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Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Loop

Plano, Texas

3.9/5
based on 7 reviews

Details

Distance

2.44 miles

Elevation Gain

20 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Dan Toups

The preserve has a 2.43 mile loop, a 2.7 mile mountain bike trail loop (beginner to intermediate), as well as a 3.6 mile outer loop for hiking and trail-running. It features open, scenic fields with lots of flowers, and you can find lots of group runs, rides, photography classes, yoga, etc here. Just 4.2 miles from REI and Trader Joe's, the preserve is dog friendly, and has free wifi in the pavilion next to the playground.

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a free, fantastic get-away for a quick dose of the outdoors in the middle of the busy city. Safe and family-friendly, this preserve has a wide variety of visitors doing every type of activity, from jogging to mountain biking to drone flying.

The playground sits next to the bathrooms and covered pavilions that boast free wifi provided by the City of Plano. Less than 50 ft. from the playground is the entrance to the 2.7 mile mountain bike single-track loop (maintained by DORBA, Dallas Off Road Bike Association) that is famous for being tame enough for beginners, but fast enough for the seasoned rider with quick drops and banked turns. Be careful of the rabbits that shoot across the trail in the warm months and the narrow tree-gates. ALWAYS wear a helmet.

This nature preserve hosts all sorts of wildlife including deer, coyotes, owl, tarantulas, armadillos, snakes, and rumors of mountain lions.

Since Texas has nearly perfect fall, spring and winter weather, Arbor Hills' parking lot can get very crowded on the weekends, so arrive early on sunny days.

Less than 3 miles from the trailhead, foodies can find top-notch restaurants, coffee bars, and breweries.

These trails, although very safe and surrounded by a beautiful golf course neighborhood, can get very dark early in the evenings due to the extensive tree coverage, so always be vigilant.

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Features

Fitness
Photography
Mountain Biking
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Groups
Picnic Area
River
Romantic
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife
ADA Accessible

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Loop Reviews

This is a great area with lots of intersecting trails to choose from. The outer loop has a fairly steep hill that can be muddy and slick, but is otherwise easy to traverse. Can be crowded. Lost one star because some trail intersections are not well marked.

This is a nice park with several different trails. The loop is the longest, but intersects several others so you can make your walk as long as you want. On a pretty day, it’s crowded. Keep that in mind with dogs and bikes.

I was in town for a short time and needed some time in nature. I stopped by this park for a couple of hours and had a wonderful time. I enjoyed the variety of landscapes and finding new-to-me dragonflies at the pond. I left off the 5th star because you definitely need a map to get around. Many trails aren't marked - more signs would be useful. The overlook might be nice for sunset but otherwise you only see roof tops.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Arbor Hills Mountain Bike Loop

Hike at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Katy Trail

White Rock Lake Loop

Little Bear Creek Trail

Relax at Klyde Warren Park