Hike Southwest Nature Preserve

Cedar Hill State Park and Joe Pool Lake are located just outside of Downtown Dallas. While Joe Pool Lake has many access points, I prefer the picnic area I marked on the map. From this side of the lake you can watch the sunset drastically over a completely flat horizon, and if there are clouds you can witness a beautiful display of color across the water.It's pretty hot in the summer, but on a ...

Starting at the parking lot at the top of the hill there are great views of the lake. As you descend on the criss-crossing trails, be careful of crumbling rocks. At the bottom of the park which borders the river just below the dam, you will find waterfalls and a pool.Trails are not well marked, so it is easy to get lost.

Cattail Pond Loop is a 2.5 mile loop trail with its turning point at Cattail Pond. The trail can also be done starting on the Escarpment Trail (starting from the same parking lot) if you're looking to add some variety. Cattail Pond Loop is located near Cedar Hill, TX. Cedar Ridge Preserve may have seasonal closures due to weather. Please check their Facebook page for updates. 

Little Bear Creek Trail is an approximately 5 mile loop located near Euless, TX. This hike includes views of Little Bear Creek as well as the ponds in McCormick Park once you cross over Fuller-Wiser Rd.  This trail is both kid and dog friendly. 

Kiest Park Trail is a 2 mile loop that's great for stretching your legs and is dog-friendly. Kiest Park is located near Dallas, TX with parking off of Kiest Circle.

Located just north of Fort Worth, Eagle Mountain Park offers about ten miles of trails (roundtrip, two different loops) with great views of the beautiful Eagle Mountain Lake, and serene walks through cross timber forest. There are two main loops. The northern loop is about 3.5 miles round trip. This loop goes through cross timber forest and eventually makes its way along the shore of Eagle Moun...