Cedar Hill State Park is an Urban Escape
The park is an oasis in busy Dallas/Fort Worth.
By Rachel Caldwell Hill
Overview
Located in the D/FW Metroplex, Cedar Hill State Park is the perfect place to dip your toes into all things outdoors. This park is an urban oasis for flora and fauna alike, resting at the confluence of rolling tallgrass prairies and jagged limestone escarpments. Hundreds of years ago, native grasses filled the prairies, while an ancient cedar forest covered the escarpment. By the mid-19th century, agricultural settlements began to populate the area, with remnants of the Penn Family Farm still nestled within the park's 1,826-acre property. If the history and trails aren't your thing, Joe Pool Lake offers a 7,740-acre haven for swimmers, anglers and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking for a day trip or a weekend adventure, Cedar Hill State Park offers an experience for everybody to enjoy. “We're just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas,” says Assistant Superintendent Daniel Palmer. “It's a great place to spend the day in nature or to use as a base camp for venturing around the Metroplex.”
By the Numbers
| Size: 1,942 acres |
| Closest Town: Dallas and Fort Worth |
| Year Opened: 1991 |
| Busy Season: Spring |
| Good to know: Cedar Hill State Park has an all-terrain wheelchair available for reservation while visiting the park. The pavilion is considered wheelchair-accessible from the parking area and the nearby bathrooms. The Recreation Hall is also accessible, with designated parking and ramps in both the front and back of the building. |
| History: Early settlers called the prairies around Cedar Hill “hog wallow” prairies because the clay soils collected water in slick, muddy pits like those created by wild hogs. |
Ranger Event
Cedar Hill State Park specializes in serving its diverse suburban community. To do this, rangers and park staff are constantly innovating new ways to collaborate and tell the story of natural and cultural resources. The Dutch Oven Demonstration and Potluck, hosted by the Prairie Dog chapter of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society, is a recurring event that invites everyone to the table. Beginner-level angling events allow visitors to try their hand at catching a variety of freshwater fish, all without a license. Geocaching, campfire talks and sunset hikes make each weekend at Cedar Hill State Park feel like a lifelong memory. It was even in the path of totality for the total solar eclipse this past April!
Three Hikes
Easy: Penn Farm Trail (0.6 mile loop)
Situated within a forest of dark green cedars is the Penn Farm Trail. Attracted by the rich soils and abundant grasses of the Blackland Prairie, John Anderson Penn established his family farm on this land in 1854. At just over half a mile, the Penn Farm's self-guided tour leads you through a bygone era of Texas, with buildings and equipment that served the Penn family for over 100 years. The trail itself is gravel, though off-road strollers can easily navigate the terrain to and through many buildings. As you stroll the trail, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife residents like the great horned owl or the eastern bluebird.
Moderate: Plum Valley Trail (0.8 miles)
The Plum Valley Trail can be hiked on its own or serve as a connecting trail. It is a 0.8-mile trail off the easier 0.8-mile Duck Pond Trail, offering an overview of Cedar Hill State Park's unique habitats. This trail is one of the park's more popular hiking and walking trails, but you can still enjoy solitude during quieter hours. This hike is partially shaded and generally takes around 30 minutes, so it's the perfect opportunity to get your heart rate moving without committing to a longer, more rigorous hike.
Challenging: Talala Trail (2.3 miles)
Get in the weeds of Cedar Hill State Park with the Talala Trail. At just over 2 miles long, this trail leads you through a range of habitats, highlighting the diverse ecosystems that make up Cedar Hill. This approximately two-hour hike highlights the park's tallgrass prairie restoration work, a project that strives to rehabilitate and preserve one of Texas' most endangered ecosystems. Depending on the weather, this trail can get a bit muddy, so be sure to keep an eye on the weather before visiting. Be prepared for some elevation changes.
Mix and match itineraries
Go fish
The park has two fishing jetties, so visitors can enjoy spending some time fishing. There's also the Perch Pond.
Visit the beach area
The swimming beach reopened in late 2022. The sandy beach invites swimming and wading, and a grassy area is great for picnicking. A new playscape will entertain the kids.
Check out the Penn Farm
Engaging exhibits explain the park's history, ecosystems and wildlife. You can learn what's special about alligator eyes and see alligator hatchlings.
Ride a bike
The DORBA trails are some of the premier mountain biking trails in North Texas, taking riders through the woods and prairies of the park.
Overnight Stays
Cedar Hill State Park boasts 350 developed campsites, all with water and electricity, and many with hookups. The Eagle Ford and Shady Ridge camping areas are being rebuilt; they are currently closed and are expected to reopen in 2025. Restrooms with hot showers are available in all camping areas. Thirty primitive campsites are available, too.
If you're looking for a campsite close to the trails, park staff recommend checking out the Coyote Crossing Camping Area. Sites 321, 322, 308 and 309 are close to the bathrooms and showers. For great campsites with natural amenities, park staff recommend sites 310 to 320 in Coyote Crossing. “Many of our sites are along the shoreline, but these sites give the best access to the water,” says Assistant Superintendent Daniel Palmer. If you want a prime spot to park your RV, Palmer says sites 213 to 230 in the Lakeview Camping Area are the most coveted. “They are level, with long pads and sewer hookups. They are easy to get in and out and are close to the bathroom and showers.” Lakeview is also the closest campground to the swim area.
Selfie Spots
Sunset over the lake
Assistant Superintendent Daniel Palmer suggests watching the sunrise or sunset over the lake along the Talala Trail, which offers two lookout points. “The trail goes along a valley and has stunning view across the lake. Birds are flitting around, and in springtime there are tons of wildflowers. You can also see Cowboys stadium.”
Plum Valley Overlook
Hike the Plum Valley Trail to catch a glimpse of surrounding hills, some with houses nestled in the greenery. Snap a photo from the trail's overlook, which you'll find at the end of a short spur about halfway along the trail.
Wildflowers
In spring and early summer, the park is bursting with wildflowers, including bluebonnets, verbenas, spiderwort and coreopsis. They make for beautiful pictures, but make sure you don't crush the flowers during your photo shoot!
Pro Packing List
Aside from the necessities, these items can make your trip to Cedar Hill State Park even more enjoyable.
Katabatic Gear
The Crest Windshell
Blocks the bugs and wind without adding insulation; perfect for layering; men's and women's specific sizing; comes in three colors; ultralight (less than two ounces)
MSRP: $119
katabaticgear.com
Lunatec Gear
Portable shower, mist and drink spray lid
Transforms Hydroflask, Takeya and Thermoflask bottles into a camp shower, cool mist, camp faucet and hydration bottle.
MSRP: $24.99
lunatecgear.com
