Best Hiking Trails In DFW
North Texas has plenty of natural spaces for hiking, biking and exploring. Now that summer is in full bloom, it is time to get out and discover the wonders of nature. Here is a list to help you find your path.
Trinity River Trail - Dallas The Audubon Society and the City of Dallas turned this 120-acre former dump into lush wetlands. The area attracts birds year-round, which is great for bird watching enthusiasts. With multiple trails that interconnect, there are over four miles of trails for hikers to explore the Trinity River, a boardwalk for birding and a center that provides information on the natural habitat of the inhabitants.
Arbor Hills Nature Center - PlanoWithin this 200-acre nature center there is a little over two miles of paved trails. Stroller-friendly, bike- and walking-friendly, this is a great way to get out and enjoy the nature of Plano. There are plenty of oak, pecan, hackberry trees and wildflowers. There is also a two-mile loop for mountain bikers and hikers. Bring your camera or sketchpad and colored pencils this is a place you will want to capture for later.
Oak Cliff Nature Preserve - Oak Cliff If you want to really explore the southern part of Dallas, then Oak Cliff Nature Preserve is for you. The 121-acre area's trails were developed by the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association and preserved by the Texas Land Conservancy. The land is expansive and provides a serious workout for hikers with eight miles of shaded trails where one can see bois d'arc and pecan trees. You will leave the nature preserve amazed that such beauty is so close to the city.
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Spring Creek Nature Trail - Richardson Although this 50-acre nature trail is paved and great for bicyclists and walkers, there are some dirt trails that can easily be explored. The clear creek of Spring Creek is a spot you will want to visit and take in the beauty of turtles and diamond-backed water snakes. Birders will enjoy the possibility of seeing kestrels, red-shouldered hawks, black-chinned hummingbirds and great blue herons.
Fort Worth Nature Center And Refuge TrailsThe 3,621 acre city-owned nature center is one of the largest in the United States. This hidden gem gives a picturesque look into what the area looked like decades ago before the Metroplex was established. With over 20 miles of trails, this designated National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service is lush with flora and fauna. Just off Loop 820 at Jacksboro Highway, the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge Trails is easy to get to. There is plenty to see and do for those into birding, wild flower identification, and hiking. There is a small fee to enter the park which also includes a map. This peaceful retreat in Fort Worth is worth the trip.
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Robin D. Everson's appreciation for art, food, wine, people, and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. As a multi-faceted entrepreneur, Robin brings a unique look at the world of business through her many interviews and articles. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com
