#hike4 - Dinosaur Valley State Park

Date: January 28, 2017 Time: 11 am

Place: Dinosaur Valley State Park - Glen Rose, TX

Distance: 4.5+/- miles

This hike was, by far, the best hike of the year so far.  I know, there have really only been 4, but it was just what I needed at this time.  This hike included my aunt and my better half, which definitely didn't hurt as well as the first appearance of Chewy the Dog on a #52hikechallenge hike.  The setting is rural, just outside of town and the park is large enough that once on the trails we didn't hear a thing from the main gate.

The trails we chose were the Cedar Ridge trail with parts of the Cedar Brake trail and the Buckeye trail.  To begin, you park in a small lot near the campground entrance.  From there you make your way down to the river and you must cross.  The water was gentle and relatively low, so we made it without any major wet feet.  From there, the elevation climbs and you begin hiking the ridge overlooking the river.  The trail meanders through junipers and over the rock formations.  Along the way you'll find hike-in campsites, which look appealing for a potential camping trip this year!

This hike was far away from the DFW metro area and that was the selling point.  The woods was quiet - I could hear the wind through the trees, critters stirring, birds in the bushes, and the ground beneath me feet as I trekked forward.  I didn't hear cars driving, horns honking, too many other people in general, or anything else annoying.  The land was clean, free of trash, and it smelled fresh.  All in all, it was just a wonderful day at peace with nature.  I'm attaching some photos and highly recommending this place for anyone that wants a relaxing, yet adequately challenging hike.

Happy hiking!

#hike3 - Oak Point Park

Date: January 21, 2017 Time: 10:06 am

Place: Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve

Distance: 2.4 miles

We walked the Rowlett Creek trail, circled down the Willow Springs trail, and ended with the Burr Oak trail.  All in all, it was a bit muddy from recent precipitation, and the trash was excessive.  We passed a few people enjoying the park, and it had a some nice views of the creek.  The creek was littered with tires and the trees overhanging were littered in plastic bags.  Sad state, I couldn't do much for either of those things.  Maybe we need an organized cleanup here?  I'll have to look into local efforts.

I had to stop and think of my motivation for this challenge.  I want to see new things and connect with nature.  I was able to walk through the woods today, along a flowing creek in the middle of the city.  That's cool, but it was still the city.  I'm focusing future hikes in less populous areas - for my sake.

Happy Hiking!

#Hike2 - Cedar Ridge Preserve

Date: January 14, 2017 Time: 10:20am

Place: Cedar Ridge Preserve

Distance: 2.3 miles

This morning I woke up and the place I had originally intended to hike was flooded.  I went back to the Preserve, and it was well worth it.  It was 40 degrees, foggy, and misty.  My better half and I set out and hiked a new trail and a familiar one.  The Preserve was busier today, than expected, and it was nice to see so many fellow hikers.

The trails were wet, the roots were slippery and the air was crisp.  We had a nice walk to Cattail Pond and then a brisk walk back to the trail head.

Here’s a link to the trail profiles

Here’s a link to the trail map

#Hike1 - Cedar Ridge Preserve

Date: January 7, 2017 Time: 10am

Place: Cedar Ridge Preserve

Distance: 3.2 miles

This morning I met a couple of friends at Cedar Ridge Preserve and we hiked a few trails.  It was about 20 degrees, and the trails were snow covered.  The sun was shining, the wind was still, and we were ready!

We set out on the Cattail Pond Trail, and when we came to a "T" in the road turned on to the Fossil Valley Trail.  We took the Fossil Valley Trail to the Cattail Pond and then took the Escarpment Trail back to the trail head.

The snow was making the rocks a bit slick, but overall no major issues.  We went up and down several large hills, via switchbacks and one long incline for the final stretch.  Overall, I can't wait to get back here and check out the other trails.

Here's a link to the trail profiles

Here's a link to the trail map