Description

Southwest of downtown Dallas and just minutes from Interstate 20, Cedar Ridge Preserve is a classic hiking destination near Dallas.

A series of stacked loops, this route tours some of the park's best trails, including Cattail Pond, Fossil Valley, Escarpment, and Bluebonnet trails as it wanders through densely-forested areas and a few open meadows along the way.

The spring and summer wildflowers are spectacular.

A stunning overlook is just a short walk from the parking lot.

When the trees shed their leaves during the fall, long-reaching views begin to appear, making the area one of the top hiking destinations near Dallas. Cedar Ridge Preserve, sometimes referred to as CRP by locals, is open from 6:30am until 30-minutes after sunset, and the gates lock one hour after sunset.

The trails are also only open from Tuesday through Sunday, as they stay closed on Sunday to allow the trails a day of rest.

Water and restrooms are available at the trailhead, but the park suggests carpooling if you are visiting with a group, as the parking lot can fill quickly.

On particularly busy days, the park may turn visitors away should it reach its parking capacity. As with many trails in North Texas, some of the trails may close within the preserve, though it's mostly based on what the surface material of the trail is.

While hiking in the rain may be particularly fun on a warm summer day, most of the trails do not drain quickly and are prone to erosion.

If you would like to check on trail conditions prior to your visit, you can contact the park at 972-709-7784.

The Audubon Dallas also encourages a $3 donation from visitors to help protect, preserve, and maintain the trails for future use. [Source](https://audubondallas.org/cedar-ridge-preserve/)