Trinity River Audubon Center is one of the most unique urban nature destinations in North Texas, located within the vast Great Trinity Forest along the Trinity River corridor in southeast Dallas. Built on land that was once an illegal dump site and heavily neglected industrial area, the property underwent a massive environmental restoration effort beginning in the early 2000s. Thousands of tons of debris and contaminated material were removed as part of a long-term cleanup project designed to restore native wetlands, prairie habitat, and bottomland hardwood forest. Today, the area stands as a nationally recognized example of urban ecological recovery and conservation.

The center features approximately five miles of interconnected hiking trails that wind through wetlands, open prairie, forested sections, and lakeside environments. Most trails are natural surface paths made from compacted dirt and crushed gravel, although several sections include elevated wooden boardwalks that cross marshy wetlands and sensitive habitat areas. Visitors will also encounter multiple pedestrian bridges spanning creeks, drainage channels, and low-lying floodplain terrain, adding scenic variety to the trail system.

Popular routes include the Trinity Forest Spine Trail connection and shorter interpretive loops surrounding the center itself. The mostly flat terrain makes the trails accessible for casual hikers, birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and families. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the year and often include white-tailed deer, turtles, rabbits, coyotes, armadillos, and numerous bird species such as herons, egrets, hawks, owls, and migratory songbirds. During warmer months, frogs and dragonflies are especially active around the wetlands and ponds. Add the TRAC to your destination list of hikes on your Texas list and enjoy what is awaiting your arrival!

TRAC information and trail maps: