Best Nature Trails and Hikes in the Celina Area
You don’t have to venture far from Cambridge Crossing to find the best nature trails and hiking areas around Celina. You’ll find nature preserves, parks, lake trails, Audubon centers, and dedicated natural areas just a short drive from the city. Below, we rounded up info about some of the best trails to help you plan your next hike or nature walk (in order from closest to farthest).
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano has 6 miles of hiking trails, evenly split between paved and unpaved, and a 2.8-mile off-road bike trail. You’ll only have to drive about 23 miles south of Celina to enjoy this 200-acre park. For an exceptionally scenic hike, try the Outer Loop Trail, which starts in a meadow (where it’s not uncommon to see artists with their easels) and follows a clear-water tributary of Indian Creek.
Spring Creek Nature Area Trail in Richardson is a 2.3-mile paved loop, a great option for beginner hikers or wildlife enthusiasts. And you won’t spend much time getting there since this trail is only about 34 miles south of Celina. While you walk or hike, look for commonly spotted animals like heron, hummingbirds and egrets.
Grapevine Lake, a short 40 miles northwest of Dallas, has 8 different trails spanning 67 miles. You can hike from Rockledge Park to Twin Coves Park on the north side of the lake on the 22.5-mile North Shore Trail. This moderately difficult trail that’s about 37 miles from Celina is worth the effort to experience spectacular lake views and cool breezes off the water.
Oak Cliff Nature Preserve offers 8 miles of multi-use hike and bike trails. Six loops of trails span the 121 acres of woodlands, prairies and fields of wildflowers. You will enjoy stunning views from every trail. Also look for markings along the way because some off-road hikers blazed their own trails. This hidden gem is about 52 miles from Celina and just south of downtown Dallas.
The largest urban hardwood forest in the U.S., the Great Trinity Forest encompasses 6,000 acres just south of Dallas. You’ll find the Trinity River Audubon Center right in the middle. You can hike about 4 miles of trails through the open spaces surrounding the center. There you’ll see undisturbed wetlands, birds in their natural habitat and scenic views of the river. Take the 53-mile drive from Celina to see and learn more about our native flora and fauna.
River Legacy Park, a 1,300-acre park in Arlington, has more than 8 miles of walking and biking trails with picnic areas. You’ll see some gorgeous views of the Trinity River on these mostly flat trails. Stop by science learning center to learn more about the local environment. The drive from Celina is about 56 miles.
Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center in Cedar Hill has more than 2 miles of trails that reach some of the highest elevations in Dallas County. The 60-mile drive from Celina is well worth it to see the panoramic views and scenic overlooks. You guided hikes are offered so you can learn more about the local biodiversity in all seasons.
Eagle Mountain Park just west of Forth Worth boasts 400 acres of green space, hiking trails and a scenic overlook of Eagle Mountain Lake. You can hike more than 5 miles of trails that vary in difficulty to suit the whole family. If you’re looking for a challenge, run the hills or climb the steeper trails for a workout with a view. It’s only a 73-mile drive there from Celina.
Mineral Wells State Park west of the DFW Metroplex has 3,000 acres with hiking trails, horseback riding, rock climbing and natural healing well water. We recommend taking the 1.2-mile hike to Penitentiary Hollow. This rocky trail takes you past the lake and through tall sandstone formations where you’ll escape the Texas heat in the cool shaded canyon. Be sure to make a reservation for hiking, camping or rappelling before making the 112-mile trip from Celina.
You can also find 8 miles of great trails throughout Cambridge Crossing in Celina. Along the way, you will find seven lakes, a fully stocked fishing pond, and many other options for outdoor fun. Use the pickleball and basketball courts and swim in the lap and resort-style pools. Or take your activities indoors at the 6,700-square-foot private amenity center. Cambridge Crossing has everything you need to stay fit and have fun any time of the year. Stay in touch by signing up for our mailing list or contact us today to start building your dream home in our idyllic community.