Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trails in this guide are located in city parks, state parks, wildlife refuges, and lands managed by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Most trails located in city parks do not require special use permits or
charge use fees. Texas state parks charge an admission fee, or you can purchase an annual pass that's
good for unlimited entry in the state's more than ninety parks and covers everyone in the car or up to
five people in your party if you enter via bike or foot. Passes are sold at most parks or can be ordered
by calling (512) 389-8900.
Some trails are located in areas maintained by nonprofit groups such as the National Audubon Soci-
ety and ask for donations in lieu of entrance fees. See trail descriptions for more information.
Safety and Preparation
Generally speaking, the most common wildlife encounters in North Texas are with squirrels, birds, and
the occasional armadillo. Bobcats and coyotes also make their home here, but they present more
danger to small pets than to people. North Texas is home to several varieties of poisonous snakes, in-
cluding copperheads and rattlesnakes, and warning signs dot several trails, advising hikers to watch
their step and not stray off the marked path. It's also a good idea to hike in closed-toed shoes, not only
to avoid stepping on a snake while you're wearing sandals but also to avoid the wrath of fire ants and
thorny plants, from cacti to horse nettle.
In tornado season, check the forecast before you head out and avoid hiking if there's a thunderstorm
or a tornado watch. After a heavy rain, the region's heavy clay soils become muddy quagmires and
bubbling streams turn into raging rivers, so consider trail conditions before heading out. Some dirt
trails may be closed a day or two after a heavy rain. It's smart to pack a light rain jacket in case a sud-
den shower comes up, and you're likely to need a jacket fall through spring, when balmy days can
quickly turn chilly after sundown.
While some trails have water fountains, many don't, so pack one or two water bottles even for short
hikes—more if you're hiking with children and dogs. It's also smart to wear sunscreen and a hat even
on cloudy days. Long pants can save your legs from brambles and branches that grow over many
trails. Mosquito repellent is recommended spring through fall, particularly when you're hiking around
sunrise and sunset, when the pests are most active.
Careful use of maps and this guide should keep you from getting lost, but if you do lose your way,
stop and retrace your route until you can reorient yourself. Most of the hikes in this topic are well
marked and frequently traveled, but it's wise to carry a GPS unit and bring a cell phone with you just
in case of emergency. If possible, hike with a friend or join a local hiking group to combine fellowship
and fun while hitting the trail.
Hiking Organizations
Cross Timbers Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club
1900 Highland Park Circle
Denton, TX 76205-6932
(940) 891-4984
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