Coppell Nature Park
Review: Coppell Nature Park is a 66 acre city park near DFW Airport, which is beautifully maintained with multiple trails alongside a creek (don’t be afraid to get wet!). While not as large as Cedar Ridge Preserve or Arbor Hills, the five miles of natural trails provide a great outing in a natural setting for visitors!
Distance: 5 miles of trails (per website)
Area of Town: Coppell, north of LBJ off of Freeport Parkway
Facilities: This is a well maintained park with picnic tables, restrooms, and a biodiversity center
Suitable for: Hiking
Type of Trail: Natural Trails
Shade: The natural trails are mainly shaded, with some areas like the Prarie open to the sun. The paved trails, are a mix of shade and sun.
Where to Park: The trailhead has plenty of parking, once you enter the parking lot off Freeport Parkway
Official Website: Official Site
Nearby Trails: Northshore Trail, Elm Fork Preserve
Coppell Nature Park is a 66 acre slice of nature, just north of LBJ in an area dominated by offices. Located off Freeport Parkway inside Wagon Wheel Park, you’ll find five miles of paved and natural trails that explore a forested area near a creek. Be prepared to get your feet wet, i did have to cross the creek twice and my socks were soaked through.
You’ll find the nature park all the way at the back of the park, with well marked parking. You will start off on a paved path that takes you into the trees. Once you cross a bridge, you’ll find an area with some picnic tables and signs announcing the natural trails. Because of this, I’m marking this as both a paved and a natural trail system, but this is really predominately a natural trail system.
I started exploring by going to the left, taking Wilt Way to Klingeman Trail, and then making sure to cut around and not miss any of the trails. On this side of the park, the paths are wide, mulched, and well maintained. There are a few views of the creek, and lots of trees. At one point the trail winds past some sports fields as you are on Parish Path, but for the most part you’ll stay under the canopy on this side. The paths interconnect, so I did some double-backing to make sure I saw every part of the trails.
Coming back to the picnic tables by the bridge, I went to the other side of the park. This side is very similar to the other, however there are two points you will cross the creek (both times on Hansen Trail). If you don’t want to get your feet wet, you can still wander along Stewart’s Stroll, and check out the Blackland Prairie, where you’ll get a bit of sun.
I enjoyed exploring Coppell Nature Park, although I didn’t come close to measuring 5 miles on my Apple Watch, even with some doubling back along the way. The trails were well marked, including signs identifying the kinds of trees growing in the park. This is a a great place to visit, especially with small ones, if you live in the area. For those looking for a longer trek through the woods, you may be better served going to nearby Northshore Trail along Grapevine Lake.
I came across this park when I was staying at a nearby hotel for work. Happened to meet the park superintendent while I was there. Nicely maintained! Great for casual hike – and the shade helps during the hotter months. Would recommend it for all ages.