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Enjoy the solitude of nature at this local gem, where wildlife sightings are nearly guaranteed with every visit.


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Map Key

7.2

Miles

11.7

KM

Loop

396' 121 m

High

376' 115 m

Low

57' 17 m

Up

58' 18 m

Down

0%

Avg Grade (0°)

5%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

As with other Dallas County Nature Preserves all rules and regulations can be located on the county website. They are also posted at entrance to the preserve. This is some of the last remaining undeveloped wilderness area in Dallas County and home to countless species of bird and wildlife. Please tread lightly and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Overview

Goat Island Preserve is one of several Dallas County nature preserves set apart by the county in an effort to maintain some wilderness areas. It is located with many other preserves along the banks of the Trinity River south of Dallas. Its 348 acres is mainly made up of forests mixed with some low lying floodplains that retain water throughout the year. It is a remote location that is managed by the county. All subsequent trails within the preserve are maintained by DORBA, a Dallas Area Bicyclists Association. It is a great place to completely step away from the business of the sprawling metroplex and enjoy nature and all it has to offer. While not a quick drive for most, it is definitely worth the time to spend some time exploring this local gem.

Description

This loop trail incorporates several different individual trails throughout the preserve including the Ranch Road Trail, Eagles Loop, Owls Loop, Mustangs Trail, Roadrunner Trail, Hog's Wild Trail, and Bevo Loop. A more specific description for each of those trails can be discovered by clicking on each trail name. Overall, this loop provides the best of the entire nature preserve and allows you to journey for more than 7 miles without retracing your steps. Expect to have plenty of bird and wildlife viewing opportunities along with some great vantage points of the Trinity River along the way.

Flora & Fauna

As this area has remained undeveloped for many years, expect to see a large variety of bird and wildlife present in the preserve. This is a great place to sit and capture some great wildlife photography.

Contacts

Shared By:

John Shuttlesworth

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 8 votes

#4586

Overall
  3.5 from 8 votes
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Photos

Saplings create a maze of dense forest.
Apr 8, 2017 near Hutchins, TX
In springtime, the trails can have lots of low-hanging vegetation.
Apr 8, 2017 near Hutchins, TX
Enjoy great views of the mighty Trinity River from the Ranch Road Trail.
Apr 8, 2017 near Hutchins, TX
Trinity River
Nov 13, 2019 near Hutchins, TX
These are the typical trail markers used throughout Goat Island Nature Preserve.
Apr 8, 2017 near Hutchins, TX
Ranch Road Trail follows smooth doubletrack through forests and grassy openings.
Apr 8, 2017 near Hutchins, TX

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