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Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

4.6 (332 reviews)
Open 5:00 am - 11:00 pm

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Beautiful greenery
Mary V.

Arbor Hills is a place near and dear to my heart. This is one of the best places to get away from the crowded areas and just enjoy nature. The entrance area is always crowded so people don't get to see how amazing this place is. It's incredible because once you go off trail, you can see for miles to around and the sunset views are phenomenal. There are plenty of shortcuts around this area if you just want to do a quick loop to the observation tower and back to the main entrance. I took my old dog out here years ago and went off trail to isolated areas. I hope other dog owners get to see how happy she is and how much joy dogs get from being in this place. It's fairly common to see people taking family photos here but again, I truly recommend walking in off trail areas for 10 minutes to get spectacular photos.

A clearing on one of the trails in the Northern portion of the preserve.
Michelle T.

For hiking in Plano, Arbor Hills cannot be beat! There's something for every fitness level from paved trails to more advanced trails with elevation gains- I'd say the most advanced are still pretty tame. The grounds are well kept and erosion is being managed in various parts of the park. There are 2 separate parking lots as well as restroom facilities on opposite sides of the park. Over the years I have noticed the preserve a very popular place for taking professional pictures. Think engagement, graduation or family portraits; which most of the time is fine and not disruptive. But at times I've seen some obnoxious photo set ups- like someone literally transporting a large brass bed and furniture to do a photo shoot in the meadow. Those instances can be disruptive to the environment of the preserve. If you have to drastically alter the outdoors to take a pic, you should rethink whether it makes sense to take pictures here. The preserve can get very busy during the weekends, but during off peak hours, it's sublime. Love Arbor Hills and think it's a gem all four seasons of the year!

Debra V.

Very nice and clean park despite a lot of dogs. We walked the mile loop. Was very popular with lots of families. Public bathrooms were newer snd clean. Plenty of parking.

Bluebonnets near the parking lot.
Jim W.

We took a hike here just after the eclipse happened. This place had apparently been a popular venue to watch the eclipse, but the crowds had partly left just before we arrived. There was plenty of parking at that point, and I'd assume that parking isn't an issue generally. We consulted a nearby map/sign and saw a good loop route. The trail was also paved, though there are a number of side trails where are not. The main trail is about 40 - 50 % shaded, which is probably even more important in the summer. The only issue we had was that, on the far side of the loop, the paved trail diverged. We followed the wrong (right-leading) path for a couple of hundred yards before noticing on a map app that we had strayed. My only advice to the park would be to increase the signage to keep people on the main trail. As we returned, we saw more of the core facilities which are near one side of the parking lot - large restrooms, a playground, and some picnic pavilions. If you are in this area and just want to escape suburbia for an hour, this is a great option.

John B.

While the surrounding area is quite built up, this is a decent size preserve that really gives you the sense of being amongst the greenery. Ample free parking and facilities await at the entrance, but after descending into the nearby valley on a mix of paved and natural trails, one finds an abundant variety of plant life, interesting views, and plenty of space for a light workout. Organized photography events were also a popular activity. It's a fantastic space to have open and free, and easily worth the trip.

Christina M.

This is a really beautiful park! When you walk through you sometimes forget you're in TX especially the DFW metroplex area. I am waiting for cooler days to come visit again. They have lots of trails and have a beautiful stream running through the park. Also they have restrooms throughout which is much appreciated. Can't wait to come back soon

Bridge
Jules B.

Howdy Texas! From California visiting and wanted to go to a dog friendly place to walk my brother's husky. My brother suggested we venture on over to Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. With the weather on and off rain, I wanted to walk along the concrete walkway here. My brother mentioned dirt paths here too, as he ventures there on sunnier days. This is a beautiful park with babbling brooks, bridges, various blooming flowers and tree shaded areas (see my pics). Free parking, free WiFi (see my pic), and covered picnic areas in which one can reserve for a fee, makes this park even more great. Playground area for children with nearby decent public restrooms too. Had a beautiful 2.5 mile walk here with my family ..and I'm sure you'll have a beautiful time too. Stay safe and healthy (mind, body and soul) Yelping out there :)

Brent L.

There are paved trails, natural trails and some biking trails that are maintained by DORBA. Bikes are not allowed on the natural hiking trails, so they have to stick to the "designated off-road bicycle trail." Dogs are allowed on the paved trails and the natural trails, but NOT allowed on the DORBA biking trails. If you are hiking as a pedestrian on the biking trails, you should walk against the bicycle traffic so you don't get run over. Some parts of the hiking trails cross the creek, but as of January 2021, only one of the four bridges were open. Lots of construction going on here - mainly for erosion control, so have some patience with them folks. Hiking trails are considered "easy" with very minimal elevation changes.

Just off the trail,  a beautiful snowy egret with his catch of the day!
Sara S.

It's hard to be an outside kid and live in the Dallas Metroplex, Arbor Hills makes it easier. Arbor hills is conveniently located, FREE, safe, & quite beautiful. Many trails, many ecosystems, and sometimes, many people. Plan accordingly. As an avid bird watcher I find the best times for me tend to be early in the day. As a dog owner, because you can bring your dogs, I find evenings to be more enjoyable. Keep your eyes open.. you may run across some wildlife while out exploring!

Taneisha T.

Nature Walk in the middle of the city. I go here just to get away, enjoy the breeze and the sunlight. The trail is normally about a mile to 2 miles walk, which I normally will walk around twice. They have a park also if you want to take your young kids to play on, not to mention they have areas where you can walk off trail and enjoy the small creek area which is pleasant. They allow bike riding on the trails or if you want to go off trail, it looks fun but because I mostly walk it can get kinda hectic when its busy. Right now they are doing construction, so part of the trail is cut off, not sure what they are doing but I'm sure it will be amazing. If I wasn't a frequent visitor and hadn't seen the place before construction I would've gave them 3 stars lol so hopefully its done by the summer cause its been a couple of months to a year so far. Definitely GO tho :)

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1 year ago

Hands down the absolute best nature park in the area!! Highly recommend! I just wish they'd expand their parking though

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9 months ago

Got to take beautiful maternity photos here 10 out of 10. Definitely recommend for a whimsy feel

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2 years ago

So much space and felt like we had the outer loop to ourselves. Lots of great trail options for all levels

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Ask the Community - Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Can you bike on the trails?

Yes, none-motorized (two or three wheels only)

Is it easy to find the kid's playground?

.Yes, it is very close to the parking lot. Look for number 14 on this map, https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/92c1f021-159f-4dc5-952c-9b8956da7183

Can dogs be off leash while hiking?

Dogs must be kept on leashes.

From the parking lot to the overlook, about how far is the walk?? Is it confusing to get to if trying to have someone meet me there?? Thanks in advance!!

Hi Dani, It's about 1/2 mile from the parking lot to the Observation Tower off the Tower Trail, which you can see from the main Loop trail. Shouldn't be confusing to have someone meet you there, at the Pavilion/restrooms, right near the parking… Read more

How long does it take do walk the whole route?

The paved path is a little over 2miles so alone it takes me about 25-30minutes. Walking leisurely I would say 40-45min. There are shortcuts as well

Is there much shade?

There are on some of the unpaved trails.

Can do BBQ in park?

Yes, I'm not sure if they have a grill there but you can definitely bring your own and grill around the picnic area. Not on the trails though.

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Review Highlights - Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Whoever left Jack in the box trash by the bench on the outer loop trail, throw yourself away.

Mentioned in 6 reviews

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Spirit Park - Spirit Park - back view of the front portion of the playground for older children

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Spirit Park - smaller playground for younger children

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve - parks - Updated May 2026

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