Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge: Photo Journal

On World Mental Health Day (October 10, 2020), I decided to practice a bit of self-care by setting aside the to-do list and venturing out to an old favorite: The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. I originally visited the park in 2008 or so after finding the Canyon Ridge Trail listed as one of the most difficult hikes in DFW due to elevation change. It quickly became a favorite spot and I have been there many times over the years, with friends, with my dog, and alone.

The Forth Worth Nature Center & Refuge is located Northwest of Ft. Worth on Lake Worth and is about a 50minute drive from North Dallas. The park is 3,621 acres with over 20 miles of hiking trails. It also has a paddling trail along the West Fork of the Trinity River. At present, reservations are required online for weekends, but not during the week. There is a $6 fee per person and I believe a $1 fee per dog.

It has been a few years since my last trip and this time I explored a few different trails with a friend. First we completed 6.17 miles, taking the Canyon Ridge Trail at the South end of the park, connecting with a small loop of the Riverbottom Trail before taking the Canyon Ridge Trail back to the car. My watch picked up on 915ft of elevation gain while hiking this section!

Then, we drove to the North side of the park and took the Riverbottom Trail west to the Marsh Boardwalk. This was about a 3.5 mile hike and the terrain was more flat.

Below you will find photos from this trip.

For more information: https://www.fwnaturecenter.org/