We were inspired to drive over to Southeast Dallas after finding this article from D Magazine. It was published about a year ago but had some up-to-date notes referencing the Coronavirus, so we thought it would be reliable.
There are two hikes in this area, and I decided on the Piedmont Ridge Trail because the article said there is a possibility of wildflowers in the middle of the trail.
To get to the start of the trail, it says to enter the Keeton Park Golf Course, however that road is currently closed, so we parked in the parking lot just north of the road and we were able to walk over.
Just after the golf course entrance, look across a green space on the left and you’ll find a wooden kiosk with no information on it. Without a map I felt a little nervous, but I have to say, there isn’t much chance of getting lost because the path is pretty well-worn.
As soon as you enter the trail, the fun begins. Most trails around here are F-L-A-T. Not this one. This one takes you from high to higher pretty quickly.
As the article states, there is an overlook about a mile up that gives you ever so slight view of the Trinity River bridges, but unfortunately the benches that are there to rest are all destroyed. The article also states the trail ends at an overlook at Bruton Road (which provides way better views of downtown), but it doesn’t end there. The trail continues to the left, so we pressed onward unknowing what to expect. There were way more hills and felt pretty secluded, except you weren’t transported anywhere because the hum of traffic from Jim Miller Road was a constant.
I have two tips: If you continue down the path beyond Bruton Road, when you reach the dead end, turn left to return to the meadow. Then you’ll reach a fork in the road. If you go to the right, you’ll return back to the trail head.
The second tip is, if you are allergic to cotton, I would take a heavy dose of allergy medicine before going on this trail. As we entered the golf course, we were showered with cotton.
Length: Not too sure. One site says .6 miles, another says 1.3, but neither discuss the loop, link to half of the trail map