Friends of the Katy Trail

The Katy Trail is a clean, safe, and beautiful linear greenbelt park for Dallas area citizens and tourists to exercise and connect with nature and each other.

With millions of visits a year, the 3.5 mile-length Trail built on the historic K-T railroad line is a treasured greenspace and major asset of North Texas. 

The Katy Trail is a tremendous boon to the mental and physical health of Dallas, as well as an important driver of our city's economic growth and appeal. The estimated economic impact of the Katy Trail to Dallas in the last ten years is over $2 billion dollars.

While the Trail is a city park, it is privately funded. Individual and corporate donors in our generous community fund the amenities that those who walk, run, cycle, commute, and gather enjoy on the Katy Trail, including landscape maintenance, lights, security patrols, signage, water for people, pets, and plants, and more. 

Established in 1997, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Friends of the Katy Trail, is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the Trail for the benefit of our community. In 2025, Friends of the Katy Trail received the Dallas Historical Society's Jubilee History Maker Award for contributions to our city for 25+ years.  

Since 2021, the Katy Trail Art program has brought nine rotating Art installations by world-class artists to the Trail.

Please review our most recent Annual Report to see how we put your generous gifts to work.  

Our Needs

Friends of the Katy Trail raises $1.8 million each year to maintain the Trail at the high level our community expects and needs.  Funds raised through North Texas Giving Day are a very important part of our fundraising each year, so we are so grateful for any support you can provide on this special day. 

Every donation counts and adds up to critical support for the Katy Trail--thank you!