Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ing area and look for large sign reading
COLLEYVILLE NATURE CENTER
. GPS: N32 52.459' /
W97 10.100'
The Hike
The Colleyville Nature Center and its system of more than 3.0 miles of trails is a relaxing retreat for
Mid-Cities residents and bird watchers. More than twenty varieties of warblers have been recorded
here, including golden-winged and hooded warblers. The trail has several shaded picnic tables and an
adjacent playground, making it a great hike for parents with young children or anyone looking to walk
off a meal.
The Nature Trail is the main trail in the park, but other short trails join and connect it in various
spots, making it easy to shorten or lengthen your hike as desired. Much of the trail winds along Little
Bear Creek, which joins Big Bear Creek near the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport before flow-
ing into the West Fork of the Trinity River. Several years ago, some residents reported seeing a panther
along the creek's banks, but officials never confirmed the sightings. Still, local lore did prompt the
high school to name its sports teams the Colleyville Panthers.
You'll begin the hike on a paved trail by the parking lot and then head into a dense forest of post
oak, cottonwood, American elm, pecan, and sugar hackberry trees. The trail crosses a bridge over
Little Bear Creek by an outdoor amphitheater and winds along the creek for 0.25 mile before reaching
an open grassy area by the ponds. Here you may spot herons, kingfishers, and flycatchers, as well as
flocks of ducks and the park's resident gaggle of noisy geese.
The trail circles around the ponds and then reenters the forest. Cross back over the creek and meet
the trail back at the amphitheater. From here you can spot the parking lot and return to the trailhead.
