Kathryn Hopper - Best easy day hikes, Dallas/Fort Worth

Best Easy Day Hikes Series

Best Easy Day Hikes Dallas/Fort Worth

Kathryn Hopper

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Copyright 2010 by Morris Book Publishing, LLC

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Hopper, Kathryn.

Best easy day hikes, Dallas/Fort Worth / Kathryn Hopper.

p. cm.

ISBN 978-1-4930-0501-7

1. Hiking--Texas--Dallas--Guidebooks. 2. Hiking--Texas--Fort WorthGuidebooks. 3. Dallas (Tex.)Guidebooks. 4. Fort Worth (Tex.)Guidebooks. I. Title.

GV199.42.T492D354 2010

917.64'2812--dc22

2009026709

The author and Globe Pequot Press assume no liability for accidents happening to, or injuries sustained by, readers who engage in the activities described in this book.

Contents

The Hikes

Acknowledgments

Thanks to my hiking partners, including Stuart, James, Henry, Will, and Andrew Tonkinson. For advice on birds and other wildlife, thanks to the Dallas Chapter of the National Audubon Association, Bob Jones Nature Center, the Fort Worth Nature Center, and Heard Nature Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. And special thanks to Bud Kennedy.

Introduction

North Texas is not a traditional hiking mecca, but the regions 6.1 million-plus residents can actually find a wide variety of trails, from urban walks through trendy neighborhoods to rural retreats by tranquil lakesall within an hours drive. This pocket guide contains nineteen easy day hikes in North Texas ranging in length from 0.75 mile to just over 6.0 miles. These hikes cover a variety of ecosystems, from the wide-open spaces of the blackland prairie to the wooded glens of the Cross Timbers. Area elevations generally range from 450 to 600 feet. A few places, like Cedar Ridge Preserve southwest of Dallas, have similar geological roots to the Texas Hill Country in and around Austin, with rocky limestone ledges and scrubby cedar forests.

Both Dallas and Fort Worth are nestled on the banks of the Trinity River, and while the river has been little more than a drainage ditch in some areas, cities are investing millions of dollars in projects to enhance their waterfronts and protect the regions vibrant floodplainshome to the nations largest urban hardwood forest. The regions numerous lakes, all man-made and created to supply the areas ever-growing water demands, also provide sites for gorgeous hiking trails.

Although the Metroplex is more famous for its massive malls and sports arenas, the region is actually home to several top-notch nature preserves that offer a much-needed escape from suburban sprawl. Indeed its possible to find secluded trails nestled along bubbling streams only a few hundred yards from bustling highways. Best Easy Day Hikes Dallas/Fort Worth showcases the best of this regions recreational riches.

Weather

An advantage North Texas offers over northern climes is year-round hiking weather. Sure summer days can be scorching, with temperatures routinely topping the 100-degree mark, but humidity typically drops and nighttime temperatures fall to the upper 70s, making for pleasant evening hikes. Winters here are generally mild, with daytime highs often topping 70 degrees, making for some of the best hiking months of the year. Another plus for fall hiking: Trails are largely deserted on weekends as folks take in another fall traditionfootball. In winter, sudden cold fronts can move in, dipping temperatures below freezing, but snow is rare and fleeting. Winter also offers less-crowded trails and the ability to spot bird and squirrel nests in bare trees. Winter is the mating season for some species here, including coyotes, which are most commonly spotted at sunrise and sunset.

Spring brings rainy weather and fast-moving fronts that can trigger straight-line winds, tornadoes, and hail. Much of the Dallas/Fort Worth area is equipped with outdoor warning sirens that go off when dangerous tornados and large hail are approaching. If you find yourself on the trail when a storm pops up, head for cover if at all possible, and stay away from lone trees, lakes, and open areas.

The old North Texas saying If you dont like the weather, just wait five minutes and itll change is a reminder to be prepared for any and all types of weather when heading out for a hike. Temperatures can drop 50 degrees or more in less than an hour, so check the weather report, and dress in layers when appropriate.

Wilderness Restrictions and Regulations

Trails in this guide are located in city parks, state parks, wildlife refuges, and lands managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Most trails located in city parks do not require special use permits or charge use fees. Texas state parks charge an admission fee, or you can purchase an annual pass thats good for unlimited entry in the states more than ninety parks and covers everyone in the car or up to five people in your party if you enter via bike or foot. Passes are sold at most parks or can be ordered by calling (512) 389-8900.

Some trails are located in areas maintained by nonprofit groups such as the National Audubon Society and ask for donations in lieu of entrance fees. See trail descriptions for more information.

Safety and Preparation

Generally speaking, the most common wildlife encounters in North Texas are with squirrels, birds, and the occasional armadillo. Bobcats and coyotes also make their home here, but they present more danger to small pets than to people. North Texas is home to several varieties of poisonous snakes, including copperheads and rattlesnakes, and warning signs dot several trails, advising hikers to watch their step and not stray off the marked path. Its also a good idea to hike in closed-toed shoes, not only to avoid stepping on a snake while youre wearing sandals but also to avoid the wrath of fire ants and thorny plants, from cacti to horse nettle.