Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Finding the trailhead:
From I-20 take exit 458 to Mountain Creek Parkway and
drive 2.8 miles. Cedar Ridge Preserve is on the right. The preserve's main drive leads
to a gravel parking lot. A building with restrooms and posted trail signs are adjacent to
the parking lot. Follow the main trail about 500 yards to the woods, where the Cattail
Pond Trail begins. GPS: N32 38.276' / W96 57.531'
The Hike
Cedar Ridge Preserve is a not-for-profit natural habitat of 633 acres with 10 miles of hiking trails plus
a butterfly garden and picnic area. Depending on the weekend, the preserve can feel crowded or bliss-
fully remote.
The preserve's ten trails range in difficulty from the Little Bluestem Trail, a 0.25-mile wheelchair-
accessible trail through a garden, to the Cedar Break Trail, a 1.7-mile up-and-down trek. You can vary
the trails hiked on different visits, taking advantage of the time of year. The 1.0-mile Bluebonnet Trail
is a perfect springtime pick, while the challenging Escarpment Trail is a great winter escape.
The Cattail Pond Trail is a great introduction to the preserve. The trail moves through scrubby
woods with prickly pear cactus up to a prime peak, where hikers can pause to take in views to the
west. The trail then travels down to the peaceful pond, where benches provide a midpoint picnic spot.
It's also one of the best-marked trails in the preserve.
The trail begins next to the preserve's restrooms, by the butterfly garden. Veer right as the Possum-
haw Trail splits off to the left near the trailhead. The trails rejoin just 0.3 mile farther, making for an
interesting detour if time permits. Signs on the left warn of poisonous snakes, occasionally spotted on
and along the trail, so keep an eye out.
At about 0.3 mile, the Cedar Break Trail branches to the left. Bear right to stay on the Cattail Pond
Trail. The Cedar Break Trail also loops back to Cattail Pond, but it is more challenging and may be too
difficult for families with young children. At about 1.0 mile there's a view of Joe Pool Lake before the
trail goes down a steep ravine to the pond, the trail's turnaround spot.
