Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge — Attraction in Dallas

This has always been my favorite place to goto with lots of wildlife and birds, and miles of trails that loop. I've been here hundreds of times over the last ten years. I used to read books in the parking lot in college. You're never alone because theres aerial surveillance. And I tell people when you're out in nature everythings peaceful and thats how you know if you're the one creating the problems in your life. But sometimes you might encounter people that cant find peace even on a beautfiul day. For the first time ever I felt really uncomfortable there like I was being harassed by tweakers in a black SUV who kept driving back and forth yelling I was trespassing on the path. The signs posted at some paths said 'Area Closed October - March, No Jogging, No Running, No Bicycling'. Other paths are open year round. The gates exist to limit vehicle traffic. I knew where I was so well I avoided them by driving out the back way when I left. Thats something that would give nature tourists who might spend money nearby a really bad experience. So I'm just asking that unless you're friendly if you're from here leave people alone on the nature trail, and if you're not from here don't pretend like you own something that you don't and leave people alone on the...

There are a few great options for this place. First, like many people, the wayside is a great location to pull off and view the wildlife and take a breath of fresh air. Just be very careful entering the wayside or exiting as Highway 22 can be vert dangerous due to speeding. Another option to see the wildlife a little closer, is to take the gravel road (Coville Rd) that runs through it and park in the middle of the slough. No park benches, no picnic tables here. Just you, the wildlife, and the dust of other cars. Along the road is a parking area that provides access to trails. Stop here, take a walk up the hill to the viewpoint. The alternate paths can be a little uneven but they are worth the little extra effort. Deer, Elk, and a multitude of other animals can be seen in this area. There is another parking area on the backside on Smithfield road where Livermore intersects with it. A path runs between the two parking areas and this is closer to the north water areas. Bring binoculars, water, a camera, and a friend. A great wildlife viewing area. If you are there during goose season do not be alarmed with the noises from the...

There are two trails at Baskett Slough. One trail, open year round, is a memorial loop in honor of an Oregon conservationist who was a big part of the wildlife refuge and who was tragically killed on flight 93 on 9/11/2001. It's a short loop with a little elevation gain. There is a spur from the loop to a nice viewing platform.

We hiked on 4/2, two days after the seasonal trail opened for the season. Most of it is a pretty primitive trail - just mown grass - with the exception of a walk along paved road near the water. Spring rain has made the grassy mown path pretty muddy and wet, so plan ahead with your footwear.

The walk back up Mt. Baldy is pretty steep but doesn't take too long, and there's plenty of space to catch your breath along the grassy slope.

We saw several people with binoculars and birding guidebooks and heard quite a few birds. The geese still down in the slough were fun to watch and hear.

A great hike on a nice day, but plan for mud in spring and that the outer trail down to the slough and Morgan Lake is closed...