Get a healthy start for 2023 in Cedar Hill's natural space!
Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center's hiking trails will be open* on New Year's Day from noon to 6p with last trail entry at 5p.
Perfect for family and friends to enjoy the outdoors and the New Year together. Join in this growing national "get outdoors" tradition as we hike on New Year's Day.
Hikes are self-guided. Explore 3+ miles of trails:
- Our 1/2 mile Canyon Floor Trail will feature a seasonally appropriate nature-based StoryWalk(r)** suitable for children.
- Our classic West Loop Trail offers a challenge with change in elevation and beautiful views.
- Hike deeper into the canyon on our newest "Dogwood Trail" to leave behind the sound of traffic and enjoy a unique area offering solitude in southwest Dallas County.
After your hike, stop in our Visitor Center gift shop to receive a commemorative 2023 First Day Hike sticker. We'll also offer a special one-day sale in our gift shop.
Prefer to stay warm indoors? Enjoy the view from our accessible indoor Canyon View area. There's a good chance you'll spot a few birds supplementing their limited winter food sources with birdseed right outside the windows.
We offer "price your own" admission. While no fee is required for entry, please note that operational and trail maintenance expenses rely on support from our visitors. Please consider either making a donation in person, on our website, or by selecting a fee of our choice when making your reservation.
Making a reservation gives us the opportunity to contact you personally to let you know about unexpected trail closures in advance when possible. We also limit the number of entries per day in an effort to maintain a peaceful place of respite. Your reservation guarantees entry.* Once we meet our daily capacity, visitors without reservations may be turned away.
Practice the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace while visiting our preserve or any natural space. This includes being considerate of other visitors. No pets, bikes, or audio played over speakers.
*Trails subject to closure due to extreme weather or saturation from recent rain.
**A StoryWalk(r) is a book that has been dismembered and presented page-by-page on a trail to promote reading and exercise. The StoryWalk(r) Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.
#1stDayHikes is a nation-wide program to encourage hiking on New Years Day. Start a new tradition and join us!
Important information for your visit regarding parking, restrooms, pets, and more.
As a result of the ticketing system that was put in place to help manage safety during the pandemic, our visitors have expressed appreciation for the sanctuary environment. A positive side effect of managing visitor capacity during the pandemic is a quieter, less crowded preserve that provides a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of nearby city life which in turn, benefits wildlife also. In the Cedar Hill greenspace area, Dogwood Canyon is currently the only preserve that offers free hiking trails managed for peaceful enjoyment by limiting the number of hikers allowed within the preserve at any given time.
By reserving a ticket, you agree to the following rules and state that you understand the following changes to our property and previous operating procedures.
Please keep in mind that while Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center is a non-profit conservation organization, it is still a business and is private property. Failure to comply with these restrictions may result in visitors being asked to leave the property.
1. MAPS: We have added an additional mile of trail deeper into the canyon for a total of more than three miles of hiking opportunity. Paper trail maps are not available during the pandemic; however signage has been placed along our newest trail to aid in navigation. A downloadable version of our most recent trail map is available at https://dogwood.audubon.org/sites/default/files/static_pages/attachments/20160317162653057.pdf. An updated trail map, including the new trail, will be available online in the near future.
2. WEATHER CLOSINGS: If there is an active Heat Advisory or Extreme Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service, we will close trails early at NOON. On these days, last trail entry is at 11:30a. The gift shop, Nature Play, restrooms, and water fountains will continue to be open until 4:00p. In the event of severe weather or excessive precipitation resulting in muddy trails, trails will be closed to prevent erosion. Please provide an e-mail address that you check often when making your reservation so that you will receive notification of tickets canceled due to trail conditions, or for any other reason.
3. PETS: To protect the preserve and its wildlife, and in maintaining the property as a unique and peaceful sanctuary within the Cedar Hill nature corridor, pets are not permitted on the Dogwood Canyon property, including the hiking trails. Please see below for nearby trails open to dogs. Trained service dogs are welcome. Emotional support and companion animals do not meet the definition of a service animal and do not have the same access rights. Required proof of service dog status includes service dog ID card, service dog vest, harness, and/or tags, or credible verbal statement.
Nearby trails open to dogs: The Balcones Trail (concrete multi-use trail along FM 1382) is acceptable for dogs. Cedar Ridge Preserve also permits dogs on its trails when open--check their Facebook page for hours and closures.
4. CHECK-IN: Your reservation only permits entry to the hiking trails. Upon arrival, check-in at the window near the gift shop desk (in the breezeway), or inside the gift shop. Visitors must arrive and check-in at the center during the reserved timeslot. No substitutions will be made at the center. No late check-ins will be permitted. Once you have arrived and checked-in, you may remain on the trails until that day's closing time. The reserved timeslot is only restricting entry time, not the amount of time you may spend on the trail.
5. PARKING: We share the parking lot with the Balcones Trail, which can frequently be full. When it is possible to safely carpool, please do so.
Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
Please note that if you park inside the circle parking lot (inside the gates), the gate will be closed and locked at closing time. All non-staff vehicles must exit the circle parking lot by the stated closing time.
6. TICKETS: Your group size is limited by the number of tickets available during your desired entry time. We are unable to increase the number of available tickets and will not grant entry to anyone who does not have a ticket, unless we have openings for walk-ups that day.
7. KEEP IT CLEAN: Leave No Trace Principles must be followed while on Dogwood Canyon property. Pack out what you pack in. Leave nothing but footprints. Learn more about the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace and outdoor ethics at https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/.
8. PERSONAL SAFETY: Please be mindful of your personal health and safety, especially during extreme temperatures. Bring sufficient water for your hike and dress appropriately. Do not access trails when it is not safe to do so based on your personal health, weather, and other relevant factors.
If you experience an emergency while on Audubon property, first call 911 and then call the center at (469) 526-1980 to alert us that emergency vehicles are expected.
9. COVID SAFETY: Anyone who is feeling unwell or who has had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 should stay at home until the risk for the spread of infection has passed. However, no public activity can be 100 percent safe, even outdoors. By accessing any Audubon property, you accept the risk that you may come into contact with pathogens, including the COVID-19 virus. Older adults and people of any age with severe underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19.
10. RELEASE OF LIABILITY: By accessing our property, you agree that you and your guests are visiting Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center at your own risk and acknowledge that Audubon has made no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, regarding the safety of its property with respect to COVID-19 or other pathogens, trail conditions, including poison ivy and tripping hazards, or other natural hazards found on the trail. You and your guests expressly release and hold harmless Audubon and its officers, directors, employees, agents, licensees, successors and assigns from and for any and all claims, demands, actions and causes of action whatsoever for any loss, damage or injury to person or to property suffered or incurred in connection with visiting Audubon property. This release shall be binding upon you, your heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators and assigns.
THANK YOU for your adherence to these restrictions.
Any access to Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center without a reservation (or walk-up admittance) and in violation of these rules is considered criminal trespassing and may be prosecuted as such.
If you have questions, please contact us at 469-526-1980 or [email protected].
