Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center
When one is surrounded by the concrete and noise of the city, nature can seem a thousand miles away. For persons living in or near Denton, Texas, the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without travelling very far. As the crow flies, this outdoor experience is located less than two miles from U.S. Highway 380 and Loop 288.
The center is situated along the confluence of Clear Creek and the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. It contains 2,900 acres of bottomland hardwood forest, upland prairie, and diverse aquatic habitats.
A series of interconnected trails ranging from .23 miles to 1.75 miles run through the park. The outer loop consisting of the Wetlands Trail, Fisherman's Trail, and Prairie Trail totals just over three miles. However, you can extend or shorten this distance by taking excursions on the Big Cottonwood Loop, Bois d'Arc Loop, Confluence Path, High Trail, or Old Wetlands Road.
From the Fisherman's Trail, you can take a side path to the confluence of Clear Creek and the Elm Fork of the Trinity. At the time of my hike (November 2021), the log jams that have been plaguing this area were on display and blocked the view of the confluence.
If you are walking the outer loop, the Fisherman's Trail transitions to the aptly named Prairie Trail. While the trails at Clear Creek are short, the diversity of landscapes that is packed into the outer loop is neat to experience. Within just a few miles one experiences forests, wetlands, prairie, and a river.
All of the trails and loops which I hiked were well defined. Signage throughout the trail system made it easy to navigate between the various trails and loops. Cellular service is consistently available along the trails.
Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM. Admission is free. According to information the center's website, restrooms and potable water are available when the education center is open. Otherwise, a portable toilet is available next to the parking area on Collins Road. Bringing your own water is advised.
The Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center is a great place to get away for a short hike. It is hard to believe that such a place can exist so close to the hustle and bustle of the city. If you live in or near Denton, Texas, this place is worth checking out.
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