5 Spots in Fort Worth for Nature Lovers

Image via Flickr by brad_holt | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

Fort Worth, Texas, is brimming with natural beauty that’s just waiting for you to explore. When you’re ready to get out there and discover this scenic beauty for yourself, you can’t go wrong planning a day at one of these best spots for nature lovers around Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden was established in 1934, making it the oldest major botanic garden in the state. The garden has so many unique areas and exhibits, you’ll find something to enjoy during every season. One of the most popular areas is the Japanese Garden. This traditional stroll garden has paths that wind around cherry trees, Japanese maples, and bamboo and bridges that cross ponds filled with colorful koi.

Another gorgeous part is the Rose Garden. Climb the ramp that leads to the Shelter House to take in the panoramic view of the garden. Then stop by the Reflection Pond to see if you can spot the turtles and goldfish swimming through the water.

The Backyard Vegetable Garden is a working garden filled with fruit trees and vegetable beds. The Four Seasons Garden has an assortment of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees that change in color as the seasons change. Other popular spots in the botanic garden are the Native Texas Boardwalk, Perennial Garden, Fuller Garden, and Rock Springs Woods.

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

Located just 14 miles outside of the city, the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is a 3,621-acre park that consists of wetlands, prairies, and forests. It also includes over 20 miles of hiking trails. If you’re looking for something smooth and easy, consider the 0.16-mile Marsh Boardwalk trail that goes over the wetlands or the 0.21-mile paved Limestone Ledge nature trail.

If you’re looking for something that offers more of a challenge, the 3.25-mile Canyon Ridge trail delivers a scenic hike that goes from ridgetop vistas to shady canyons. Another excellent option is the 2.16-mile Oak Motte trail, which meanders through grasslands and clusters of live oak trees. Or check out the 1.5-mile Greer Island/Margaret Parker Memorial Trail that takes a levee over to a forested area on Greer Island. The refuge even offers access to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Paddling Trail on Lake Worth.

Trinity Park

Situated on the banks of the Trinity River and located just a few miles from downtown Fort Worth, Trinity Park has something for everyone to enjoy. During your time at the park, you can cast a line into the river to see what’s biting, have a picnic in one of the open spaces, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of a beautiful day in North Texas.

If you’re looking for something the kids will enjoy, the park is home to the Forest Park Miniature Railroad, which has been running since 1959. The little locomotive takes you on a 5-mile round-trip journey through the park that includes two bridge crossings and scenic views of other attractions. Some of those other attractions include large playgrounds and a duck pond.

The park also has more than 40 miles of hiking and biking paths along the river. While you’re enjoying the trails, be sure to keep an eye out for the murals and other public art pieces that are part of the Painting the Trinity artwork initiative.

Fort Worth Water Gardens

You often don’t picture spots for nature lovers in the heart of a city, but Fort Worth offers a stunning downtown oasis with its Fort Worth Water Gardens. This unique destination has three separately designed pools where you can unwind and take in the sounds of nature. The meditation pool is a quiet spot surrounded by large, shady cypress trees. At this pool, thin sheets of water cascade down towering walls into a sunken blue water feature. The sound of the water splashing down the walls brings to mind thoughts of gentle rain showers.

At the aerating pool, 40 nozzles spray a mist that creates the illusion of a water bridge that connects one side of the pathway to the other. While these pools are lovely, the main attraction at the Fort Worth Water Gardens is the active pool. Here water cascades 38 feet down terraces and platforms into a small pool at the bottom. Not only does the active pool let you enjoy the sights of the streaming water, but it also allows you to experience the sound and power as you walk down the steps right into the heart of the action.

Eagle Mountain Park

The 400-acre Eagle Mountain Park is located about 17 miles north of Fort Worth and offers an enticing variety of hiking opportunities. The park has six distinct trails that are about 5 miles in total length and are considered some of the best in the area. In addition to offering scenic views of Eagle Mountain Lake, the trails also provide an opportunity to spot the abundant wildlife that lives in the park.

The main park trail is about 1.5 miles long and takes you directly to the lake. The Shoreline Trail hugs the banks of the lake and is an excellent spot to look for birds and other wildlife on the water. If you’re interested in some stunning views, head out on the Overlook Trail. This nice and easy 0.25-mile trail takes you to a spectacular overlook area above Eagle Mountain Lake. The South Overlook Trail is a moderately challenging trail that offers scenic views of the lake from the southern end of the park.

While the park was made primarily for hiking, you’ll also find plenty of amenities that make it a great place to enjoy an afternoon picnic, including two pavilions, picnic tables, water fountains, and restrooms.

At Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth, we love heading outside and enjoying these natural areas around Fort Worth. Where do you like to go when you want to reconnect with nature? Please contact us and let us know so we can add those places to our list!