Pettinger Nature Preserve — Attraction in Rockwall

Went here for the first time today (9/10/25) not expecting a whole lot because it's kind of a small area on satellite image, but it makes up for it with a lot of snaking and looping trails interconnected, much like the Squabble Creek area adjacent. Also, being one of the only wooded areas left, it's teaming with life. I got an awesome picture of a very patient owl. I assume bicycles are allowed because I didn't see any signs discouraging them.

They really need to make a pedestrian bridge across the creek to connect both Squabble Creek and Pettinger. That would quadruple the available walking area in the woods without having to enter the hustle and bustle of everything surrounding it. Currently there is a small tree trunk to cross if you're feeling extra brave (not wheelchair accessible). Otherwise you can cut through the Walgreen's parking lot and up the sidewalk to enter the Squabble Creek area, but it's kind of a long way around, and you have to enter civilization to get there. I'd give it a five star rating for being the only area left around here with decent, naturally wooded trails of a moderately substantial area if these two places were connected. Separately each of the areas aren't nearly large enough in my opinion (the squabble area being about twice the size as this one). There used to be so much more . .

It was nearly a week after a rain and still fairly wet when I was there. I'm going to wear my rubber boots next time.

Overall it's a pretty nice area and some of the only true wooded areas left around here. A bridge would be nice, but I'm hopeful that they don't just decide to pave over all of the small slices of these woods left with neighborhoods. . Parks, woods, and bridges don't create revenue for the fat cats...

I’m an avid park enthusiast and even bigger wildlife conservationist enthusiast. I’m looking for volunteers to help me contact property owners to help clean up this park from an overwhelming amount of invasive species that is mostly keeping wildlife out.

Poison ivy , snail seed, and invasive ligustrum everywhere and will eventually choke back anything native in the next 5 years .

With that being said, the trails are simple, small, the park has a beautiful rolling grass field, a small pond and plenty of gazebos . It’s very cute and I enjoy a quick trip here daily .

There are some native flower areas and then forced butterfly gardens that are properly contained . Signage is new , not very much trash or negligent visitors . It drains well after...

Very good length hiking trails in the woods, unpaved. Some areas not maintained as well on the trail (has to move branches or weeds, brush, etc.). For the most part a good trail wide enough for one to walk. One area did get very narrow where we were brushing weeds, branches as mentioned.

Not handicap accessible trails, not paved.

No restroom, but did have covered bench areas and water fountain including dog level. No picnic tables at all. Trash can...