Near Goat Island Nature Preserve
Saplings create a maze of dense forest.
Near Goat Island Nature Preserve
In springtime, the trails can have lots of low-hanging vegetation.
Near Goat Island Nature Preserve
Enjoy great views of the mighty Trinity River from the Ranch Road Trail.
Near Goat Island Nature Preserve
Trinity River
Near Goat Island Nature Preserve
These are the typical trail markers used throughout Goat Island Nature Preserve.

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Goat Island Nature Preserve

3.5 (8 Ratings)
Enjoy the solitude of nature at this local gem, where wildlife sightings are nearly guaranteed with every visit.
7.1
mi
Distance
14
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
As with other Dallas County Nature Preserves all rules and regulations can be located on the county <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.dallascounty.org/department/plandev/trails/open_rules.php">website</a>. They are also posted at entrance to the preserve. This is some of the last remaining undeveloped wilderness area in Dallas County and home to countless species of bird and wildlife. Please tread lightly and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.09mi
Distance
14ft
Elevation Gain
14ft
Elevation Loss
5%
Max Grade
391ft
High Point
370ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
This loop trail incorporates several different individual trails throughout the preserve including the Ranch Road Trail, Eagles Loop, Owls Loop, Mustangs Trail, Roadrunner Trail, Hog's Wild Trail, and Bevo Loop. A more specific description for each of those trails can be discovered by clicking on each trail name. Overall, this loop provides the best of the entire nature preserve and allows you to journey for more than 7 miles without retracing your steps. Expect to have plenty of bird and wildlife viewing opportunities along with some great vantage points of the Trinity River along the way.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
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Contributors
John Shuttlesworth