Cedar Mountain Preserve

Cedar Mountain Preserve

Preserve Overview:

Cedar Mountain Preserve is a 123-acre preserve located in Cedar Hill. At over 700 feet above sea level, this preserve contains some of the highest elevation points in Dallas County. Parking is located at 1206 FM 1382, and is shared with the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center.

City:
Cedar Hill

Size:
123 Acres

Entrance(s):
West side of FM 1382 between Northwood University and Cedar Hill State Park

Hours of Operation:
5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Preserve Features:

The preserve features a 1/4 mile paved flat trail loop and a two-mile soft-surface trail loop that traverses a hill, making it a challenging and picturesque hiking experience. To access the trailhead for the soft-surface trail, walk a quarter mile along the Balcones Trail (FM 1382 Trail) from the preserve parking lot.

The elevation changes in this preserve are unique in an otherwise relatively flat Dallas County. The reason for this is its location in the White Rock Escarpment. The Escarpment is a geologic formation that was deposited by the Great Inland Seaway approximately 100 million years ago. It is comprised of Austin Chalk, which is made from the microscopic skeletons of microorganisms that lived during this time period.

Cedar Mountain is  located immediately adjacent to the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center. This property contains a naturally-occurring population of flowering dogwoods,  a rare sight in North Central Texas since these trees primarily live in the Pineywoods of East Texas and throughout the southeastern United States.

Preserve History:

Cedar Mountain Preserve was acquired in 1992. With the construction of the Balcones Trail (FM 1382 Trail), Cedar Mountain Preserve is connected to Cedar Hill State Park, making it part of an important green corridor.

Preserve Rules and Maintenance:

Cedar Mountain Preserve is maintained by the City of Cedar Hill Parks and Recreation Department and their municipal regulations apply. To learn more, visit the City of Cedar Hill Parks and Recreation Department website.

To report maintenance issues, please call the City of Cedar Hill Parks and Recreation Department at (972) 291-5130.

 
 

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