Whoever said Texas is flat hasn’t hiked Cedar Ridge Preserve! It is a natural habitat of 600 acres encompassing about 10 miles of picturesque trails, and with an elevation of 755 feet, it is a slice of Hill Country in our own backyard!
Situated on the top of the White Rock Escarpment, an outcrop of the Austin Chalk geologic formation, the preserve has it all: wooded hills, beautiful views, and a terrain suited for various experience levels. The best part is that it is close to home! The entrance is located just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, meaning nature lovers can escape from the city while being home in plenty of time for dinner.
The trails can be accessed from Cedar Ridge Preserve’s main entrance, located at 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway.
protoflux/Flickr
The Cattail Pond Trail, with its hilltop views and picturesque scenery, is a favorite hike spot.
Amy J./Yelp
The preserve and its various trails are kept clean and inviting for all ages.
Chelsea R./Yelp
Tree-lined pathways provide for a tranquil, even mystical setting on the trails.
Adam Simmons/Flickr They also shelter nature-lovers from the sun.
Clearly marked trails give hikers enough options to satisfy easy, moderate, and difficult climbs.
Audubon Dallas Note that bike trails are not available anywhere in the preserve.
Fall is a particularly beautiful time to hike the trails for foliage views often not found in the Dallas - Fort Worth area. Bring your camera!
protoflux/Flickr
Make sure you wear appropriate footwear for some steep (and sometimes slippery) climbs.
protoflux/Flickr
Yep, this sign is for real! But don’t worry.
Sonia B./Yelp You aren’t actually going on a hunt to find these reptiles. The sign serves mainly to make hikers aware that this is THEIR home and you should be on the lookout when venturing through their habitat.
Park benches are perfectly placed on trails to help novice hikers catch their breath.
Durae J./Yelp
What a great spot for a water and rest break!
Chelsea R./Yelp
You can catch a peek at Joe Pool Lake from some of the elevated trails.
Ai Vy N. /Yelp
Dogs on leashes are absolutely welcome … another great reason to love this park area!
Abby S./Yelp
It is open from dawn to dusk, Tuesday through Sunday.
Han C./Yelp Mix up the trails and routes depending on your ability and energy level - this will become your new favorite hiking getaway location!
Have you hiked at Cedar Ridge Preserve? Which trails are your favorites? We’d love to hear about your experience!
protoflux/Flickr
Amy J./Yelp
Chelsea R./Yelp
Adam Simmons/Flickr
They also shelter nature-lovers from the sun.
Audubon Dallas
Note that bike trails are not available anywhere in the preserve.
Sonia B./Yelp
You aren’t actually going on a hunt to find these reptiles. The sign serves mainly to make hikers aware that this is THEIR home and you should be on the lookout when venturing through their habitat.
Durae J./Yelp
Chelsea R./Yelp
Ai Vy N. /Yelp
Abby S./Yelp
Han C./Yelp
Mix up the trails and routes depending on your ability and energy level - this will become your new favorite hiking getaway location!
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