Cedar Mountain Preserve

Trail
2.25 Miles
N/A
Free
3point5stars (3.50)7
2point5stars (2.50)
3point5stars (3.75)
N/A
No
No
N/A
Dallas
Dallas
More Info
Photos
Second Trail Head
Shortly after starting, hikers will have to traverse a large field to enter the woods. Often the trail is obvious, but not always. (Photo by Pitmaster)
Contrasting Colors
While there are no view-points on this trail, there are still plenty of sights to enjoy. (Photo by Pitmaster)
Along the Trail
Zach poses on the trail. (Photo by Pitmaster)
Bright Berries and Autumn Foilage
Along the trail. (Photo by Pitmaster)
Trail Head
The trail head and parking is at the adjacent Audubon [dog-less] Dogwood Canyon center. While dogs are NOT allowed in the Audubon facility, they ARE welcome on the Cedar Hill trail. (Photo by Pitmaster)
Second Trail Head
Shortly after starting, hikers will have to traverse a large field to enter the woods. Often the trail is obvious, but not always. (Photo by Pitmaster)
Contrasting Colors
While there are no view-points on this trail, there are still plenty of sights to enjoy. (Photo by Pitmaster)
Along the Trail
Zach posing on the trail. (Photo by Pitmaster)
Bright Berries and Autumn Foilage
Along the trail. (Photo by Pitmaster)
Trail Head
The trail head and parking is at the adjacent Audubon [dog-less] Dogwood Canyon center. While dogs are NOT allowed in the Audubon facility, they ARE welcome on the Cedar Hill trail. (Photo by Pitmaster)
Dogwood Canyon
south of trail (Photo by CedrHillr)
A little bit off trail overlooking Joe Pool Lake
Scenic View (Photo by CedrHillr)
Log Entries
Fun, short hike
By Wildflower on 9/28/2016
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 3point5stars
Distance: 1.50 Miles Duration: N/A

Hiked this trail for a quick outing. Not sure about the length; keep meaning to track it and I notice a lot of variation on the logbooks. Decent trail, needs some maintenance, still tacky after rains earlier in the week/weekend. Lots of invasive Chinese privet. It's a good thing I know this trail. There are some "social" trails that deviate. I know some neighbors in this canyon and therefore, also know that if you try to scramble up the steep section at the end of the loop to get a view, you will be crossing onto private property. The steepness tells me this was not part of the original trail design. I'm a big fan of keeping a "preserve" as a protected wildlife habitat...it's not a city park, so respect the home of these plants and animals and avoid the "social" trails. Solitude is good, especially once you get past the open meadow/prairie area and get back into the forest.

was great! was our 3rd time out! going back tomorrow.
By andrea8430 on 11/13/2014
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 2point5stars Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 2.25 Miles Duration: 30 minutes
GREAT! 2nd time in a row! loved it!
By andrea8430 on 11/12/2014
Rating: 5stars Difficulty: 2point5stars Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 30.00 Miles Duration: N/A
Quick getaway in South Dallas
By Pitmaster on 12/3/2013
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 3stars
Distance: 1.50 Miles Duration: N/A

Albeit short, this trail is perfect when you want to take a short hike but still enjoy nature.  While you can hear the highway for the first and last quarter mile, the rest of the trail is relatively peaceful.

Only real problem with this trail is that it takes many weeks to dry out after significant rainfall.  Trying to hike this trail while muddy will be a miserable experience.

Shady, Cedar Hills
By CedrHillr on 10/21/2008
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 3stars Solitude: 3stars
Distance: 1.30 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Trail close to Cedar Hill State Park entrance, free.  Parking off Hwy 1382 on same side as Park about 1/4 mile down highway toward Cedar Hill.  Trail in good shape.  Trail map board at parking lot, no restrooms.  Nice clearing up a steep hill for scenic overlook, well worn path leads to it about halfway along trail, otherwise not another overlook along path.    Trail has varying vegative cover and topography under tree canopies.

Scenic preserve and convenient
By CedrHillr on 8/13/2008
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 3stars Solitude: 3stars
Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: 2 hours, 10 minutes

This place is free and usually uncrowded but Dogwood Canyon will be combined w/ this preserve.  The Audobon Society who are building trails and an education center At Dogwood will manage this preserve too.  But maybe they will consider lookouts which this place sorely needs.  There are scenic views to be had off trail but the signs tell you to stay on path.  Figures. 

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