Hiking Trails at Dogwood Canyon

Hiking at Dogwood Canyon
Hiking is free and trails are open when our center is open. The canyon is named for the grove of flowering dogwood trees found within this canyon. Admission is donation-based to allow everyone in our community the opportunity to visit. While we do not have a set admission fee,  your donations enable us to maintain the trails and facility as well as staff the center. Donations can be made at the metal donation box at the end of the ramp and online.

Stay Safe On the Trail
For your safety and the preservation of our wild spaces, stay on the trail.  Any flagging seen along the trail often leads to nowhere. Flagging can be used for maintenance crews, researchers, or individuals that own neighboring private properties. Following any flagging or unmarked/unestablished trails increases the risk of encountering poisonous plants, venomous snakes, and trespassing on neighboring private property.  Most importantly, leaving the trail damages the delicate ecosystems that this center has been established to protect.

Note that while we have views of Joe Pool Lake, none of the trails from Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center reach Joe Pool Lake.  

Trail Closures
Best land management practices protect trails and keep them sustainable. We may close trails when they are saturated from heavy or consistent rain. We may also close trails during extreme weather conditions such as heat advisories, high winds, or icy conditions. Trail closures are utilized to prevent costly erosion from foot traffic and to avoid dangerous conditions for both visitors and our emergency responders.

We do our best to post updates if trails are closed. Please contact the center to verify if in doubt.  Keep in mind, our property is a managed preserve. Therefore, when our center is closed, our trails are also closed.

Pets
We love dogs, but as a nature preserve, conservation is our top priority.  To protect the preserve and its wildlife, pets are not permitted on the property, including the hiking trails. Trained service dogs are welcome. Emotional support and companion animals do not meet the definition of a service animal and do not have the same access rights. Required proof of service dog status includes service dog ID card, service dog vest, harness, and/or tags, or credible verbal statement. Pets are permitted on the Balcones concrete multi-use trail. Protected places are safe spaces for birds and the places they need.