Trinity River Greenbelt Goat Island Preserve - Dallas County Nature Preserve — Attraction in Texas

If you like getting out in nature close to Dallas, this is worth checking out. There is kind-of a dirt road that goes through here, but look for the actual hiking trails for better nature experience (and shade). The dirt road is mostly open to sun. The trails are in the "woods." After the two elbows in the Trinity River, you'll see power lines. The trails keep going past that and if you wanted to, all the way down to S. Beltline Rd.

About the "island." At the 2 elbows, you'll notice there is a stream that runs inland and back out. When it floods after rain (most often in the spring), those streams flood enough for that small little square'ish piece of land to be an island.

Also, better maintained than I expected. And what I mean by that, there are plenty of trail signs and in good condition (maintained). Thus, some volunteer organization must come here from time-to-time. I went 2 different times on Saturday. And only saw one person or one other group each time...

Very cool area close to Dallas.

This was my first visit here but won't be my last. I never knew this existed down here. I'm definitely going to visit this area during the spring time. I took my 3 year old son and one of our dogs. Great for hiking with the little ones.

I would've given it 5 stars but the rock quarry noise right near the parking and excavation happening near the beginning was pretty annoying.

The noise dies off significantly about a 1/2 to 3/4 mile's in.

Also there's some spots where there are tires dumped which was odd but overall...

Pros: Close to my work, very secluded, north Texas nature in the raw, extremely low trail traffic. Cons: I have never seen another hiker (or even a biker) on any of the trails when I’ve visited. Although I love that aspect about Goat Island, I do worry when it gets close to dark... I realize that if I get bit by a snake, roll my ankle, or even get lost, I’ll be on my own out there. Cell phone service is sketch in places and (while the park stewards are dedicated) without the traffic of visitors, the trails aren’t always...