Enjoy National Hiking Day With These Favorite Arlington Parks Trails
By Arlington Parks & Recreation
Posted on November 15, 2023, November 15, 2023

Winding paved path through green treesNovember 17 is National Hiking Day! As the weather cools off, there’s no better time to get outside, explore green spaces, and find a new favorite adventure. Here are five popular Arlington Parks trails to check out on your next nature hike:

River Legacy Park

If you’re a fan of hiking in Arlington, River Legacy Park probably needs no introduction! The crown jewel of Arlington's park system, River Legacy Park offers many miles of riverside hiking through an urban hardwood forest. Here you can observe nearly 400 species of wildlife, 193 species of birds and 28 species of trees. A true marriage of ecology and activity, the park was planned as an urban oasis where animals could live with minimal disruption from the hundreds of human visitors that pursue recreational activities every day. 

701 NW Green Oaks Blvd, 76006

Sheri Capehart Nature Preserve

This diverse wildscape offers hikers a unique variety of sights and picturesque surroundings that you won’t find very often in the city. With more than 1400 species of plants and animals, Sheri Capehart Nature Preserve serves as a peaceful sanctuary for native flora and fauna. The Preserve’s habitats are also critical to many pollinators, including Monarch butterflies. Hikers can enjoy exploring the 59-acre space and venture into the heavily wooded areas for a more “off the beaten path” style hike.

5201 Bowman Springs Road, 76017

Village Creek Historical Area

This linear park offers a beautiful green space to hike along a 1-mile paved trail lined with picnic tables and benches along the way. The relaxing sounds of a serene creek await less than half a mile away from the parking lot, yet you’ll feel worlds away from the noise of the city during your visit. Want a little history along with your hike? Archeological excavations along Village Creek unearthed evidence of several prehistoric villages. Artifacts from the area date back almost 9,000 years and represent a culture of food-gatherers and hunters.

2605 Dottie Lynn Pkwy, 76012

Veterans Park

Whether you’re looking for a wildflower-lined paved trail or a more rugged type of adventure, Veterans Park has something great to offer every hiker. Explore the mulched trails winding through the forest, appreciate nature in the wildscape and xeriscape garden areas, or stroll alongside the pond and observe the military memorials honoring our veterans.

3600 W Arkansas Lane, 76016

Crystal Canyon Natural Area

This geology lover's paradise is one of Arlington's best-kept secrets. It has a diverse geologic profile - marine shales, siltstones, mudstone, fossil clams, gypsum layers and fine grain sandstone have been found at Crystal Canyon. If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this natural escape is just the place! A half-mile trail runs through the 40-acre preserve for a lovely nature hike.

1000 Brown Blvd, 76011

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