Windmill Hill - Dallas County Nature Preserve
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Windmill Hill offers a peaceful, less crowded alternative to popular preserves like Cedar Ridge, providing a mix of shaded, woodsy trails from easy to steep/rocky, suitable for various hiking skill levels. It's ideal for families seeking a more rural, friendly outdoor experience with picnic opportunities.
Key Highlights
- ✓Offers a peaceful, shaded walking experience with multiple trails.
- ✓Significantly less crowded than other popular nearby preserves like Cedar Ridge.
- ✓Friendly atmosphere where visitors are generally amiable and engaging.
- ✓Features woodsy trails and a couple of picnic tables, great for family breaks.
- ✓Provides diverse trails, catering to both hiking newcomers and more experienced 'go-getters'.
Standout Features
- ⭐Multiple distinct trails offering varied landscapes and difficulty levels.
- ⭐Ample shade from trees makes walks more comfortable, especially on sunny days.
- ⭐Provides a quiet, less intense atmosphere compared to more bustling nature spots.
- ⭐Equipped with picnic tables, perfect for bringing packed lunches or snacks.
- ⭐Opportunities for a genuine 'rural trail' hiking experience within Dallas County.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →**Bring a map/Take a photo of the map**: Trail markings are not always clear, so having a map (physical or on phone) is crucial for navigation.
- →**Wear appropriate footwear**: Given some trails are steep and rocky, sturdy hiking shoes are highly recommended.
- →**Be vigilant for dog waste**: Though bags are provided, some visitors do not clean up, so watch your step, especially with kids.
- →**Supervise children closely**: Due to less clear markings, steep/rocky trails, and signs of snakes, constant supervision is advised.
- →**Plan for parking**: Parking can be a hassle at times, so allow extra time to find a spot, especially during peak hours.
- →**Be aware of surroundings**: Heed signs regarding poisonous snakes, though encounters are rare.
- →**Consider bringing a small trash bag**: To help keep the preserve cleaner and manage any personal waste.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Trail markings are not always clear, making navigation a bit challenging at times.
- ⚠Some visitors do not clean up after their dogs, leading to occasional dog waste on trails despite provided bags.
- ⚠Certain trails are described as pretty steep and rocky, requiring careful footing.
- ⚠Signs indicate the presence of poisonous snakes, though reviewers have not personally encountered them.
- ⚠Parking can occasionally be a hassle, requiring patience to find a spot.
- ⚠The preserve is not always well-maintained, with a 'fair bit of trash around'.
Price & Value
Likely free entry as a nature preserve (no pricing mentioned). Offers excellent value for a diverse, less crowded hiking experience with picnic facilities at no cost.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility features mentioned. Steep and rocky trails imply limited accessibility for wheelchairs, strollers, or individuals with mobility challenges on many paths.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Outside food and drinks are likely allowed, as picnic tables are available. No explicit restrictions mentioned.
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking can be a hassle at times, suggesting limited or sometimes difficult-to-find spots. No details on cost or exact capacity.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Generally less crowded and more peaceful than popular alternatives like Cedar Ridge Preserve. Good for those seeking solitude or a quieter family outing.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Signage indicating the potential presence of poisonous snakes. No other specific staff or facility-based safety features mentioned.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Families with infants or very young toddlers who rely on strollers, especially on steep/rocky trails.
- • If you prioritize perfectly maintained, trash-free trails and very clear signage.
- • If you are highly uncomfortable with the idea of potentially encountering snakes (despite rarity).
- • Those looking for highly manicured paths or paved trails; this is a more rugged, natural experience.
Pricing/Package/Events
🚗Parking Information
- • Available
- • Entrances at Southeast corner of Duncanville Road and Wintergreen Road
- • Entrance South of Wintergreen Road between Duncanville Road and Primrose
What People Say
Areas for Improvement
- Can get crowded during peak times (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
James Perkins
5 months agoThe trails are marked all that great, but you can find your way. They aren't long trails like cedar ridge but not bad.
T Nanna
2 years agoNice, peaceful, shaded walk with multiple trails. Only draw back, again, people that don't clean up after their dogs, even though bags are provided! Not as crowded as Cedar Ridge Preserve.
Amber Loftin
5 years agoIf you’re wanting to hike a rural trail, this spot is great! Some trails can be pretty steep and rocky, so be careful with which paths you decide to take. And make sure to take a picture of the map before you go! There are trail markers on the ground, so be on the lookout in case you get turned around.
D Howard
4 years agoGet ready for a great hiking trail. Also, you would think that you'd run into a lot of people who don't want to speak. When I go, literally everyone is so friendly and there's motivation everywhere. This is for the new comers to the super go getters. It has a trail for everyone. There are signs up that there are poisonous snakes around but I've never seen them. Of course they try to avoid us and with all the noise, they'll stay far away. The parking can be a hassle sometimes but once you're there, it's all good.
Adam Bozarth
4 years agoIt's a nice nature preserve, not as busy as some of the others nearby, but not as well maintained (fair bit of trash around). It's has some woodsy trails and a couple picnic tables which is nice.