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Cedar Hill State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 4,048 Google reviews · Running trail in Cedar Hill, Texas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cedar Hill State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Wooded campsites & facilities for mountain biking, bird-watching, fishing, boating & swimming.
What runners say about Cedar Hill State Park
“The park is well-maintained with beautiful views of Joe Pool Lake, making it perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.”
“The first night after putting up the camp, I hiked up to the Scenic Overview and watched the sun set over the lake.”
“This park is right south of Dallas and is a peaceful getaway from the hustle n' bustle of the city.”
Great experience! Beautiful park. Came in for a one night backpacking trip for a 5ish mile hike around duck pond, talala, and Penn farm trail. There are two primitive camping spots (mowed down grass in a circle to make camp), one by duck pond and one in the middle of Talala.
Absolutely loved our visit to Cedar State Park! It’s a beautiful and peaceful place surrounded by nature. The park is very clean and well-maintained, with plenty of picnic tables, BBQ areas. We enjoyed walking by the lake and spending quality family time outdoors. Perfect spot for a relaxing weekend getaway! 🌳☀️
Heard the biking trails here were incredible, so booked a campsite for the weekend after working all week in Plano. This park is right south of Dallas and is a peaceful getaway from the hustle n' bustle of the city. The park is huge and the campsites are well built out.
Cedar Hill State Park is an absolute gem. The park is beautifully maintained, peaceful, and offers stunning views of Joe Pool Lake. The trails are well-marked and great for hiking, biking, or just taking a relaxing walk in nature. Campsites are spacious and quiet, and the scenery at sunrise and sunset is incredible.
Trail conditions & character
“The first night after putting up the camp, I hiked up to the Scenic Overview and watched the sun set over the lake.”
“This park is right south of Dallas and is a peaceful getaway from the hustle n' bustle of the city.”
“Had a couple of free days so last minute I jumped in the van and 40 short minutes later I was enjoying Cedar Hill State Park!”
“This park was in heavy use when I attended, and although the restrooms were cleaned daily the heavy use was obvious.”
“The next day, I did the whole loop and walked thru Penn Farm.”
“Some sites have long pads for a trailer, but some had shallow side by side parking.”
“4/5 because none of the water fountains worked throughout the park, but everything was beautiful”
Plan your run at Cedar Hill State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitetpwd.state.tx.us
- Phone(972) 291-3900
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Cedar Hill
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cedar Mountain - Dallas County Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 62 reviews
Preserve featuring overlooks and trails for walking, hiking and mountain biking.
Duck Pond Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 10 reviews
Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center
4.6 ★★★★★ 163 reviews
Forested nature preserve with a variety of hiking trails, bird-viewing areas & dog-friendly hours.
Cedar Hill State Park Dorba Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 378 reviews
Clean, sprawling state park featuring a lake and hiking trails and campsites, plus bird-watching.
Cedar Hill Park Reserve Trail
5 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
Escarpment Road Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 189 reviews
Preserve with hiking trails for varying skill levels, including some that are good for kids.