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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

If you are looking for a quick jog close to the city and want to look at trees instead of buildings this is for you. If you want a true adventure and want to get away into the wilderness, this is not. No matter where you are on the trail you can always hear traffic and/or see buildings. It’s also super busy with people. Just depends on what you’re looking for!

I go here to get some trail time in. There aren't many place around here with both paved and unpaved. Some decently challenging trails in the heart of the preserve of you look hard enough. A river runs through the middle and is a nice place to cool off from the hot summer heat. From open fields to shaded forest it has a wide variety of terrains. Only 4 stars because you can still hear the city around you on the paved path.

Great place to escape the hustle of plano and the city life. The trails are great for hiking or biking, and you get the feeling of wilderness, until a jet flies over or angry motorist sounds off.

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