Trail Hours and Map

Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. There is no admission fee to use the trails. Trail Map

History

The
Elm Fork Nature Preserve was purchased as a woodright in 1861 by the
Bramblitt Family. The land was never clear-cut and in 1986 the 40 acres
were given to the City of Carrollton as a self-contained ecosystem,
virtually undisturbed. Trails are open for hikes 365 days a year from
dawn to dusk.

Urban Sustainablitity / Green Nonprofit Organization

By Rita Cook

The Dallas Parks Foundation was a nominee in the 2012 Green Source DFW Environmental Leadership Award, Grass Roots category.  According to Samuel F. Stiles, Director of the Foundation, the foundation was founded  “Based on the Dallas Park Board's Renaissance plan, a long-range plan completed in 2002, [where] the city recognized that private funds would be needed in order to regain the quality and level of service last experienced in 1985 and to meet future needs.”

                           

Stiles says that while the city has made monetary commitments to fund many immediate park needs, a revival is needed. This revival would then fuel an ability to build facilities that meet current and future recreational expectations including hike and bike trails and linear parks where people can travel from one community to another along trails and parkways.

The Park's proximity to major metropolitan cities makes it an ideal destination for families who want to enjoy the great outdoors without spending precious time driving. The ruggedness and scenic beauty of the area combined with over 100 miles of shoreline and the water based recreation on Joe Pool is a major attraction.

Activities include mountain biking, camping, birdwatching, hiking, picnicking, fishing, and more!

At an elevation of 755 feet, Cedar Ridge Preserve (formerly the Dallas Nature Center) is a slice of the hill country just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. Cedar Ridge Preserve is a natural habitat of 600 acres featuring about 9 miles of trails, native trees, grasses and wildflowers, butterfly gardens, limited picnic areas and wild mammals, birds, insects and reptiles. CRP has been managed by Audubon Dallas since April 2003 by charter from the Dallas County Park & Open Space Program and the City of Dallas. To view the General Rules and Regulations from the Dallas County Park and Open Space Program, click here.

Please be aware that wheeled vehicles of ALL types, including bicycles, are prohibited on the trails. NOTE: CRP cannot accommodate large groups because there are not a lot of seating, tables, or other picnic equipment.

Located 16 miles south of downtown Dallas in Cedar Hill, Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center at Cedar Hill (DCAC) will celebrate its grand opening with a free weekend of activities Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11.

Dogwood Canyon contains the widest variety of rare species in North Texas as plants and animals from east, west and Central Texas converge there.  Sustainably built for LEED certification, the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, with its miles of trails, nature-play areas, native gardens and educational programs enables visitors to experience this “wild and special place.”  The opening of the center makes Dallas County, which also has the Trinity River Audubon Center, the only county in the country served by two Audubon centers.

The Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve provides a unique opportunity to explore and discover. We’re here to help you appreciate the beauty and understand the importance of our Cross Timbers ecosystem. Come to hike, to bird, or to learn more about this precious North Central Texas habitat.

We provide a variety of events, educational workshops and classes. We have programs for schools, scouting, seniors and more. There are gardens, a compost demo area, as well as areas for birding and wildlife viewing.

We meet the third Wednesday of every month in the Azalea Room of the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. We offer outings (backpacking, camping, hiking)--including backpacking in New Mexico, canoeing in Arkansas, and day hiking at the Ft. Worth Nature Center. We have outing activities for every age and skill level. Our conservation efforts include fighting for clean air, clean water, and habitat protection.

The Dallas Sierra Club is a regional group of the Sierra Club, which is America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. The group is organized through volunteer leaders. It is active in local Conservation issues and also offers backpacking/hiking outings.

Additionally, there is the highly successful Inner City Outings program for introducing disadvantaged children to the wilderness.

General meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month and feature a variety of speakers.

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