Elm Fork Preserve

Trail
1.50 Miles
N/A
Free
4stars (4.33)4
1star (1.00)
3point5stars (3.88)
N/A
No
No
N/A
Carrollton
Dallas
More Info
Photos
Young Armadillo
Came across 4 of these together. This one was very interested in my walking stick! They are 'grubbing' MACHINES!! (Photo by tzealous)
Log Entries
Flat but scenic
By True10 on 8/22/2011
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 4stars
Distance: 2.00 Miles Duration: N/A

If your looking for a difficult hilly hike this is not it. Flat but has some nice views. The pond is large and it has some good viewing areas. I saw 4 armadillos while hikng and some interesting looking birds and butterflies. I could not hear traffic from the highway just the constant hums of cars which is not bad also soccer practice was going on so heard lots of kids and coaches. Hiked the main trail, the pond edge trail and the crossover park of the trail. They were all very nice but I do prefer more of the elevation changing trails.

great local hike
By Fievel121 on 12/1/2008
Rating: 5stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 4stars
Distance: 1.75 Miles Duration: 20 minutes

I've hiked this trail twice. Once with my 6 year who got to read the nameplates describing the trees. And once with my 12 year old and I jogged it. Its great for a morning run.I wish it were longer!

Wish I'd seen armadillos ...
By Chandler on 9/1/2008
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 4stars
Distance: 1.00 Mile Duration: N/A
This is a nice little trail for something so nearby, though I wouldn't go miles out of the way to see it. But Carrollton has done a very good job with the preserve. There were only 3 other people, which I attribute to it being Labor Day. I can fight through the nearby traffic, but the shooting range was a little disconcerting! Once we figured out that we weren't about to be shot things improved. Since it's just a few miles down the road from us, we'll definitely be back.
A nice, easy, interesting Nature hike
By tzealous on 1/13/2005
Rating: N/A Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 3point5stars
Distance: 1.50 Miles Duration: N/A
It is Winter for sure! No leaves on the trees, which allows for seeing so much more of the lay of the land, and the Armadillo activity! This is a very nice 'little' hike, with much opportunity to see wildlife, mushrooms, and natural growth. Unfortunately, they have decided to build an extension to the Bush Toll road just behind (to the east) of the preserve, and there is a shooting range in that direction as well, that lessens the 'privacy' and quiet factor. I hike this preserve at least twice a month, and highly recommend it for a good day hike and meditation space, especially this time of year.
Recommended Item
Recommended Item 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Dallas, Fort Worth: Includes Tarrant, Collin and Denton Counties
Joanie Sánchez
List Price: $16.95 Your price: $6.99 Buy Now
It’s Time to Take a Hike in Texas!

The best way to experience the Dallas-Fort Worth area is by hiking it. Enjoy the rugged trails of Eagle Mountain Park. Discover ancient dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park. Visit the Fort Worth Nature Center’s bison range and prairie dog town for an up-close look at the wildlife. Local author and hiking expert Joanie Sanchez has selected the best hikes within a 60-mile radius of the DFW metroplex. This perfect blend of popular trails and hidden gems transports you to scenic overlooks, wildlife hot spots, and historical settings that renew your spirit and recharge your body.

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