Cedar Ridge Preserve is one of the best trail running spots in Dallas. The trails are stacked loops that offer a variety of hills and views. The spring and summer wildflowers are especially spectacular.

The canyons of the preserve well represent Texas landscapes. Visitors can find limestone hills of juniper and oak forest mixed with Blackland prairie and cactus. A great post ahead.

Hiking Trails

This is one of the most scenic, wildlife-rich hiking parks in North Texas. It offers miles of trails, ponds, prairies with wildflowers, and even an observation tower for great views.

The park is a short 20-minute drive from downtown Dallas. Previously the Dallas Nature Center, this preserve was managed by Audubon Dallas who provide education and outdoor appreciation programs. The preserve features native trees, grasses, and wildflowers as well as picnic areas and limited camping.

The trails range from easy to difficult with some elevation changes. Depending on the time of year, you might encounter flowers in full bloom or a beautiful waterfall rushing down through a canyon. The 1.6-mile Texas Buckeye Trail is an easy hike for those looking for a leisurely walk, while the Cattail Pond and Fossil Valley trails offer some more challenging climbs.

Picnicking Areas

If you are looking for a place to picnic and spend the day outdoors, then you should check out Cedar Ridge Preserve. The preserve is home to some of the best hiking trails in North Texas, and it has beautiful scenery that will take your breath away.

Located southwest of Dallas, the preserve is a woodsy escape from the city with plenty of hiking trails, ponds, and vistas. It also offers a little bit of a challenge with its steep elevation changes.

The preserve is free to enter, but they do ask for a donation upon arrival. This is a great way to support the nonprofit organization that is responsible for maintaining the natural habitat and beauty of the preserve. The donation will help them continue to provide quality trails and educational opportunities for visitors. In addition to the trails, the preserve has a butterfly garden and picnicking areas. It is a great destination for nature lovers and hikers of all skill levels. More places to also visit by clicking here.

Education Center

Cedar Ridge Preserve is the place for North Texas hiking enthusiasts who prefer a lot of elevation changes. This natural sanctuary is a part of Audubon Dallas (the local chapter of the National Audubon Society). The property is a little smaller than its two neighbors (Cedar Hill State Park and Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center).

Hiking trails here range from easy to challenging, including the 1.3-mile Possumhaw Trail, which starts from the parking area. You can also hike along the ridges, the headwaters of different creeks, and to a number of observation towers.

The preserve is open Tuesday through Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to dusk. A $3 donation per person is suggested to help maintain this woodsy outdoor escape. Be sure to bring insect repellant and plenty of water. Hikers who use music while on the trails are asked to wear headphones or earbuds so that others can enjoy nature as well. This is important because noise can scare off wildlife.

Wildlife

When you walk the trails at this paw-some recreational center, you will see native trees, grasses, and wildflowers. Over nine miles of hiking trails are located here that vary in difficulty. Some are smooth and easy while others offer a great leg workout.

You can also take a trip to the botanical gardens at this preserve. You will see a variety of trees, flowers, and plants that are indigenous to Texas. Some of the most popular plants here include sage, prairie rose, black daleaf, Hercules club, and agarita.

Once known as the Dallas Nature Center, Cedar Ridge Preserve is a scenic slice of hill country and only about 20 minutes from downtown. The park offers 9 miles of natural hiking trails, ponds, native trees and grasses, limited picnicking areas, and wild mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles. It is managed by Audubon Dallas under a contract with the City of Dallas and Dallas County. The preserve is open daily, and development camping is available. Check out this interesting post!

 

 

Driving directions from TJ’s Professional Painting to Cedar Ridge Preserve

Driving directions from Cedar Ridge Preserve to Lynn Creek Park at Joe Pool Lake