1. Elm Fork Nature Preserve

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Carrollton, TX

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Elm Fork Nature Preserve

4.7 (3 reviews)

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Arbor Hills Nature Preserve - Bridge over bridge over one of the creeks.

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

4.6(333 reviews)
8.1 mi

If you find yourself in the Plano/Carrollton area and need a break from the concrete jungle, Arbor…read moreHills Nature Preserve is an absolute must. My husband and I came here for a weekend trek, and it's easily one of the best outdoor spots in North Texas. What I love most is the versatility. Whether you're looking for a smooth, paved stroll or want to get your boots a little dusty on the dirt hiking trails, they've got you covered. It's a great mix of elevation and flat stretches. It's a great spot for everyone. Pets are welcome (on leashes!), and there is a fantastic playground near the parking lot--perfect for kiddos who still have energy to burn after a hike. You'll see a beautiful variety of plants and likely some local wildlife. Just a heads-up: they do have warning signs posted for snakes and poison ivy, so definitely keep an eye on your surroundings while you explore. The parking lot is huge, but this place is popular! We arrived around 1:00 PM and it was nearly at capacity. We were lucky to snag a stall, but I'd definitely recommend arriving earlier in the morning if you want to avoid the parking hunt.

Arbor Hills is a place near and dear to my heart. This is one of the best places to get away from…read morethe 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.

Photos
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve - Just off the trail,  a beautiful snowy egret with his catch of the day!

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

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve - Great day on the trails!

Great day on the trails!

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

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Campion Trail - 3/14/2026

Campion Trail

4.1(51 reviews)
3.6 mi

Campion Trails is a walking/biking trail that runs parallel to the Trinity River in Irving. It…read morestretches from Las Colinas all the way to Valley Ranch. For this review, I'm going to highlight all the areas where you can park and enter the trail. My Overall Rating - 5 Stars (Atmosphere, Trail, Return) Atmosphere - The trail is a wonderful, well shaded path which is populated with a good mix of cyclists, runners, roller bladers, and even families. It's one of my favorite places in the city, because it takes you away from the concrete jungle and into a lush, green, natural hideaway. 2 Stars. Trail - Here are the trail entrances where you can park your car and enter into Campion Trails starting from North to South. Sam Houston Trail Park - 101 I-635, Irving, TX 75038. This entrance is at 161 and Valley View. It's a good location if you want to start north and go down. Also, it has the only outhouse (that I know of). I've never used it but just know it's there. TW Richardson Grove - 101 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Irving, TX 75063. Right off the exit for George Bush Hwy off I635, this area has a covered patio that's perfect for gatherings for picnics and cookouts. La Vallita Park - 1 Camino Rio, Irving, TX 75039. This park is in the La Villita neighborhood. It was two playgrounds for kids, lots of shade from trees, and a covered patio. Rio Vista Park - 2 Barcelona, Irving, TX 75039. Also located in La Villita. This park has a basketball court, playground, and a covered patio with grills. There are no parking lots, but you can park along Barcelona, Campion Trails Park - 5950 Riverside Dr, Irving, TX 75039. This parking lot is next to the Irving Police Station. Needless to say, it's safe to park your car here. Birds Fort Trail Park - 5756 Riverside Dr, Irving, TX 75039. This is the BEST entrance to Campion Trails. Not only is there plenty of parking, but there are several covered patios, and it overlooks the Trinity River. Paws Colinas Dog Park - 1300 California Crossing Rd, Irving, TX 75039. This is a great dog park. It's really not a place to park and enter Campion Trail, just know it connects. California Crossing Park - 5198 Riverside Dr, Irving, TX 75039. This is the end (or beginning) of Campion Trails. Start here if you want to start biking north towards Valley Ranch/Coppell. Let's go! 2 Stars. Will I Return? - Yes. I live in La Villita so my entry way is through the two parks. I hope that after reading this review, you'll be inspired to check out one of my favorite trails in all of DFW. 1 Star.

This little gem of a walking trail is super close to where I am staying-- and chef's kiss lovely…read more I've spotted an entire zoo here: turtles, snakes (I do NOT love these), giant coyotes, cranes, bunnies, squirrels, ducks, mystery birds I couldn't name if my life depended on it, lizards, frogs, and my all-time fave, an armadillo! I mean, where else do you get to stroll alongside that kind of wildlife lineup? The basic loop is about 3 miles, but I know the secret formula for hitting my 10k steps, and I'm out there grooving to Taylor Swift or 80's new wave like I'm on my own personal concert tour. If you're wondering about bathrooms, they do have porta-potties, and honestly? They're not the worst (trust me, that's a win). Just one warning: after a solid rain, when the creek's high, you're in for a surprise--flooded paths. So, unless you're part amphibian, be ready to double back. Best part? It's rarely crowded whenever I have been here. Most days, it's my personal trail, where I can belt out "All Too Well, 10 minute version'" knowing no one will hear me... except maybe the armadillo, and I'm pretty sure he's not so picky. This path is 96% clear of litter too - but I usually bring a little bag and clear any trash I find, just doing my thing for the environment.

Photos
Campion Trail - 3/6/2025

3/6/2025

Campion Trail - Flooded trails create a mirror lake

Flooded trails create a mirror lake

Campion Trail - Early morning bike ride

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Early morning bike ride

Sam Houston Trail Park - Dog standing in watery grass at Sam Houston Trail Park.

Sam Houston Trail Park

4.4(17 reviews)
3.0 mi

This is a really nice park! There's an area where you can actually play in the fields so bring your…read moredogs out so they can run around as long as they are nice and friendly. There's also an area where you can do hills for a workout, and a couple of trails that lead out various ways! Some of the trail is shaded and some there is no shade, so make sure to bring water and stay hydrated while walking, jogging or running! There are cyclists on the trail as well, so be mindful as you are out there to keep your ears open for when they come behind you. There is one restroom that is like an outhouse so make sure to use the restroom before you come, but if you want to use the porter potty there is one right when you enter the gate on the right hand side. This place is great to bring your family out to have a nice Picnic or just to take some nice photos as well. I love coming here. I do feel safe but when you come out here, please try to at least bring someone with you so that you have a partner as you work out. There's also wildlife out here please do not touch. There are signs out as to where the wildlife may be at so be mindful. And in the meantime, enjoy the atmosphere of being outside in the elements.

I've been wanting to come to this park for a very long time, and I brought my dog here on a weekday…read moreevening. It is right off the tollway, which made the park incredibly loud! I could barely hear my thoughts, so I definitely bring some earbuds or headphones if you come here for a walk/run. Not only that, it's busy and the park had a lot of mud due to poor drainage. I was disappointed with this place although it was so busy. Lastly, the park doesn't have good lighting for the nighttime so be careful and don't get too far from the parking lot after sunset.

Photos
Sam Houston Trail Park
Sam Houston Trail Park - Dog sitting next to Sam Houston Trail Park pole thing.

Dog sitting next to Sam Houston Trail Park pole thing.

Sam Houston Trail Park - Me with one of the many training dogs I have brought to Sam Houston Trail.

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Me with one of the many training dogs I have brought to Sam Houston Trail.

Elm Fork Nature Preserve - hiking - Updated October 2026

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