If your idea of the perfect road trip includes winding roads, riverside views, and moments of complete serenity, you’re in the right place. Fort Worth is surrounded by scenic drives that trace the flow of North Texas rivers, leading to hidden parks, charming small towns, and tranquil overlooks. These riverside road trips offer slow-paced beauty, perfect for nature lovers, couples, photographers, and anyone craving a peaceful escape from city life.
Whether you want to stop and fish, hike along the banks, or just roll down the windows and cruise alongside the water, these scenic river drives are some of the most relaxing and restorative road adventures you’ll find near Fort Worth.
Why River Drives Make the Ultimate Peaceful Road Trip
Texas may be known for its wide-open highways, but its river roads reveal a softer, slower side. These drives take you past canopies of trees, glistening water, and sleepy bridges where time seems to stand still. With fewer crowds and plenty of scenic turnouts, river drives near Fort Worth let you experience the beauty of the land at your own pace.
They’re ideal for weekend escapes, solo reflection, romantic outings, or spontaneous family drives with stops to picnic, watch wildlife, or photograph the setting sun on the water.
Best Scenic River Drives Near Fort Worth
1. Brazos River Drive – FM 4 to Glen Rose
Follow FM 4 south from Granbury through rolling hills and ranchland until you reach Glen Rose, where the Brazos River winds through limestone cliffs and state parks. It’s one of the prettiest and most underrated drives in North Texas.
Start Point: Granbury, TX
End Point: Glen Rose, TX
Approx Distance: 35 miles
Famous For: Limestone river bluffs, winding curves, and lush views
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stop at Big Rocks Park to wade in the water or have a peaceful riverside picnic.
2. Trinity River Drive – Fort Worth to Arlington via Trinity Trails
While urban, the Trinity Trails system offers a unique riverside route through Fort Worth into Arlington. It’s great for slow drives paired with walking, kayaking, or coffee stops along the way.
Start Point: Panther Island, Fort Worth, TX
End Point: River Legacy Park, Arlington, TX
Approx Distance: 20 miles
Famous For: Urban nature drive with greenbelt views and river access
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stop at Clearfork for a riverside brunch or coffee before continuing east.
3. Paluxy River Scenic Loop – Glen Rose Area
Take a slow drive through the backroads of Glen Rose following the Paluxy River. This loop includes stops at Dinosaur Valley State Park and old bridges that cross peaceful bends in the river.
Start Point: Glen Rose, TX
End Point: Loop through Dinosaur Valley and back
Approx Distance: 15 miles
Famous For: Prehistoric riverbeds, natural beauty, and quiet roads
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring water shoes and walk the shallow river where dinosaur tracks still remain.
4. Clear Fork Drive – Fort Worth to Benbrook Lake
Follow the Clear Fork of the Trinity River westward from downtown Fort Worth through parks and nature areas, ending at Benbrook Lake for stunning sunset water views.
Start Point: Fort Worth Cultural District
End Point: Benbrook Lake, TX
Approx Distance: 18 miles
Famous For: Wildflower-filled parkways and lakefront peace
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stop at Trinity Park for a picnic or a slow bike ride before continuing your drive.
5. Brazos River West Route – Weatherford to Possum Kingdom Lake
Start west of Weatherford and trace the Brazos as it heads toward Possum Kingdom. This rural, tree-lined drive is full of river crossings, small towns, and scenic bends.
Start Point: Weatherford, TX
End Point: Possum Kingdom Lake, TX
Approx Distance: 60 miles
Famous For: Rustic beauty, secluded roads, and river views
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stop at the Brazos River Bridge near SH 16 for stunning water views and photo ops.
6. Nolan River Drive – Cleburne Area
A quiet country road south of Cleburne winds near the Nolan River, known for its still waters and peaceful farmland scenery. Great for early morning drives and bird watching.
Start Point: Cleburne, TX
End Point: Blum, TX
Approx Distance: 25 miles
Famous For: Serene backroads and peaceful riverbanks
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring binoculars—this is a great stretch for spotting hawks, egrets, and herons.
7. Red River Route – Nocona to Spanish Fort
Drive along the Red River in North Texas, from the cowboy boot town of Nocona to the historic ghost town of Spanish Fort. Expect wide skies, gravel roads, and quiet views of the state line.
Start Point: Nocona, TX
End Point: Spanish Fort, TX
Approx Distance: 30 miles
Famous For: Historic small towns and Red River border scenery
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stop at Tales N’ Trails Museum in Nocona for cowboy history before heading north.
Peaceful Dining Spots on the River Routes
1. Riverhouse Grill – Glen Rose
Housed in a historic home, this romantic restaurant serves seasonal Southern-inspired meals and features a scenic outdoor patio.
Address: 210 SW Barnard St, Glen Rose, TX 76043
Hours: Tues–Sat, 5 PM–9 PM
Approx Cost: $20–$40 per person
Famous For: Elegant riverside ambiance and fresh farm-to-table dishes
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Reserve a patio table at sunset for a magical dining experience.
2. Panther Island Brewing – Fort Worth
Enjoy craft beer with river views in this laid-back taproom near downtown Fort Worth, perfect after a Trinity River cruise.
Address: 501 N Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Hours: Wed–Sun, varies
Approx Cost: $6–$10 per pint
Famous For: Local beer, riverfront hangouts, and casual atmosphere
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Try a flight and take a walk along the nearby Trinity Trails.
3. Dos Chiles – Mineral Wells
A casual Tex-Mex stop near Lake Mineral Wells and the Brazos River with hearty plates and plenty of flavor.
Address: 1201 SE 1st St, Mineral Wells, TX 76067
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–9 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$18 per person
Famous For: Friendly service and reliable post-road trip refueling
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: The grilled fish tacos and house salsa are a local favorite.
Accommodations for Riverfront Road Trips
1. Rough Creek Lodge – Glen Rose
A luxury ranch resort set along the Brazos River, with private cabins, on-site activities, and river views perfect for couples and upscale travelers.
Address: 5165 County Rd 2013, Glen Rose, TX 76043
Hours: Check-in 3 PM; Check-out 11 AM
Approx Cost: $350–$600 per night
Famous For: All-inclusive amenities and riverside elegance
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book early during spring wildflower season—it’s a favorite for romantic getaways.
2. Hideaway Cabins – Near Possum Kingdom
Rustic and affordable, these cabins sit in the hills near Possum Kingdom Lake with easy access to the Brazos River. Perfect for unplugging.
Address: Near Graford, TX (shared after booking)
Hours: Check-in 3 PM; Check-out 11 AM
Approx Cost: $120–$180 per night
Famous For: Remote cabins close to riverside hiking and fishing
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Pack groceries—this area is peaceful but remote.
3. Red River Station Inn – Nocona
A restored motor inn near the Red River with Texas-themed rooms and a courtyard stage hosting weekend music events.
Address: 219 Clay St, Nocona, TX 76255
Hours: Check-in 2 PM; Check-out 11 AM
Approx Cost: $95–$140 per night
Famous For: Cowboy charm and proximity to Red River routes
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stay for live music and enjoy a slow morning with coffee and river air.
Packing Tips for Scenic River Road Trips
- Printed maps or GPS (cell service is spotty on backroads)
- Sunglasses and polarized lenses for river reflections
- Camera or smartphone with extra storage
- Folding chairs or picnic blanket
- Cooler with water, drinks, and snacks
- Binoculars for birdwatching
- Emergency kit and spare tire
- Playlist or audio history tour
- Reusable water bottle
- Light jacket for breezy evenings
Local Tips & Seasonal Advice
Spring: Rivers run high—perfect for photos, wildflowers, and cooler temps
Fall: Crisp air and golden foliage make for scenic drives and peaceful stops
Weekdays: Fewer cars and quieter parks
Weather: Check for flooding or low-water crossings on rural river routes
Festivals: Look for local riverfront festivals in Glen Rose, Granbury, and Nocona
Driving: Slow down on curvy or gravel roads—watch for wildlife at dusk
Final Thoughts: Where Still Waters Make Strong Memories
Scenic river drives near Fort Worth aren’t about speed—they’re about savoring the journey. These peaceful roads invite you to breathe deeper, look closer, and rediscover the joy of slow travel.
Whether you’re seeking romance, solitude, or time with loved ones, these drives offer more than beautiful views—they offer clarity, connection, and calm. So fill your tank, grab a snack, and let the river guide you.
