Goat Island Nature Preserve

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Goat Island Preserve is one of several Dallas County nature preserves set apart by the county in an effort to maintain some wilderness areas. It is located with many other preserves along the banks of the Trinity River south of Dallas. Its 348 acres is mainly made up of forests mixed with some low lying floodplains that retain water throughout the year. It is a remote location that is managed by the county. All subsequent trails within the preserve are maintained by DORBA, a Dallas Area Bicyclists Association. It is a great place to completely step away from the business of the sprawling metroplex and enjoy nature and all it has to offer. While not a quick drive for most, it is definitely worth the time to spend some time exploring this local gem.

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.

As this area has remained undeveloped for many years, expect to see a large variety of bird and wildlife present in the preserve. This is a great place to sit and capture some great wildlife photography.