Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Hike
River Legacy Park is a major destination for Arlington-area residents year-round, including special
events such as spring's Cardboard Boat Regatta. Its Living Science Center contains informative exhib-
its on natural history and native plants and animals, as well as tips on living green. In fact, much of the
center itself was constructed using sustainable design and largely built from recycled materials.
The trailhead is located at the end of the park's drive west of the Living Science Center, making a
visit to the center an easy addition to the hike. Several small trails branch off from the park's main trail
along the Trinity River here. From the parking lot, take the concrete path at the back of the lot and
head into the woods. The path connects with the main park trail in about 100 yards by a large wooden
bridge.
If time permits, take a brief detour. Bear to the right where the trail from the parking lot meets the
larger main trail and cross a bridge over Snider Legacy Creek to quickly check out a dense thicket of
trees that's home to a colony of spiders. After viewing the arachnids, turn around and head west on the
main trail.
The wide trail winds along the river, on the right. The park's picnic tables and fields are on the left.
Veer right at a fork, staying on the main trail as it continues along the river. The city's sewage treat-
ment center is located just on the other side of the river here, so smells related to processing the
residue of more than 300,000 people waft over the trail. The churning sounds of a natural gas well may
also be heard. The trail passes over deposits of Barnett shale, a rich underground reservoir of natural
gas and some oil that lies under much of the region. The paved trail ends at 1.6 miles, where a picnic
spot by the river provides a place to relax and take in the wildlife before heading back to the trailhead.
