This post is the next in our series, Hidden Gems, where we visit places hidden in plain view, in and around Dallas, that we have explored this summer and in the past. You can access that series of posts here.
Unlike the summer of 2020, when we explored several local trails, we mainly remained homebound this year. Sad to say, work and our kids’ activities kept us busy elsewhere. But Missy JJ and I had an opportunity to walk Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt once before the end of summer.
Located between Teel Parkway and the Dallas North Tollway, Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt is about two miles long (one way) and now stretches further south of El Dorado Parkway and DNT. It encompasses 77 acres and contains Blackland Prairie, wetland ponds, a stocked fishing pond, wildlife viewing areas, and a pavilion. There are at least four access points to the trail, one from Teel Parkway, which we used. The others enter from various communities that parallel the trail/greenbelt. We saw residents from these communities enter and exit the trail. The trail offers some benches with few shaded areas other than the pavilion. Many informative plaques line the trail.
The morning of our visit happened to be one of the hottest days of summer. And we had chosen to walk with our 7-month-old pup. Luckily we carried sufficient water for her, and it was early enough that she could manage the heat. She walked to DNT and back with a few rest sessions. The trail was relatively free on the day of our visit. It was fully paved and had no gradient to climb.
I read that the two bridges (constructed 1904 and 1910) we crossed along the trail were historic bridges donated by Denton County to Frisco. Had I known this at the time of our visit, perhaps, I would have paid them greater attention. I was happy to see markers along the trail identifying exact locations if someone needed to call 911.
Here are some photos of the Cottonwood Creek Trail. If you haven’t yet done so, give this trail a hike.
