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Elm Fork Nature Preserve Trail Entrance
4.5 ★★★★★ 199 Google reviews · Running trail in Carrollton, Texas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Elm Fork Nature Preserve Trail Entrance'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.
Quiet nature preserve offering a short trail for walks through woodlands with a small pond.
What runners say about Elm Fork Nature Preserve Trail Entrance
“Lots of birds and wildlife can be observed with quiet, careful watching.”
A wonderful escape to a little haven of undisturbed nature. The unpaved path winds through thickets of dense trees to the borders of a large pond. The peace was disturbed by very loud noises from the nearby gun shooting range which is a real shame and does mar the experience.
Good for those that are nearby or just passing through, and it was much smaller than I expected, though not disappointing; I'll probably come back when the foliage is on the trees.
I really enjoyed the walk in the 1-mile loop trail here. You’ll see wildlife like rabbits and plenty of signs to stay on trail to avoid snake bites. The botanic smell was very pleasant too!
This trail is not stroller friendly, there are some narrow and rocky entryways. Great for small walks with kids, lots of mosquitos and watch out for snakes.
Trail conditions & character
“Lots of birds and wildlife can be observed with quiet, careful watching.”
“Not paved, and mostly flat but there is a very small incline/decline towards the back of the trail near the pond.”
“This is a great trail system for walking dogs, especially during the summer.”
“This trail is not stroller friendly, there are some narrow and rocky entryways.”
“Not paved, and mostly flat but there is a very small incline/decline towards the back of the trail near the pond.”
“As of late October 2024 the north trail between entrance and crossover trail was blocked by a very large fallen tree, but the rest was accessible.”
“I really enjoyed the walk in the 1-mile loop trail here.”
Plan your run at Elm Fork Nature Preserve Trail Entrance
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecityofcarrollton.com
- Phone(972) 466-3080
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Carrollton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Elm Fork Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 4 reviews
Campion Trail
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Allen Road Park
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Casual outdoor recreation spot with a playground featuring swings, slides and climbing equipment.
John F. Burke Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 152 reviews
Tranquil park featuring a network of hiking trails and picnic benches, plus wildlife-watching spots.