John F. Burke Nature Preserve

It is a nice little off the beaten path shaded/​woodsy trail. This whole area has really expanded so there’s different sections of the trail and parks you can hit up and enjoy. Often when I’m out in this area I run more on the paved road but if you’re looking for a trail run or a nature hike you can venture back here and do a little exploring. Since all of the storms and flooding in the springtime a lot of these areas have been closed but thankfully are now opening back up! I would bring friends or your significant other and just hang out and be immersed in nature.

I went on a lovely day to this preserve.
There are some trails with no paving and some with rocks… the rock trails (which were preferred, as the no paving trails were wicked muddy) seemed to just take you on a tour under the George Bush.
This made me a little uncomfortable, I was wondering if we would come across a bridge dweller of sorts… we didnt, but still. Walking underneath major highways is not my idea of nature.
We’ll try again when it is less muddy and try out the other options. Hopefullly, we’ll get to see some cool wildlife… I think everyone was napping today.

I drive by this place all the time, and I always say «I should stop there sometime.» I had some time to kill yesterday evening and I was in the area, so I went to check it out.
The concept is simple. It’s 104 acres of land, upland forests and wetlands along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River, that has not been altered by development and construction. It gives you an idea of what our region looked like back in the day. This is not a botanical garden or anything like that, so no landscaping has been done.
The trails are not paved, they are just a path that has been mowed. I wouldn’t recommend running here, and I suspect mountain biking is not allowed. These trails are for leisurely walks and education only. There’s signs along the way explaining the native trees and animals. There are benches along the trails at spots that provide views. One of the river views was surprisingly high. There are no fences or anything, so be careful.
Please respect the park and stay on the trail. If you decide to venture off the trail, you will get poison ivy and you will deserve it. Seriously, there’s a lot of poison ivy here.
A jogging stroller can be used for small children, but I don’t think a regular stroller would work here. Also, don’t forget your repellant if you attract mosquitoes.
This place is on the opposite side of the river from Irving’s Campion Trail. There is no bridge connecting these trails, but it would be awesome if there was. Both are in Dallas county, so maybe it will happen.