasonal event calendars (bird walks, nature photography workshops)
• Downloadable trail maps in PDF and printable formats
• Rules and regulations, including pet policies and permitted activities

Sign up for their email newsletter to receive alerts about weather-related closures or special programs.

Mobile Applications

Several apps enhance your hiking experience:

• AllTrails: Offers user-submitted reviews, trail photos, and GPS tracking. The Murrell Park loop has over 200 verified hikes with detailed ratings.
• Gaia GPS: Ideal for offline mapping. Download the Murrell Park area before you go in case of poor cell service.
• Merlin Bird ID (by Cornell Lab): Helps identify birds by sound or photo. Common species include the Carolina wren, northern cardinal, and red-bellied woodpecker.
• Seek by iNaturalist: Identifies plants and animals using your phone’s camera. Great for families and educators.

These apps work best when downloaded in advance and paired with a portable charger.

Local Gear and Supply Shops

For gear recommendations or last-minute supplies, visit:

• REI Co-op (Fort Worth): Offers expert advice on hiking footwear and hydration packs.
• Outdoor World (Arlington): Sells local trail maps, sun protection gear, and insect repellent.
• Local farmers markets: The Grapevine Farmers Market (Saturdays) often sells fresh fruit, homemade trail mix, and locally made beeswax lip balm—perfect for packing.

Volunteer and Educational Programs

Deepen your connection to Murrell Park by engaging with its community:

• Trail Steward Program: Train to help maintain trails, remove invasive species, and educate visitors. No experience required.
• Nature Storytime for Kids: Weekly sessions held on Tuesday mornings during school terms—ideal for families.
• Photography Walks: Led by local nature photographers, these monthly outings focus on capturing the park’s light, textures, and wildlife.

Registration is free and available through the Tarrant County Parks website.

Weather and Trail Condition Monitoring

Use these tools to monitor conditions before you go:

• National Weather Service (Fort Worth): Provides hyperlocal forecasts and flood warnings.
• USGS Water Data for Grapevine Lake: Check current lake levels at waterdata.usgs.gov. High water levels may close shoreline trails.
• Facebook Group: “Grapevine Lake Hikers & Nature Lovers”: A community-driven group where members post real-time trail updates, photos, and safety alerts.

Real Examples

Example 1: Sarah’s Morning Routine

Sarah, a 38-year-old teacher from Grapevine, hikes Murrell Park every Tuesday and Thursday before work. Her routine: leaves home at 5:45 a.m., arrives at the park by 6:15, and hikes the Blue Trail to the eastern overlook. She sits on the bench there for 15 minutes, journaling and sipping herbal tea from a thermos. She then loops back via the Red Trail, taking photos of birds she’s learned to identify over the past year. “It’s my reset button,” she says. “I come in stressed and leave centered.”

Sarah always carries a small notebook and a pair of binoculars. She’s documented over 40 bird species and has shared her findings with the local Audubon chapter. Her consistent presence has made her a familiar face among park staff, who now notify her when rare migratory birds are spotted.

Example 2: The Rodriguez Family Weekend Adventure

The Rodriguez family—parents Maria and Luis, and their two children, ages 7 and 10—visit Murrell Park every other Sunday. They start with a picnic at the pavilion, then tackle the Green Trail to the fishing pier, where the kids watch for catfish. Afterward, they hike the Blue Trail, using the Seek app to identify plants and insects. “My daughter found a ladybug with seven spots,” Luis says. “We made a game out of counting them.”

They always bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit. On one visit, they encountered a lost dog. Instead of panicking, they used the park’s emergency contact number posted on signs to notify staff, who reunited the dog with its owner within 20 minutes. “It felt good to help,” Maria says. “We’re not just visitors—we’re part of this place.”

Example 3: David’s First Solo Hike

David, a 24-year-old software developer from Dallas, had never hiked before his therapist suggested outdoor activity to manage anxiety. He chose Murrell Park because it was close and well-reviewed. His first hike was the Blue Trail on a cloudy October morning.

He brought a playlist but turned it off after 10 minutes. “The sound of the wind in the trees was louder than any song,” he recalls. He walked slowly, noticing how the light filtered through the oaks and how the lake rippled in the breeze. He didn’t take a single photo. “I just wanted to be there,” he says.

He returned the next week, then the week after. Now, he hikes twice a week and has started volunteering for trail clean-ups. “It didn’t fix my anxiety,” he admits. “But it gave me a place where I could breathe without feeling broken.”

Example 4: The Birdwatcher’s Journal

Ellen, a retired ornithologist from Fort Worth, has kept a detailed journal of bird activity at Murrell Park since 2015. Her records include dates, times, weather conditions, and behaviors. She’s documented the return of the prothonotary warbler—a species once rare in North Texas—after wetland restoration efforts improved habitat conditions.

Her data was used by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to adjust conservation priorities for the Grapevine Lake watershed. “I didn’t set out to help scientists,” Ellen says. “I just loved watching birds. But when you pay attention long enough, your observations become part of something bigger.”

FAQs

Is Murrell Park open year-round?

Yes, Murrell Park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. year-round. Restrooms are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Trail access remains open even during light rain, but may be temporarily closed after heavy storms or flooding.

Are dogs allowed on the trails?

Yes, dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Owners are required to clean up after their pets. Dogs are not allowed in the designated quiet zones near the lake’s western edge.

Is there cell service on the trails?

Most areas have reliable AT&T and Verizon coverage. T-Mobile signal is weaker in wooded sections. For safety, download offline maps and carry a power bank.

Can I fish at Murrell Park?

Fishing is permitted from the designated pier and shoreline areas, but not from the trails. A valid Texas fishing license is required for anyone 17 or older. No bait or lures are sold on-site.

Are there restrooms on the trails?

No. Restrooms are available only at the main pavilion near the parking lot. Plan accordingly, especially on longer hikes.

Is the park accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

The Blue Trail is fully paved and ADA-compliant, with gentle slopes and accessible benches. The Red and Green Trails are natural surface and not wheelchair-friendly. Strollers are recommended only on the Blue Trail.

Can I bike on the trails?

Bicycles are not permitted on any hiking trails at Murrell Park. There is a separate paved bike path along FM 1171 for cyclists.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes, free guided nature walks are offered on the first Saturday of each month. Check the Tarrant County Parks calendar for times and themes, which include birding, wildflower identification, and geology.

What should I do if I see an injured animal?

Do not approach or attempt to handle it. Note the location and contact Tarrant County Animal Services at (817) 509-5600. They coordinate with wildlife rehabilitators for safe handling.

Can I have a picnic at Murrell Park?

Yes. The pavilion has picnic tables and grills. No alcohol is permitted. Clean up all food waste and dispose of trash in provided bins.

Conclusion

Hiking Murrell Park on Grapevine Lake is more than a physical activity—it’s a practice in presence, patience, and connection. In a world increasingly defined by screens and schedules, this small patch of Texas wilderness offers something rare: quiet, unfiltered time with nature. Whether you’re drawn by the rustle of leaves, the flash of a blue jay’s wing, or the stillness of dawn over the water, Murrell Park meets you where you are.

This guide has equipped you with the knowledge to navigate its trails safely and respectfully. But the deeper reward lies beyond the steps and markers: the way your breath slows, your mind clears, and your senses awaken. You don’t need to conquer a mountain to find peace. Sometimes, all it takes is a 1.2-mile loop, a pair of good shoes, and the willingness to notice.

As you plan your next visit, remember: you’re not just a visitor to Murrell Park. You’re a steward of its trails, a witness to its seasons, and a participant in its quiet, enduring story. Hike with care. Hike with curiosity. And above all, return—again and again.