Frasier Dam Recreation Area
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.
