Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve

[NewUser]

Originally Posted by scyogi

I am just so excited to get back to a place with trees and trails. We have been in TX for 2+ years and while we have enjoyed our home & friends it lacks big beautiful trees. (If there are in Dallasites reading this about to flame me.....yes I know they are actual trees in TX but it is just different back in the SE.)

I know what you mean. I lived in Dallas from 1985 to 2006.

For trail running, I usually hit one of 3-4 places on my way home from work in RTP.

1. Hemlock Bluffs: Well maintained and nice mulched trail. Wide in some spots, but narrow in others. Good for summer because it is very cool among the trees

2. Yates Mill Park: Very tight trail with lots of turns. It'll really keep you alert. Trail is dirt, so rain makes it a bit messy.

3. Triangle Land Conservancy: Near Lochmere Country Club. You enter from Holly Springs Rd. VERY VERY steep hill that will have you crying for mercy. Dumps you out into a residential area, so the last 1/3 of the loop is on pavement. Not well maintained, so it can be dense brush.

4. Crowder Park: Mostly a paved loop, but there is a short side trail out past the amphitheater. I do this if it has rained alot because it's paved.

All of the above are short 1-1.5 mile runs. If you want something longer, my favorite is Umstead's Company Mill Trail. It is about 6 miles long and is beautiful. I can do it in 75 minutes. The last part, back up the hill to the parking lot, is a killer.