Cedar Ridge Preserve

I have been going to this park for the past couple of years since I have started my hiking adventures across Texas. It's always a great place to introduce new hikers to our little addiction. But if you are looking for a lone walk in some wooded areas, then this is not the place for you. A lot of people do flock here because you do not have to pay to get in but there is a suggested donation for three dollars to get in. There are some great walks and overlooks that you can see the lake, and Dallas, and a beautiful little creek near Cattail Pond.

I hike this trail a lot as it a perfect length for a weekday workout.  It has varied surfaces, elevations and landscape.  There are no real vistas on this trail, although they have recently added a short side trail with a bench overlooking one of the valleys in the park.  While most of this trail can be hiked after rain, there is one small stretch where the "gum-mud" holds water and permanently adheres to boots and clothing if the area has not sufficently dried.
 

Lots of people on Sunday, even though it was muddy and temp. was in the low 40's.  Up and down through the creek bottoms, lots of Cedar (as expected), Audobon Society has added nature trail, butterfly garden, education center, very good for families, due to lack of eco-diversity and wildlife I rate it behind Fort Worth Nature Center. but it is a must do hike in DFW area.

This was a nice hike for the morning.  We started out on Cattail Trail and then cut off on Fossil Valley down to the pond.  This was scenic with lots of bridges over dry creek beds and there was some elevation points too, which gets the heart pumping.  We circled around the pound area and walked down a dry creek bed for a bit.  Then back to the fossil trail looping bck to Cattail and to the truck.  It was humid and about 65 deg.  A nice morning hike.