Best hiking spots to try in the DFW area ahead of SMU’s week eight home showdown with Cal

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As we ascend deeper and deeper into the college football season, the hiking becomes more and more about finding places that aren’t frigid.

If you’re looking for a locale that offers comfortable fall temperatures without having to pack a parka, might I suggest the Dallas-Ft. Worth area?

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It just so happens the 23rd-ranked SMU Mustangs are hosting the Cal Golden Bears this Saturday, and their stadium, located in the scenic Highland Park neighborhood of Dallas, is within driving distance of a ton of great trails.

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Welcome sign at Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport

Most people likely think of DFW as nothing but a vast sea of highways and high rises, but having been a resident of the Metroplex for six years, I can attest that there are plenty of beautiful hikes just waiting to be found.

Get to know some of these hidden gems as you make your way to North Texas for the game this weekend.

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1. Cedar Ridge Preserve

As I mentioned, you might think DFW is just some sprawling urban nightmare with nothing but flat terrain, but our top choice on this list debunks that misconception right from the jump.

Cedar Ridge Preserve is located roughly 15 miles southwest of downtown Dallas and features nearly nine miles of hilly trails and scenic overlooks thanks to being nearly 800 feet above sea level.

The wooded hiking trails will make you feel like you are hundreds of miles away from civilization despite being just a stone’s throw from one of the most populous cities in America; the best of both worlds!

If you want a taste of Texas Hill Country without ever having to leave the DFW Metroplex, put Cedar Ridge Preserve on your list.

2. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

I might be a little biased on this one since it’s where I had one of my first dates with my now-wife and was the site of our engagement photos, but Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a must-see for anyone visiting Dallas during the fall.

Located in the nearby suburb of Plano, Arbor Hills is a straight shot up the Dallas North Tollway and is a bit more central in terms of location than Cedar Ridge, but this place really has it all.

Both paved and unpaved trails are offered here as well as a bike path for anyone looking to explore on two wheels.

A special mention has to be made to the observation tower at the center of the park, which features a great view of the fall foliage of North Texas.

A yellow rake pushes around autumn leaves.

Make your way to the top of the tower at sunset and the scenes from up there will surely be Instagram-worthy.

Arbor Hills has wooded paths, open prairies, and even a creek, presenting the whole package to any outdoorsman without ever leaving the confines of the city.

3. Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge

Don’t forget, there is an “FW” in the “DFW” area, and Fort Worth might be an even better hiking city than its more famous sister.

For those of you interested in a more western flavor to your trip, Fort Worth is the place to be, and the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge is the gold standard of Tarrant County trails.

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The Refuge is super distinctive in its looks, with tree-covered trails and wetlands that connect to both the Trinity River and Lake Worth.

This place has everything from a boardwalks to natural paths and there are even bison on the property.

It’s a bit of a trek from SMU’s campus, but if you’re in DFW for the whole weekend, I would recommend giving it a look and then enjoying some of the excellent barbecue in the area to refuel.

4. Oak Cliff Nature Preserve

The final entry on our list is a bit of a local hidden gem, but it shouldn’t be too hard to find.

Nestled just to the southwest of downtown Dallas, Oak Cliff Nature Preserve is a 121-acre sanctuary with thick, overgrown vegetation and dirt paths to remind you that there is still plenty of natural beauty in this overgrown concrete jungle.

There is one interconnected single track that takes you around the property, but it stretches nearly eight miles, so those of you looking to hit your step goal will be in heaven.

Bikers are welcome, too, as the nature preserve is very popular with mountain bike enthusiasts.

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Anyone looking for a no-frills alternative to walking around the downtown area should definitely give this place a hard look, and history buffs will be happy, as the Oak Cliff Nature Preserve is just a short drive from the Texas Theater, where alleged JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald snuck into a movie while on the run from Dallas police.

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