Elm Fork Preserve

Elm Fork Preserve

Carrollton, Texas, 33 Acres

Preserve Overview

Elm Fork Preserve is a 32.8-acre preserve located in the McInnish Sports Complex. 

Preserve Features

This preserve features a picnic area at the entrance and a one-mile soft-surface trail that leads  through a heavily wooded area to a large pond. The pond is a great place to birdwatch. Further along the trail is a lookout at an inlet of the Trinity River. There is also an environmental center building located near the trailhead that the City of Carrollton uses for nature programming. The center is open select days from March to December. Learn more about activities at the center on the City of Carrollton's website. 

• Parking
• Soft-surface trail
• Picnicking

Preserve History

The preserve was dedicated in 1985 with acreage owned by both the City of Carrollton and Dallas County. From 1861 to 1983, it was part of the Bramblitt Woodright, meaning that it was set aside by the Bramblitt family to provide wood for shelter, cooking, and heat. Prior to the colonization of Texas, this land was part of the territory of the Wichita tribes. 

Preserve Rules and Maintenance

Elm Fork Preserve is maintained by the City of Carrollton and their municipal park regulations apply. Learn more at the City of Carrollton Parks and Recreation Department website. In addition, the City enforces the following special rules at this preserve:

• Hours of Operation: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
  • Access to McInnish Sports Complex may be restricted during times of flooding or high water. 
• No pets allowed. 
• No fishing.
• No smoking.

To report maintenance issues, please call the City of Carrollton Parks and Recreation Department at (972) 466-3080.