Fort Worth Nature Center Hike

Let’s meet at Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge for a hike of approximately three to 15 miles. There will be options to cut it shorter if you are not up for the entire length. We will aim for a moderate pace and stop frequently for water, lunch, snacks, photos and catching your breath. I am not one for leaving any hiker behind. If you are solo and lagging, I will walk with you and let the speedsters go ahead.

However, this is not a beginner hike. There will be hills, stairs, rocks and roots in addition to possible escaped prairie dogs (they look harmless but who really knows?) Good footwear advised and you might want your trekking poles. Dress for the weather and bring plenty of water. We are starting earlier to keep it cool but it is sure to warm up.

Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge is a 3,621-acre city park located on the west side at 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd. In addition to 20 miles of trails, it includes natural exhibits in the Hardwicke Interpretive Center, an actual prairie dog town and a herd of bison (buffalo to some of us.) I plan to swing by these and a spend a few minutes checking them out but not devote a lot of time. More info: https://www.fwnaturecenter.org/

Directions: From Loop 820, exit Hwy 199 (Jacksboro Highway) and go west 4 miles. Exit Confederate Park Rd. to the right and stay on service road. At the stop sign, turn right onto Buffalo Road into the Nature Center entrance. Stop by the gate house to pay entrance fee and obtain a day pass and a trail map.

Entrance fees:
$6 Adults (13-64), $2 Children (3-12, under 3 FREE)
$3 Seniors (65+)
$1 Discount per person (with Military ID-Active/Retired)
Dogs: $1. Dogs must be leashed and picked up after.

We will start hiking promptly at 9:15 a.m. Message if you will be later than that. We meet in front of the Hardwicke Interpretive Center, circled in red on the trail map in the photos. There is a sizable amount of parking and no special events that day and we should be ahead of the thundering herd.

The route will total about 15 miles. If you want a shorter hike, you can cut it down to about three miles by taking a shortcut after the prairie dogs and buffalo (or bison). Once we start the out and back, shortening will likely mean just turning around and heading back to the cars. I will try to make sure no one goes back alone if possible. It will likely take at least six hours to hike the full 15 miles. Here's a trail map: https://www.fwnaturecenter.org/trails/. Free maps also handed out at the gate.

I plan to hike the River Bottom Trail to Wild Plum Trail, then past prairie dogs and bison to Deer Mouse Trail. That goes to the eastern portion of River Bottom Trail which connects with Canyon Ridge Trail. Canyon Ridge is likely the prettiest and most challenging trail. We’ll follow it to the end and then go out to Greer Island. Then it's back on Canyon Ridge and River Bottom to the Hardwicke Interpretive Center and the vehicles, which I think will be close enough to 15 miles to satisfy even the most avid hiker. If not, we can extend to the Crosstimbers Trail or just do burpees until you yell uncle. (I will supervise burpees.)

Much of the trail is shaded with some sections in direct sun. There is a bathroom at the start and another somewhat past halfway where I imagine we can get water. However, I would bring at least two liters, plus lunch and snacks. Electrolyte replacement – also a good idea. I plan to bring Nuun packets or similar. This is a long hike and it could be hot. You will enjoy it more if you are not thirsty and cramping.

Overall, this promises to be an excellent varied hiking experience ranging from flat to challenging. Prairie dogs and buffalo (sorry, bison) are bonuses.

My number is 512-663-8701 if you have an issue on the trail and I am not within yelling distance. Cell service is likely good. If you have questions now, please add them in the comments section, so the group can respond accordingly.