Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
9
Heard Wildlife Sanctuary:
Wood Duck Trail
This comprehensive nature preserve is well worth the drive. The sanctuary offers a museum and a small
zoo along with a wide variety of trails through wetlands, prairies, and forests. Educational markers
identify plants and encourage conservation.
Distance: 3.5-mile lollipop
Approximate hiking time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate; can be more challenging after rain, when trails are slippery
Trail surface: Packed gravel; some portions on a wooden boardwalk with rails
Best season: Mar through May
Other trail users: The sanctuary operates nature education classes for children and is a
popular field trip destination.
Canine compatibility: Dogs not permitted
Fees and permits: Entrance fee; no charge for children under 3
Schedule: Sanctuary open Mon through Sat 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sun 1:00 to 5:00
p.m.
Maps: TOPO! Texas CD; printed maps available at the education center
Trail contacts: The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary; (972)
562-5566; www.heardmuseum.org
Special considerations: Trails are open only during museum hours, but guided night
hikes are available for $12 per person. Call for more information.
Finding the trailhead:
Take US 75 north from Dallas to McKinney and travel to exit
38A. Proceed east on TX 5 for 0.75 mile. Turn left onto FM 1378 and drive approxim-
ately 1 mile to the museum entrance on left. GPS: N33 09.554' / W96 36.913'
The Hike
