We protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, & on the ground conservation. Enjoy our little slice of Texas' Hill Country in southwest Dallas County! The hills of Cedar Hill are at the northern end of the same White Rock Escarpment that creates the beauty Texas' Hill Country is known for. Pets and bikes are NOT permitted within the preserve or on Audubon's hiking trails. Practice the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace while visiting our sanctuary. "Choose Your Own Price" admission, no fee required. We want nature to be accessible to all, regardless of means, but rely on visitor support for operational and trail maintenance expenses. Gift shop purchases and program fees also help support operations and trail maintenance. We run our own gift shop; all proceeds directly benefit the center. Trail reservations are recommended but not required. So that we may maintain a sanctuary-type of experience for all visitors and to manage the property for conservation, we have a daily capacity limit and more strict regulations than other nearby preserves. By making a trail reservation, you guarantee your entry for the day. Having a reservation also gives us the opportunity to contact you directly in advance of any unexpected trail and/or center closures. Hiking Trails:
Our hiking trails are located behind our building. Access the trails by coming up to the building. After checking in at the gift shop and getting any questions answered by our staff or volunteers, you'll access the trails through a monitored gate. Our hiking trails:
- The Canyon Floor Trail is a short (1/2 mile round trip) relatively flat trail constructed of crushed granite. Coming in 2023, debuting with First Day Hikes on Sunday, January 1st, we will feature seasonally-appropriate children's books along the trail. Known as a StoryWalk(r)*, each book is presented page-by-page along the trail and promotes literacy in reading and nature along with outdoor exercise.
- The West Loop Trail gains elevation, bringing hikers to one of the highest points above sea level in Dallas County and providing views across DFW. The endangered Golden-cheeked warbler was last spotted on this trail near the "old cabin" in mid-May 2022 (a rare bird sighting in Dallas County).
- The Dogwood Trail, accessed via the West Loop Trail, brings hikers deeper into the canyon where the sound of traffic dissipates, picturesque wooden bridges cross an ephemeral creek, and the trail brings hikers to the grove of Flowering Dogwoods (our namesake) which bloom for a couple of weeks at the end of March/beginning of April, and through one of the largest colonies of Trout Lilies in DFW (blooming in late January/early-mid February). Our future plans include a viewing platform in the grove of Flowering Dogwoods. Parking:
We share the gravel parking lot with Cedar Mountain Preserve (which is a different property from Cedar Ridge Preserve). Our parking lot is also currently the only parking lot for the City of Cedar Hill's paved Balcones Trail that runs parallel to FM 1382 and crosses in front of the gate separating our circle parking lot from the public gravel lot near the street. Due to limited parking and shared usage, we encourage carpooling when possible. Please note that the gate to the circle parking lot is closed and locked when the center closes. Vehicles may remain in the county-owned gravel parking lot after hours. Please note that all trailhead parking lots are notorious for "smash and grab" break-ins. Do not leave valuables visible in vehicles (take them with you when possible). Call 911 to report a break-in. We will release camera surveillance footage to the Cedar Hill Police Department when available. Requests for surveillance footage must be made within one week of the recording. Other Nearby Outdoor Recreation:
Within the "nature corridor" of southwest Dallas County, you'll find several additional options for outdoor recreation nearby:
- Balcones Trail - paved trail for bikes, walkers, joggers, etc. Pets welcome. Park in the county-owned gravel lot in front of our building. Find a gorgeous scenic view at the observation deck located between I-20 and the entrance to Cedar Hill State Park. No motorized vehicles on trail.
- Cedar Mountain Preserve - a project of the Dallas County Open Space System. Natural surface trail approximately half a mile in length. Accessed via the Balcones Trail. Park in the county-owned gravel lot in front of our building and take the Balcones Trail toward I-20. At the first large metal structure, turn left into the forest. Tends to be muddy when wet. Beware of unoffical trails in this area. Stay on the main trail. Following flagging, social/animal trails, or unofficial signage may lead hikers to become lost or trespass on private property.
- Cedar Hill State Park - camping, natural surface hiking and mountain biking trails, a historic farm, restored prairie, lake access with boat ramp. Fees apply. Trails may close due to saturation from rains. Cedar Hill State Park offers programs and classes. See their page for more information.
- Cedar Ridge Preserve - located across FM1382 from Cedar Hill State Park. Accessed from Mountain Creek Parkway in Duncanville. 10+ miles of natural surface hiking trails. Popular hiking and trail running location that can be very busy, especially on weekends and holidays. The preserve is normally closed on Mondays. Trail status is posted to their page. The preserve is managed by volunteers of the Audubon Dallas Chapter.
- Big Cedar Wilderness - a mountain biking preserve maintained by Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (DORBA). View DORBA's website for more information on accessing this wilderness area and other mountain bike trails in DFW.
*The StoryWalk(r) Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrial Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.
