Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Area

 


Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Area (LLELA) is situated on 2600 acres just below the Lake Lewisville Dam. This is an urban wilderness located along the banks of the the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. The park features Blackland Prairie and Eastern Cross Timbers ecosystems as well as wetlands and hardwood forests. The location offers opportunities for camping, canoeing, fishing, wildlife observation, and hiking among other activities.


LLELA contains over six miles of interconnected trails. These trails include the Blackjack Trail, Green Dragon Trail, Cottonwood Trail, Cicada Trail, Red Bud Trail, and the Bittern Marsh Trail. Hikers on these trails will experience a variety of settings including prairie, bottomland hardwood forests, Cross timbers forest, and even marshes. There is even an opportunity to experience local history. 


Located along the Cottonwood Trail is the Minor-Porter log house. The cabin was built in 1869. It was restored in 2005 and relocated to LLELA. It is furnished with genuine 1800s artifacts and tools. The cabin is open for viewing on the third Saturday of each month from noon to 3 PM. 



All in all, the trails at LLELA with their mix of prairie, Cross Timbers forest, and bottomland hardwoods are typical of what you would expect to find in North Texas. A section of the Red Bud Trail runs parallel to the Elm Fork of the Trinity offering views of the river. However, one trail stood out among the rest.



On the east side of the Elm Fork of the Trinity lies the Bittern Marsh Trail. This 2.1 mile trail takes you on a journey through a bottomland hardwood forest to a marsh. The marsh contains viewing blinds for viewing and photographing wildlife. A boardwalk takes you through the marshy areas of the trail. The beauty of this trail is astounding, especially considering its urban setting. 


LLELA  is open seven days a week with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Hours vary depending on the season. Daily admission is $5 per vehicle which is payable at the main gate. It should be noted that the only form of payment accepted is credit card (as of November 2023). Excessive rainfall and high water along the Elm Fork can lead to trail closures at LLELA. It is best to check their website or social media for trail conditions before your trip. If you live in the DFW area and are looking for a hiking opportunity that is a short drive, check out LLELA. 

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