Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Trail
1.50 Miles
N/A
Free
3point5stars (3.57)9
1point5stars (1.50)
halfstar (0.94)
N/A
Yes
Yes
N/A
Plano
Collin
More Info
Photos
Me and blooming tree
I don't know what this tree/bush is, but it was beautiful. (Photo by tzealous)
Map of the hike/bike trail in Arbor Hills Nature Center
They have this map posted at both ends of the trail system. (Photo by Eveline)
Armadillo seen at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Armadillo didn't seem a bit afraid. He just kept digging and eating. (Photo by Eveline)
Log Entries
By lilschmagill on 6/9/2016
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 1point5stars Solitude: halfstar
Distance: 2.00 Miles Duration: N/A
Gorgeous paved trail
By frk on 5/6/2009
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 1star
Distance: 2.30 Miles Duration: 50 minutes

Took the Arbor Hills Loop (1.3 mi) plus the Tower Trail (1 mi), both paved.  This is probably the most nature you'll see from a cement path in the Plano area.  The view from the hilltop at the back of the park is breathtaking, and the variety of habitats makes the trip interesting.  On this trip, I saw two rabbits, a Painted Bunting, and various other birds.  There are also more than 3 1/4 miles of pedestrian-only, natural-surface trails that criscross the park and follow its perimeter, but it's been wet out and I've stayed off of them.

Great afternoon jog
By Fievel121 on 11/11/2008
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 1star
Distance: 2.00 Miles Duration: 20 minutes
On the paved trails. It was during a workday, so it was relatively quite. However the weekends do get pretty crowded here
By Kate1985 on 9/11/2008
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 1star
Distance: 1.00 Mile Duration: 40 minutes
too crowded on weekends
By DiziTxs on 6/22/2008
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 1star
Distance: 2.00 Miles Duration: 2 hours

This is a popluar place for parties, scout troups, bikes, hikes and geocahcers.  Weekends are filled with children.  During the week, at this park, I was one of the lucky few who have seen the bobcats here.  I saw three.  They came to drink at the creek while I was sitting by the creek thinking. We were both startled and the ran off as soon as they saw me.  I have also seen a coyote here before and while I have not seen the beavers, the top, northern trails show how they tople trees left and right.

Great park and trails but way crowded.  They have also added bike trails lately and it is easy to get run over! LOTS of geocaches on this park.  Nice place in the middle of the city area.

Nice Area
By Eveline on 7/22/2006
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 1point5stars Solitude: halfstar
Distance: 6.20 Miles Duration: N/A
We stuck to the wide paved hike/bike trail. We saw lots of cottontails and one armadillo. We watched the sunrise from the lookout tower.
A challenging day..many people, dogs, construction
By tzealous on 1/10/2005
Rating: N/A Difficulty: 3stars Solitude: 2stars
Distance: 2.00 Miles Duration: N/A
The trails were muddy from the last rain. There was more traffic (foot, dog, bike) than usual for a Tuesday during the day, which detracted from solitude. Usually if you hike to the right back and then on to the railroad track, you find solitude. Now, they are building 3 story condos on that side for quite a ways. Many of the paths are being paved, which is subtracting dirt paths, and changing the atmosphere of the park. However, it is still big enough to find some space and nature alone. It is winter there; no leaves, so the trees' shapes are very visible making a nice pattern against the sky. It is a fine time to hike this place! It would also be good for geo-caching.
Lovely park, nice pond for watching dragonflies.
By Dede on 5/25/2003
Rating: N/A Difficulty: halfstar Solitude: halfstar
Distance: 1.50 Miles Duration: N/A
This is a great park. We walk it often with friends. It is honeycombed with dirt trails, as well as the concrete ones. There are multitudes of dogs, and bikes, however, even though the page at this site says they are not allowed.
Nice park
By Eveline on 10/27/2001
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 1star
Distance: 6.20 Miles Duration: N/A
Walked the park and the area around it for a Volksmarch.
Recommended Item
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