Bachman Lake Trail (Dallas, TX)

Bachman Lake Trail / Park

2013.04.21 - Cool was this Sunday Morning in mid-April, when Wade Mercer and I started our hike around Bachman Lake near Love Field. I had on shorts, a long sleeve shirt, and a new pair of boots that I needed to break in. Feeling a bit under dressed in the brisk wind, I knew over the next few miles, my body would warm itself up when my feet got to moving.

Childs Play at Bachman Lake

This is the first hike listed on Joanie Sanchez's book, "60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Dallas - Fort Worth." We started at her posted coordinates, (N 32.51'11" W 96.52'14") and parked near the playground, Childs Play at Bachman Lake. After making sure the GPS Pal app was started and my camera was ready, we headed east.

Cool Morning at Bachman

I wasn't sure how much I was going to shoot until my finger went snap-happy. After the first hundred feet, I knew there would be frequent stops around this photogenic lake. It was an unexpected pleasure, considering I've been around Bachman once or twice before and still there was so much more to capture.

A Kayaker on Bachman

The trail is wide and paved allowing both walkers and joggers to enjoy the wind coming in off the lake. There is also room for kayakers, but they have a wider expanse to explore. Yet, surprisingly, there were more kayakers than I expected on a Sunday morning. After some thought, however, I conclude it is probably the best time and note when I need to come back to do the same. I, suddenly became envious, of their unique perspective of seeing a Southwest Airline airplane land from the middle of the lake.

While walking, I couldn't help but pass some of the neatest signs. Their message are pretty standard, Safe Speed, Listen for Others, or Announce left. It is their catchy smiley-face presentation that caught my eye and made them effective. There are so many others, just as cute, and I hope everyone will find them irresistible as I had.

Mother and her Ducklings

When we got to the Web Chapel bridge, we noticed the trail split from the main trail and we chose to follow our sense of adventure. From prior experience, we weren't aware of a crossover, but I didn't recall taking it to its end (Embassy Suites). We were glad we did or we would have missed out on a Mother Duck and her closer to 15 ducklings reminding us that it was after all, Spring time. Sure there were a few river rats that were bigger than cats, but even they have some beautiful qualities like we all have.

No Papparazzi

After coming back and crossing over to the South (Love Field) side of the park, we became acquainted with two geese. One of which, I swear would have pecked me if I stayed where I was shooting pictures of them. I soon got the impression that they do not like paparazzi and left them to their pecking.

Watch Birds Come Home

Speaking of Love Field, we were treated to a landing plane as we were coming around the western dam. It is the first time I saw a plane land at this angle adding more icing to an already sweet Bachman-Lake-Hike-Day-Cake. I think the developers of the park must of recognized the aerial significance of the lake, because they placed benches where one can sit and spend the day watching birds come home.

The Trail Continues

The hike around Bachman Lake took us 01:35:58 from start to finish with a pace of 23:17 per mile. It was pretty flat as we only ascended 200 feet and descended 219 feet for a net elevation of -19 feet. Total distance was 4.1 miles, but it could have been cut shorter if the extension was not taken. For me, this walk in the park was pretty amazing as I couldn't stop snapping pictures.

Next up, I am headed down to Boulder Park near another airport, Dallas Executive. There are five loops and I look forward to exploring everyone.

In conclusion, I want to thank Dallas Parks and Recreation for making this opportunity to trek and explore possible.

Trail Miles Blogged: 4.1 miles.