The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Little Elm
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122
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Family friendly hiking trails around Little Elm are primarily defined by their lakeside setting along Lewisville Lake, offering extensive shoreline views and diverse natural environments. The region features a mix of woodlands, open fields, and cedar tree groves, providing varied scenery for outdoor activities. Its well-developed trail system connects various parks and green spaces, making it accessible for different skill levels. The terrain generally consists of gentle gradients with minimal elevation changes, suitable for family outings.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Little Elm
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Lakefront Trail, a 9.7 miles (15.6 km) trail that takes 3 hours 56 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers picturesque views of Lake Lewisville along a crushed granite path.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is McCord Park Trail, an easy 3.1 miles (5.0 km) path. This trail winds through shaded areas and includes a scenic fishing pond, ideal for a leisurely family walk.
- Local hikers also love the McCord Park – McCord Park — Gravel section loop from McCord Park Parking Lot, a 2.1 miles (3.4 km) trail leading through parklands and gravel sections, often completed in about 53 minutes.
- Hiking around Little Elm is defined by its lakeside paths, woodlands, and open park areas. The network offers options for different ability levels, with many routes featuring views of Lake Lewisville.
- The routes in Little Elm are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 9 reviews. More than 90 hikers have used komoot to explore Little Elm's varied terrain.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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15.6km
03:56
30m
30m
The Lakefront Trail in Little Elm offers a delightful escape with continuous water views, making it a popular route for a relaxed outing. This 9.7 miles (15.6 km) hike is mostly flat and paved, providing an easy-going experience for all ages and fitness levels. You'll find yourself strolling along the lake, with the path passing through pleasant green spaces and offering a refreshing atmosphere. It's a moderate trail that takes approximately 3 hours and 56 minutes to complete, with a minimal elevation gain of 91 feet (28 metres).
Planning your visit to the Lakefront Trail is straightforward, with McCord Park serving as a convenient access point with parking and facilities. The trail is well-suited for a morning or late afternoon walk to enjoy cooler temperatures, especially during the warmer seasons. While generally uncrowded compared to urban trails, it's always a good idea to bring water and be mindful of other users, as it's a shared path. The trail is open year-round, providing a consistent option for outdoor activity.
This Lakefront Trail is a cherished local amenity, providing a vital recreational artery for residents and visitors in Denton County. Its accessible nature and gentle terrain make it an excellent choice for family friendly hikes, or for those seeking a peaceful walk without challenging ascents. The trail's design emphasizes ease of use and scenic enjoyment, reflecting a commitment to keeping the lakefront open and accessible for everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of Little Elm.
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4.99km
01:16
10m
10m
The McCord Park Trail offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through a mix of paved and gravel paths, open fields, and wooded sections. As you follow the gentle slopes of the Cottonwood Creek floodplain, you'll enjoy views of the creek and occasional peeks at Lake Lewisville. Keep an eye out for the charming bronze statues and a bright teal wooden swing that add character to the natural surroundings, making it a visually engaging experience.
This easy 3.1-mile (5.0 km) hiking route, with just 39 feet (12 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick outing, taking about 1 hour and 16 minutes. It's a fantastic option for McCord Park Trail family friendly hikes or for beginners looking for an accessible trail. The park provides ample parking and amenities like a dog park and play area, making it easy to plan your visit.
Located in Denton County, Texas, the trail is a haven for local wildlife, offering opportunities to spot diverse bird species, small mammals, and colorful wildflowers in the spring. Its connection to other paths like the Lakefront Trail allows for extended adventures, and the park's facilities, including a disc golf course and splash pad, make it a versatile destination for outdoor recreation.
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Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
6
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
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hikers
2.35km
00:36
10m
10m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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Tips from the Community
McCord Park is a 38-acre city park that is on the Cottonwood Creek floodplain. There are several paved trails that cut through the park, a small pond and a playground.
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The Little Elm Lakefront Trail is one of two main trails in McCord Park. The trail has a couple of paved segments but it is mostly a gravel path.
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The McCord Trail is one of two main trails in McCord Park. It is fully paved and an easy trail. It is also popular with cyclists, so make sure you keep an eye out for other trail users.
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McCord Park is a 38-acre city park that is on the Cottonwood Creek floodplain. There are several walking trails that cut through the park, a small pond and a playground.
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Good gravel section through McCord Park. Suitable for all bike types with a mix of terrains.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Little Elm?
Little Elm offers a great selection of family-friendly hiking trails, with over 10 routes specifically curated for families. These trails range from easy strolls to moderately challenging paths, ensuring there's something for every family's adventure level.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in Little Elm?
The family-friendly trails in Little Elm feature diverse terrain, from well-paved paths and crushed granite to rustic wood chip trails winding through woodlands and open fields. Many routes offer scenic views along Lake Lewisville's shoreline, providing a mix of natural beauty and accessible surfaces.
Are there any easy, short trails suitable for young children or toddlers?
Absolutely! For families with young children or toddlers, trails like the McCord Park loop from Orion McCord Park Apartments offer a pleasant, easy walk of just over 2 kilometers. The McCord Park – Gravel section loop from McCord Park Parking Lot is another excellent option, providing a gentle 3.4-kilometer loop.
What are some natural features or landmarks we can see on these trails?
Many trails in Little Elm offer beautiful views of Lake Lewisville, which is the area's most prominent natural feature. You can also explore woodlands, open fields with cedar trees, and look for local wildlife. The Cottonwood Trail is known for its serene natural setting, while Hidden Cove Park offers additional lakeside exploration.
Are the family-friendly hiking trails in Little Elm dog-friendly?
Yes, many of Little Elm's trails are dog-friendly, making them perfect for a family outing with your furry companion. Always remember to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Little Elm?
Spring and fall are generally the most pleasant seasons for family hiking in Little Elm, with milder temperatures and beautiful natural scenery. Summers can be quite hot, so if hiking during this time, it's best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon and bring plenty of water.
Are there any loop trails suitable for families?
Yes, Little Elm offers several excellent loop trails that are great for families. The McCord Park – Gravel section loop from McCord Park Parking Lot is a popular easy loop, and the McCord Park loop from Orion McCord Park Apartments also provides a convenient circular route for a relaxed family walk.
Where can we find parking for these family-friendly trails?
Many of the trails, especially those within parks like McCord Park and Little Elm Park, offer dedicated parking lots. For example, the McCord Park – Gravel section loop starts directly from the McCord Park Parking Lot, making access easy for families.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the family-friendly trails in Little Elm?
The komoot community highly rates the trails in Little Elm, with an average score of 4.75 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful lakeside views, and the accessibility for all ages, making them ideal for family outings.
Are there any trails that are wheelchair or stroller accessible?
While not all trails are fully accessible, many sections of Little Elm's trail system, particularly those with paved or crushed granite surfaces like parts of the Johnny Broyles Nature Trail and the McCord Park Trail, are suitable for strollers and some wheelchairs. It's always best to check specific trail conditions before heading out.
Are there places to eat or grab a snack near the hiking trails?
Little Elm's 'The Lakefront™' district, which is central to many trails and parks, offers various dining options and cafes. You'll find places to grab a snack or a meal conveniently located near popular trailheads and recreational areas, especially around Little Elm Park.
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