Take a Hike in Dallas

City dwellers in Dallas, Texas, aren’t confined to living and playing in a concrete jungle. Dozens of lakes, parks and preserves provide locals with tremendous hiking and biking opportunities. However, two nature preserves rank particularly high on the list of local favorites: Arbor Hills Nature Preserve and Cedar Ridge Preserve. One is located just north of Dallas and the other is located just south of it.

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Located at 6701 W Parker Rd., Plano

Open 5 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily. Gates are closed when park is closed.
972-941-7250
Arbor Hills Website

Those who live in the North Dallas area may or may not know about Arbor Hills. It’s a hidden gem nestled in a quiet suburban neighborhood in southwestern Plano. It features 200 acres of natural beauty for walking, jogging, hiking, biking and more. It has both paved recreational trails for visitors as well as unpaved trails for pedestrians and off-road cyclists. It’s known for its distinctive lookout tower and as a “natural respite with three distinct ecoregions.” They include a Blackland Prairie, Riparian Forest and Upland Forest. An Interpretive trail map is available at the Plano REI store or by clicking here. It also offers visitors a large playground and covered pavilion. It’s a great getaway without having to go very far.

Cedar Ridge Preserve

Located 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy., Dallas
Open November 1 – March 31 from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 1 – October 31 from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Closed Mondays.
972-709-7784
Cedar Ridge Website

Those who live in the South Dallas area live near another hidden treasure: Cedar Ridge Preserve. Formerly known as the Dallas Nature Center, Cedar Ridge Preserve is approximately 20 minutes from downtown. Although, it feels like it’s a whole different world. It has 600 acres of enchanting wilderness with nine miles of hiking trails. It’s known as a “taste of the Hill Country,” providing hikers with elevations of 755 ft. It also offers a small picnic area for visitors to enjoy. It’s a hikers dream for another reason as well. Wheeled vehicles of all types, including bicycles, are prohibited on its tranquil trails.

Sources for this article are personal experience, plano.gov and dallasparks.org.


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