Need to recharge your batteries? How about heading to a nearby nature sanctuary to take in some Vitamin D (thanks to the return of sunny, springtime weather!). Here are some area outdoor hotspots for walking, cycling and enjoying the outdoors:
Arbor Hills: North Dallas neighbors can venture outdoors at Plano’s own nature retreat, which boasts local birds and wildlife and a 2.3-mile paved trail with additional miles of unpaved hiking and mountain-biking trails. The paved trail is wheelchair friendly. www.plano.gov
The Cedar Ridge Preserve: A little slice of Hill Country right in our own Dallas-Fort Worth backyard! Take a hike on the 9 miles of hilly unpaved trails. Noted as one of the highest elevations in Dallas, the top lookout over the Dallas cityscape measures in at 755 feet above sea level. Trails are not wheelchair friendly. www.audubondallas.org
Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge: Enjoy incredible (and quiet) scenic views at the refuge, where hikers can explore acres of trails (with the longest round-trip totaling to nearly 4 miles). This secluded spot in Fort Worth is the perfect locale to snap photos of spring flowers, birds and wildlife. The dirt paths are not wheelchair friendly; however, the Hardwicke Interpretive Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible and offers a beautiful lookout of the area. www.fwnaturecenter.org
Grapevine Lake Trails: The single-track Northshore Trail (about 9 miles) and Knob Hills Trail (about 4 miles) wind around Grapevine Lake, offering hikers and brave mountain bikers (some spots are steep with rocky terrain) enchanting views of the lake. Knob Hills is more suitable for beginners, but Northshore provides a better view of the water and its inhabitants (like elegant heron). Bring your own water! Trails are not wheelchair friendly. www.grapevinetexasusa.com
Katy Trail: This 3.5-mile walking trail (that welcomes runners, cyclists, strollers and is wheelchair friendly) links Mockingbird Station to the American Airline’s Center. While you won’t evade the hustle of the city (the trail is a popular exercise ground), the nearby location makes it an easy escape for a stroll. www.katytraildallas.org
Trinity Trails: Access the most popular 14.2-mile out-and-back trail (one of more than 35 miles of Trinity Trails in Fort Worth) at Heritage Park in downtown. Here, walk along the paved surface until you reach Trinity Park, the Fort Worth Zoo or even Trinity River Park. Trail is wheelchair friendly. www.trinitytrails.org
White Rock Lake: If you’re looking to go the distance (11 miles, to be exact), head to this paved trail for running, walking, cycling and taking in the view of Dallas’ White Rock Lake. Bring your own water—or consider taking a picnic to enjoy the gorgeous urban setting. Paved trail is wheelchair friendly. www.dallasparks.org
