Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Loop
Plano, Texas
Details
Distance
2.44 miles
Elevation Gain
20 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Dan Toups
The preserve has a 2.43 mile loop, a 2.7 mile mountain bike trail loop (beginner to intermediate), as well as a 3.6 mile outer loop for hiking and trail-running. It features open, scenic fields with lots of flowers, and you can find lots of group runs, rides, photography classes, yoga, etc here. Just 4.2 miles from REI and Trader Joe's, the preserve is dog friendly, and has free wifi in the pavilion next to the playground.
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a free, fantastic get-away for a quick dose of the outdoors in the middle of the busy city. Safe and family-friendly, this preserve has a wide variety of visitors doing every type of activity, from jogging to mountain biking to drone flying.
The playground sits next to the bathrooms and covered pavilions that boast free wifi provided by the City of Plano. Less than 50 ft. from the playground is the entrance to the 2.7 mile mountain bike single-track loop (maintained by DORBA, Dallas Off Road Bike Association) that is famous for being tame enough for beginners, but fast enough for the seasoned rider with quick drops and banked turns. Be careful of the rabbits that shoot across the trail in the warm months and the narrow tree-gates. ALWAYS wear a helmet.
This nature preserve hosts all sorts of wildlife including deer, coyotes, owl, tarantulas, armadillos, snakes, and rumors of mountain lions.
Since Texas has nearly perfect fall, spring and winter weather, Arbor Hills' parking lot can get very crowded on the weekends, so arrive early on sunny days.
Less than 3 miles from the trailhead, foodies can find top-notch restaurants, coffee bars, and breweries.
These trails, although very safe and surrounded by a beautiful golf course neighborhood, can get very dark early in the evenings due to the extensive tree coverage, so always be vigilant.
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Reviews
This is a nice park with several different trails. The loop is the longest, but intersects several others so you can make your walk as long as you want. On a pretty day, it’s crowded. Keep that in mind with dogs and bikes.
4.0
I was in town for a short time and needed some time in nature. I stopped by this park for a couple of hours and had a wonderful time. I enjoyed the variety of landscapes and finding new-to-me dragonflies at the pond. I left off the 5th star because you definitely need a map to get around. Many trails aren't marked - more signs would be useful. The overlook might be nice for sunset but otherwise you only see roof tops.
4.0
If you are looking for a quick jog close to the city and want to look at trees instead of buildings this is for you. If you want a true adventure and want to get away into the wilderness, this is not. No matter where you are on the trail you can always hear traffic and/or see buildings. It’s also super busy with people. Just depends on what you’re looking for!
3.0
I go here to get some trail time in. There aren't many place around here with both paved and unpaved. Some decently challenging trails in the heart of the preserve of you look hard enough. A river runs through the middle and is a nice place to cool off from the hot summer heat. From open fields to shaded forest it has a wide variety of terrains. Only 4 stars because you can still hear the city around you on the paved path.
4.0
Great place to escape the hustle of plano and the city life. The trails are great for hiking or biking, and you get the feeling of wilderness, until a jet flies over or angry motorist sounds off.
4.0
My wife and I love coming out here for a light walk and to talk. It's definitely nice, considering it's a 5 minute drive from our house.
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Arbor Hills Mountain Bike Loop
Hike at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
Katy Trail
White Rock Lake Loop
Little Bear Creek Trail
Relax at Klyde Warren Park
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