Elm Fork Nature Preserve – Carrollton, Texas
Elm Fork Nature Preserve is a 1.3-kilometer loop trail located near Carrollton, Texas. The trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for hiking and walking.
The Elm Fork Nature Preserve was purchased as a wood right in 1861 by the Bramblitt Family. The land was never clear-cut and in 1986 the 40 acres were given to the City of Carrollton as a self-contained ecosystem, virtually undisturbed. Trails are open for hikes 365 days a year from dawn to dusk.
Nature Hike Tips & Trail Etiquette
Dress according to the weather in comfortable clothing and long pants. No open-toed shoes. Bring insect repellent and bottled water to class. It is suggested that very young children bring a spare change of clothing.
Trail Etiquette
A nature preserve is a place where flora and fauna are protected. So, please, take only pictures and leave only footprints. Please stay on designated trails. Do not disturb any wildlife or pick any leaves, flowers, or flora from the Preserve. Abide by rules and regulations posted at the entrance.
Wildlife & Preserve Biodiversity Inventory
Commonly seen animals and tracks at the Preserve are raccoons, fox squirrels, opossums, beavers, nine-banded armadillos, eastern cottontails, and striped skunks. Commonly seen birds in the area are great blue herons, snowy egrets, white-throated sparrows, red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, screech owls, woodpeckers, cardinals, and much more.
Elm Fork Nature Preserve Biodiversity Inventory. The information documented by Wild Vision.
- Inventory principal submitters
- Plant populations
- Flora
- Arthropods
- Birds
- Fish
- Herpefauna
- Mammals
- Molluscs
- Fungi
Dimension Tract
Located at 1199 Elm Park Drive, the Dimension Tract is a secluded thirty-eight-acre parcel of undeveloped land along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. The natural parkland features a 14-acre pond, 3.5 acres of wetlands, 9 acres of river bottom timber, and a blanket of native vegetation on the remaining 11.5 acres. This property has a canoe and kayak launch on-site on the Trinity River.
This City-owned land has suffered through years of nuisance activities including illegal dumping, abandoned cars, and damage from four-wheelers that threatened the property. Now, through the City and regional government support and community involvement, it’s becoming a welcome haven for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts.
The Dimension Tract is a point of pride for the Carrollton community, and a valued site for regional recreation and environmental activities.
Preserve Amenities
The City of Carrollton has provided the Preserve with an impressive array of amenities including paved parking, a one-mile natural surface trail, a 1/2-mile ADA trail, numerous benches and tables, and a building that can be used for meetings. It has also installed a well-designed series of educational signs that identify and explain many of the preserve’s natural characteristics.
The City’s McInnish Park, which is immediately adjacent to the Preserve, features restrooms, concession stands, hard surface trails, a canoe launch, and a playground.