Enjoy the cooler weather at these 22 hiking and biking spots in North Texas

Have you and your family been outside lately? Most of us spend a lot of time indoors, and one study from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency even estimates that Americans spend over 90 percent of our lives either in a home, school or office, or inside a vehicle.

Why does it matter? Spending time outside just feels good. We are also increasingly aware of the many benefits of spending time with nature, be it for our physical or mental health.

As temperatures cool off, it’s time to venture out again.

You might be surprised to find that North Texas has a wealth of opportunities for hiking and biking. Get outdoors and take advantage of our urban green spaces.

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

It's hard to believe this 200-acre suburban oasis in West Plano is surrounded by subdivisions. Within minutes from any of the trailheads, you'll be carried away to the countryside and some of the last remnants of upland forest and adjacent blackland prairie around D-FW, making the perfect backdrop for hiking and exploring nature. There are plenty of paved trails, but the best views can be had venturing off to one of the many shaded (but well-marked) footpaths.

Open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday. 2 to 11 p.m. Wednesday. Free. 6701 W. Parker Road, Plano. 972-941-7250. plano.gov.

Campion Trails Park

The 13-plus-mile paved trail offers easy hiking or biking access to natural areas amid the suburban areas of Irving. There are wonderful nature and wildlife viewing opportunities as the path offers great views running parallel to the Elm Fork of the Trinity River and even takes you by a historic bridge believed to be a hangout of Bonnie and Clyde. Interesting chainsaw-carved animals mark part of the trail, making use of trees that were removed for trail construction.

Open daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free. Trinity View Park, 2221 E. State Highway 356, Irving. 972-721-2501. irvingtexas.com/visitor-info/about-irving/campion-trails.

Cedar Ridge Preserve

With over 9 miles of well-manicured trails, Cedar Ridge provides some of the absolute best scenic hiking and nature viewing opportunities in the area. This 600-acre preserve offers a slice of the Hill Country just 20 minutes south of downtown Dallas. Pack a lunch to take advantage of picnic tables near their welcoming butterfly garden, and check out the schedule of classes taught through Audubon Dallas.

Tuesday through Sunday, 6:30 a.m. until last light when weather permits. Weekends can get extremely busy by mid-morning and parking is limited. Suggested $3 donation. 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas. 972-709-7784. audubondallas.org/cedar-ridge-preserve/.

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center

This 200-plus-acre preserve offers some of the most amazing views and diverse native plant populations. With 2 miles of trails reaching the highest elevation in Dallas County, there are great opportunities for bird watchers and nature lovers. Check out their nature store and schedule of events and educational opportunities. Be sure to visit in the spring for the flowering dogwood blooms.

Trails are open through reservation only on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. No dogs except on Balcones trail in front of Dogwood Canyon. Free, though donations are appreciated. 1206 W. FM 1382, Cedar Hill. 469-526-1980. dogwood.audubon.org.

Elm Fork Nature Preserve

This 40-acre preserve in the city of Carrollton offers a virtually undisturbed section of Trinity bottomland forest. Two short trails — one paved, one unpaved — include interpretative signage describing local flora and fauna with views of a nearby creek, pond and the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. It's a great introduction to urban natural areas for the beginner or those with children. Also check out the adjacent "dimension tract" for canoe and kayak access to the Trinity River. Rentals available through a private company up the road.

Open daily from dawn until dusk. Free. 2335 Sandy Lake Road, Carrollton. 972-466-3080. cityofcarrollton.com.

Grapevine Lake

A network of shared hiking and biking trails link nine different city parks and over 1,400 acres, offering a wealth of scenic views and fishing around the lake. Check out the Northshore, Lakeview, Katie's Woods or Cross Timbers trails or explore many of the other winding trails around the lake to get your outdoor fix. Check out the interactive trail map before you go.

The sunrises and sunsets around the lake are a sight to see. Free. Visit gograpevine.com for specific locations.

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

McKinney's 289-acre wildlife sanctuary and natural science museum focuses on educating children about nature with hiking trails, educational nature exhibits and classes as well as special zip-line and canoeing events. This private nonprofit is funded in part by admission fees which help sustain the sanctuary.

Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays. Adults, $10, seniors and children 3-12, $7, children 2 and under are admitted free. 1 Nature Place, McKinney. 972-562-5566. heardmuseum.org.

John Bunker Sands Wetland Center

Located on the banks of the East Fork of the Trinity River as part of the East Fork Wetland Project, the 3,100-acre JBS wetland was designed to filter and supplement the water supply for North Texas, making it one of the largest constructed wetlands in the United States. A series of hiking trails, a wetland boardwalk and an educational visitors center demonstrate importance of water, wetlands and wildlife conservation. Check out their schedule for a wide range of events and tours targeted to young and old alike, and don't forget to see their resident mating pair of bald eagles and their young.

Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; Closed Sunday and Monday. Adults $5, seniors $4, children 12 and under free. 655 Martin Lane, Combine. 972-474-9100. wetlandcenter.com.

Klyde Warren Park/Perot Museum Plaza

This 5.2-acre public urban green space is nestled in downtown Dallas and extends over part of the Woodall Rodgers Freeway. The park provides a variety of free programming and educational opportunities along with a children's park, dog park and game area. Don't forget to check out the south side of the park between North Harwood Street and St. Paul for a great demonstration of native Texas plants and an urban monarch butterfly habitat. A short walk to Field Street takes you to the free 1-acre plaza surrounding the Perot Museum of Nature and Science with hands-on educational activities and splashable water feature under a wooded canopy of native trees.

Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Free to visit, but on-street metered fees apply. 2000 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas. 214-716-4500. klydewarrenpark.org.

Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area

This nature preserve includes amazing views of remnant blackland prairie, upland forest, and wetland ecosystems with a number of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. Try hiking the many trails, schedule a kayak trip or guided nature walks, or enjoy camping and fishing along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. Due to construction though, river access and fishing is not accessible until further notice.

Open daily, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. $5 per vehicle (fewer than 10 passengers). Cash or check only. 201 E. Jones St., Lewisville. 972-219-3550. llela.org.

Harry S. Moss Park

Miles of unpaved hiking, biking and equestrian trails are hidden in this large urban park, providing solitude among the mature oak trees. The park connects to the White Rock Lake system but is a nice alternative for those wanting to avoid crowds. Download or print out this map to help you find your way.

Open daily, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Free. 7601 Greenville Ave., Dallas. 214-670-1923. dallasparks.org.

Native Texas Park

The 15-acre park on the grounds of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum showcases native Texas plants and environments as well as rainwater harvesting bio-swales through a series of easily accessible wildflower trails. Check their schedule for guided tours and special events.

Open daily, dawn to dusk. Free to hike, but on-site parking is charged. 2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas. 214-200-4300. georgewbushlibrary.smu.edu.

Oak Cliff Nature Preserve

This partnership between the Texas Land Conservancy and the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (DORBA) offers over 8 miles of multi-use hike and bike trails on a beautifully diverse 121-acre oasis in the heart of Oak Cliff. The unique topography and plant life make for great wildflower and wildlife viewing opportunities. Download this map or take a photo of the trailhead to help navigate the wonderfully winding trails.

Open daily, sunrise to sunset. Free. 2875 Pierce St., Dallas. 972-696-9810. texaslandconservancy.org/oak-cliff-nature-preserve.

Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve

This 800-acre park in Plano has miles of paved and unpaved trails as well as a beautiful new boardwalk through lowland forest connecting to adjacent Bob Woodruff Park. It's a wonderful secluded place to explore nature within the city limits. Kayaking is allowed on site, however, you must furnish your own equipment. The park also houses a zip-line company for those looking for a high-flying paid adventure.

Open daily, 5 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. 5901 Los Rios Blvd., Plano. 972-941-7250. plano.gov.

River Legacy Park

Encompassing over 1,300 acres in North Arlington, River Legacy covers bottomland forest and prairies and the wildlife that call them home. Explore over 8 miles of paved trails on foot or bike or 10 miles of unpaved trails. Enjoy communing with nature across beautiful bridges and scenic Trinity River overlooks.

Open daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free. 701 NW Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington. 817-860-6752. riverlegacy.org.

Samuell-East Farm

This 600-acre farm was donated to the city of Dallas Parks Department by Dr. William Samuell in 1938. It is now maintained as a city park with over 2 miles of hiking trails, fishing ponds, wildflower meadows and birding opportunities. A great place to get outside and explore or have a picnic.

Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. 100 U.S. Highway 80 East at Mesquite. 214-670-8740. dallasparks.org.

Santa Fe Trestle Trail

With easy access to the Great Trinity Forest and great views from one of the most unique rails-to-trails projects in the area, this short urban hike is a must. You'll see mature bottomland forest, walk past wetland areas and the birds and wildlife that call them home, eventually reaching the historic train trestle first built in 1879. For a longer trip, after crossing the bridge, head northwest along the Trinity River, watch for migratory birds feeding, and keep an eye out for your favorite wildflowers before heading back.

During daylight hours is best. Free. 2295 S. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas. 214-670-9500. trinityrivercorridor.com.

Spring Creek Forest Preserve

Located in the bottomland forest of Spring Creek in Garland, this 70-acre preserve is easily accessible with both paved and unpaved trails through one on the most diverse ecosystems around D-FW. It's a great spot for a short hike viewing rare plants, or to sit and relax, listening to the moving water and enjoying wildlife. Check out both sections of the preserve with parking on both the north and south side of Holford Road.

Open daily, 6 a.m to midnight. Free. 1770 Holford Road, Garland. 972-205-2750. springcreekforest.org.

Spring Creek Nature Area

Near Richardson's City Line development, this suburban respite now offers over 100 acres of paved and unpaved trails just east of Central Expressway. Weaving a long figure-eight across Spring Creek and through bottomland forest and native blackland prairie remnants, these trails make for great nature and wildlife viewing opportunities and for hiking or biking. Additional trails connect this natural area to local restaurants and shopping.

Open daily from dawn until dusk. Free. Renner Road at Plano Road, Richardson. 972-744-4310. cor.net/i-want-to/philanthropic-opportunities/nature/spring-creek-nature-area.

Texas Discovery Gardens

Located in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, Texas Discovery Gardens is a 7.5-acre organic garden featuring native and adapted plants and a two-story Butterfly House, including a tropical rainforest with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Check the schedule of extensive children’s educational programs to introduce young minds to natural outdoor learning experiences.

Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Final admission sold at 4:15 p.m.). Adults, $10, seniors, $8, children (3-11), $5, and children 2 and under are admitted free. Free parking at Fair Park Gate 6. 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas. 214-428-7476. txdg.org.

Trinity River Audubon Center

This 130-acre reclaimed bird and wildlife sanctuary helps educate thousands of North Texas students "focusing science, conservation and the ecosystems in which they live." They also offer hiking, birding classes and special kayaking events. The TRAC is a nonprofit organization supported, in part, by memberships and admission fees. While you're there, check out the adjacent free public trails that connect TRAC to the nearby Joppa Preserve.

Open Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed Sunday-Tuesday. Free general admission the third Thursday of each month, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Adults: (13-59) $6; children: (3-12) $3; seniors: (60+) $4, Members, children age 2 and under, and 75217 residents: free. 6500 Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas. 214-398-8722. trinityriver.audubon.org.

White Rock Lake

Once the main water source for the city of Dallas, the lake is now more known for its 9.3 miles walking and biking trails surrounded by mature trees and many native plants and animals. White Rock Lake Park is also home to some of the last few remnants of the blackland prairie, complete with great wildflower and wildlife viewing opportunities. Affordable kayak rentals are nearby.

Open daily, 6 a.m. to midnight. Free. 521 E. Lawther Drive, Dallas. 214-660-1100. dallasparks.org.