Cedar Ridge Preserve
With an elevation of 755 feet, you can get a slice of Texas Hill Country without ever leaving the county.
Tucked away in a neighborhood of Cedar Hill, just 20 minutes south of Dallas, is a natural habitat that boasts 600 acres of native trees, grasses, and wildflowers. With an elevation of 755 feet, you can get a slice of Texas Hill Country without ever leaving the county.
Cedar Ridge is a park that was always close by for me growing up, and that I never really took advantage of. I would go here and there during my random fitness phases between partying, but never really appreciated it — until now that is. At this point my partying days are long over, and I get up early to go see the sunrise here as often as I can. What is it that they say about times changing? I’m now familiar with all 9 miles of trails, and let me tell you — not an inch of them disappoint.
The Cattail Pond Trail is the most popular, with overlooks of Joe Pool Lake along the way, and leading to a covered sitting area with views of the pond and rolling hills behind it — It’s a favorite spot for me to sit and watch the sunrise with a cup of coffee. I’m all about setting yourself up for a good day and this is one of the best ways I’ve found to do it. But I’m getting distracted, as I tend to do, so back to the trails! From the pond, you can either head back the way you came, take the Escarpment Trail to the right, or follow the Fossil Valley Trail to the left around the pond.
A favorite of mine is the Possumhaw Trail, which is an easy half mile trail close to the parking lot. This is a nature trail where different native trees and plants are marked for you to learn about with the trail guide provided on the website, here. I like to do this trail if I don’t have much time, or if I want to add some extra distance on a longer hike. Theres so many other trails looped in and connecting to each other that you can always pick another route and enjoy different views, as well as different levels of difficulty.
As I said, this is a slice of hill country. Point being… do some stretches and be prepared for a good leg workout! The trails are rugged with a lot of hills and natural stairs — I recommend having good ankle support. However, the park is a popular spot for trail running and they all seem to be just fine in their trainers. Just pay attention your body and do what feels comfortable for you. I for one am not a runner and have a weak ankle due to previous injury, so I usually stick to my hiking boots.
I will say, Cedar Ridge is a pretty popular spot, but for such good reason. If you pull in and see the parking lot looking full, please don’t get discouraged. People are in and out of here all day, and with so many different trails, I’ve never felt crowded after getting past the main entrance.
I can always find solitude here when I want it, and enjoy seeing others getting out there too. As someone who usually hikes solo, sometimes its nice to have small interactions with people throughout my hike. Everyone is always friendly and I find it to be a beautiful display of humanity and nature coming together as one. I’d be a hypocrite if I couldn’t whole heartedly say that it brings me joy to see so many people of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities taking advantage of all the beauty and healing that nature has to offer. I mean, that is why I started this venture in the first place. Just remember to listen for others on the trail for safe passing, pack out your trash, and be friendly to anyone you see. We are all out there to better ourselves, and to hopefully leave nature better than we found it too.
Have you been to Cedar Ridge Preserve?
If so, what are your favorite trails? I’d love to know in the comments!
How to get there:
Getting there is pretty easy, GPS will take you right to it. Like I said, it will look like you're going into a neighborhood, but there’s a sign with a small driveway near the rec center.
Trails:
Trails are very well marked at this park, so you can explore without the stress of getting lost.
Terrain is rugged with a lot of rock and wood that can be slick after a rain, so watch your footing.
This is a free park, but Audubon Dallas does accept donations to help with efforts to maintain trails. You can donate online here, or leave cash in the drop boxes at the entrance.
For being such a popular spot, the park is really pretty well maintained.
However, with so many people there’s always bound to be trash. As always, please consider cleaning up during your visit, and pack out whatever you bring!
If we work together, we can keep nature wild for future ourselves and generations to enjoy.
Frasier Dam Recreation Area
Illegal dump site turned greenspace, in the heart of Dallas.
A brand new park for a brand new blog, timing really is everything, huh?
As soon as I saw this article from The Dallas Morning News, I knew I needed to be one of the first on the trails of this new ‘secret hidden gem’. It’s definitely well hidden, but also well worth the 3 laps around town it took me to find it — Don’t worry, I’ll give details below so that you’ll have an easier time.
With a ribbon cutting on October 4th, “The Frasier” became officially open to the public. Just 8 miles north of downtown Dallas, it’s a spot that until recently you would have wanted to avoid. The Elm Fork of the Trinity River was used by Dallas residents as an illegal dumpsite for years, polluting the water and its green space. Luckily the folks over at Groundwork Dallas see the potential of the Trinity River and its surrounding land. After removing a million pounds of debris and trash, this area is now an urban forest that can transport you from the city surrounding it.
Located off the service road to southbound I-35 E from Harry Hines - the Frasier is a perfect, albeit unexpected, spot to take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours soaking in nature.
I mapped around 3 miles of trails that can be broken up into smaller hikes if that’s all that time allows for, or looped together for a thorough exploration of the park. Bikes are welcome, fishing is encouraged, picnic areas line the trails, and you can bring your own water vessel for paddling on the river. With such a range of activities available, this is truly a park made for everyone’s enjoyment.
The South trail offered a more rugged terrain, and really put you into the depth of the forrest area. With the sounds of birdsong and the breeze rustling the leaves, you can easily forget that you are in fact still in the middle of Dallas.
Along the North Trail, there are several sitting areas facing the water that are perfect for picnicking with the family, or simply meditating with the sounds of nature. As someone who can hike for miles and usually likes to keep moving, I couldn’t help but stop at each area to take it all in.
The Frasier welcomed me with open arms, and gently nudged me into slowing down, taking a breath, and coming back to the present moment. As much as I hike to clear my head, I can just as easily get stuck in there. Letting the surrounding beauty pass me by. This park gave me the encouragement I needed to let go of those thoughts and simply be.
I saw a few people fishing near the entrance, and met other hikers and paddlers in the parking lot. However the trails remained quiet, giving a rare bit of solitude in a bustling city.
While I didn’t bring my kayak with me this trip, I fully intend to in the future so that I can experience everything this park has to offer. I’m so grateful to the people who worked so hard to give us this park, and can think of no better way to show my gratitude than by using it to the fullest and encouraging others to do the same.
Have you heard of Frasier Dam before?
If you’ve been, I would love to know your thoughts in the comments!
How to get there:
Now this place was a little tricky to find, so I’m just gonna walk you through it. The only way to access the park is from the entrance ramp onto Southbound I-35 E, coming South on Harry Hines Blvd from Northwest Highway. The entrance ramp isn’t very well marked either— You’ll pass a RaceTrac on your left and come up on the traffic light for Webb Chapel Ext, the next light is unmarked and that’s where you will turn right. It will take you under I-35 and immediately after the bridge you will see the welcome sign, the parking lot is to the right where the service road curves left. I know, seems confusing, but I promise it’s worth it!
The Welcome sign that you’ll see where you turn right into the parking lot.
The Trails:
-Trails were very well marked, and varied in length, with ways to make your hike however long or short you need.
-Terrain was fairly smooth, but can get very muddy after a rain, so wear appropriate shoes and pay close attention to where you step!
While Groundwork Dallas and its volunteers have done an incredible job getting this area cleaned up, there’s always more work to be done.
Please consider taking a trash bag and some gloves to pick up what you find along the way. And as always— if you pack it in, be prepared to pack it out.
If we all do our part, we can keep these areas beautiful for ourselves and future generations to enjoy.