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Pettinger Nature Preserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 71 Google reviews · Running trail in Rockwall, Texas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Pettinger Nature Preserve'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.
Shaded, kid-friendly destination with a butterfly garden and lots of shaded trails.
What runners say about Pettinger Nature Preserve
“A bonus, there is lot's of shade out there, so those hot summer day's won't be so bad.”
“It's a pleasant walk, and if you are quiet, you and really look around, you will see a lot.”
“Had an awesome walk, easy trail With the kid's.”
Feels like you're just taking a walk in your own backyard. No man-made concrete trails (love) and very peaceful. Private, yet close enough to the road that you feel safe. I took a few pictures, so that someone who has never been here may get an idea of what its like.
Went here for the first time today (9/10/25) not expecting a whole lot because it's kind of a small area on satellite image, but it makes up for it with a lot of snaking and looping trails interconnected, much like the Squabble Creek area adjacent. Also, being one of the only wooded areas left, it's teaming with life.
Had an awesome walk, easy trail With the kid's. I would definitely recommend. (Relaxing)
Awesome shaded trail with a butterfly garden at the end of the tail. Takes about 15 minutes to finish one way. Highly recommend!
Trail conditions & character
“A bonus, there is lot's of shade out there, so those hot summer day's won't be so bad.”
“It's a pleasant walk, and if you are quiet, you and really look around, you will see a lot.”
“Watch out for muddy areas and low branches.”
“Just know that if the trail is soft at all when you leave the parking area, you are going to eventually get to a large part of the trail that is underwater and unwalkable.”
“Currently there is a small tree trunk to cross if you're feeling extra brave (not wheelchair accessible).”
“No man-made concrete trails (love) and very peaceful.”
Plan your run at Pettinger Nature Preserve
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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiterockwall.com
- Phone(972) 771-7740
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Rockwall
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
The Trails at Squabble Creek
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Raymond Cameron Lake Park
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Harry Myers Park
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Shorewood Park
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Rowlett Community Park
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