Explore Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center

Experience a relaxing hike in our oak/juniper hardwood forest on a limestone escarpment. While not very deep, Dogwood Canyon is a true canyon formed by water. There are three miles of hiking trails that include very easy to moderate. The Canyon Floor trail is great for toddlers or a quick walk and is a nice introduction to our forest. The West Loop Trail takes you to the top of the White Rock escarpment with views of Joe Pool Lake and across the canyon. The Dogwood Trail takes you deeper into the canyon that includes bridges over the ephemeral creek and escapes the urban sounds. Enjoy a guided hike for trout lily plants in late winter or get a birds-eye view of the flowering dogwoods in early spring. 

Quick Need-To-Know

• Trails open during regular posted hours
• Trails may close after heavy rain or other weather events
• No pets;  Certified service animals welcome
• Check-in at the visitor center gift shop before hiking
• Binoculars available for check-out
• See "Plan Your Hike" for trail status, trail rules and safety 

Dogwood Canyon Visitor Center and trails will be closed August 13-14.

Walk up the stairs inside the gift shop to enjoy Canyon View, a beautiful indoor viewing area that looks out to the forest and ephemeral creek. Hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and year-round resident birds visit the variety of feeders hanging within easy view. Books and images are provided to help you learn about the feeders.  A more traditional outdoor bird blind is also available near the start of the Canyon Floor Trail and includes a ramp for easy access, benches, and viewing windows of various heights. 

As you relax and reflect on your observations while visiting Dogwood Canyon, you might wonder about the beautiful plants seen around the forest, prairie and gardens and the host of wildlife these plants support. You can add native plants to your landscaping and help birds and other wildlife thrive in our urban areas. We offer a spring and fall native plant sale where you can find a wide variety of native Texas plants to build a habitat in your own yard. 

Hosting your meeting, retreat, or special event at the beautiful Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center at Cedar Hill brings a unique experience to connect with nature. With a unique 6,000 sq. ft. center nestled into the woods at the base of a 150' canyon, you and your guests will be surrounded by nature...while still within easy access of Dallas, Fort Worth, and the communities of southwest Dallas County.  All rentals contribute to our bottom line that supports Audubon and our conservation mission. 

Dogwood Canyon hosts a wide array of birds and plants that call this canyon home. Listen weekly as we describe a new bird, plant, or conservation program.