Chalk Hill Trail — Attraction in Dallas

An awesome trail that is a bit off the beaten path for most. The trail follows the old rail line and alternates running atop the densely wooded ridge above the creekbed, a corridor cut a few feet down into the limestone bedrock, and over some open spans in the hills that have intermittent or perennial streams flowing through. The open spans and water crossings are beautiful intact pre-WWII timber trustle bridges one of which is quite large and thanks to high tension power lines has a fairly open line of sight for a great view over the surrounding areas.

It's not the most developed trail system - the trails off the old rail line down into the wooded banks of the creek weren't clear, or really even marked off yet for the season, when I was there, but it was really early in the year. If it's been raining it's going to be wet - to the tune of intermittent springs in the area draining leaving cool water running down the limestone trail in places. There is also still the skeletal carcass of a dumped car in one spot. I feel like there is a certain charm to it, but I'm strange. I also suspect its removal would do more damage than just allowing it to be a part of the environment at this point. There's not much left but the frame and some of the body panels.

The only real complaint is I'm not sure a really good place to park exists. If you're on a bike it's easier to drop the car and ride to one of the trail access points, but I'm on foot, and I don't wanna leave my car where it's in the way for people that live in the neighborhood or work the businesses along the trail, or where it may get...

Despite the city having funding to build a real trail back here for about 8 years, nothing much has come of it. You can start at the gravel trail between the ATT garage and area government building, accessible via the sidewalk on south bound Cockrell hill rd. If you crossed Illinois, you went too far. There are no signs. It is all good sized rocks and gravel until you're behind Las Haciendas. At that point, you're gonna have to hoof it. It becomes sandy and the rocks get even bigger. I've tried to ride it on my mountain bike, but good luck getting traction or navigating the giant ruts and fallen trees. It is not a fun ride. Its a great short cut into the neighborhood right in front of mountain view from Las Haciendas. Also don't ride it at night. Not just because its dark, and there are no lights, but that shady things go on there. Bring a gun and flashlight if you intend...

The Single most important Urban Archeology Discovery is all of North Texas. From 1902-1934 A Train called the INTERURBAN ELECTRIC RAIL by the North Texas Traction company ran for 32 Miles Connecting DOWNTOWN Dallas VIA Oak Cliff and Jefferson BLVD, with downtown Ft Worth and Stop Six...