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Natural Awakenings Dallas -Fort Worth Metroplex Edition

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North Texas Experts Recommend Favorite Day-Hiking Trails

Ben Sandifer, Wendel Withrow

Master Naturalist Ben Sandifer, DFW’s most prolific environmental steward, says, “I recommend the following trails because they are family friendly, easy to find and safe. Also, other than Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA), these trails are free from an entrance fee. The trails are in different parts of the metroplex, as well.

“I would put Cedar Ridge Preserve at the top of the list (AudubonDallas.org/cedar-ridge-preserve) Arbor Hills Preserve, in Plano, (Plano.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Arbor-Hills-Nature-Preserve-20) is nice, as well.

Other picks include River Legacy Park (RiverLegacy.org/river-legacy-park-information), in Arlington and LLELA trail (llela.unt.edu/llelas-trails), in Lewisville.

Wendel Withrow,  president of the North Texas Sierra Club and author of Best of Tent Camping Texas, states, “The best local hiking is Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve in the cedar hill area. Arbor Hills, in Plano, is also good, but most of the trails are paved. I also recommend a great source for all the best hiking trails is 60 Hikes Within 60 miles: Dallas-Ft Worth, by Joanie Sanchez.