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Cedar Hill State Park |
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1570 F.M. 1382
Cedar Hill TX 75104
972/291-3900
History: In 1854, John Anderson Penn settled in the rugged cedar-covered hills
of southwest Dallas County - an area known as the Cedar Mountains. Today,
remnants of the original Penn Farm survive intact in the confines of Cedar Hill
State Park. Cedar Hill State Park is a 1,826 acre urban nature preserve located
on the 7500 acre Joe Pool Reservoir. The Park's proximity to major metropolitan
cities makes it an ideal destination for families who want to enjoy the great
outdoors without spending precious time driving. The ruggedness and scenic
beauty of the area combined with over 100 miles of shoreline and the water based
recreation on Joe Pool is a major attraction. The Metroplex skyline reflects on
Joe Pool at night adds to our relaxing wilderness atmosphere. The park was
acquired in 1982 and was opened in 1991.
Penn Farm Agricultural History Center pays tribute to the disappearing Texas'
family farm and affords a glimpse into agrarian history as farm machinery took
the place of the horse and mule almost a century ago. The Farm is open 7 days a
week to self-guided tours. There are reconstructed and historic buildings from
the mid 1800s through the mid 1900s. The Penn Farm has a very relaxing
atmosphere and is perfect for family walks. Self-guided and guided tours are
available. Special tours can be set-up for school groups or other groups. Call
972-291-5940 for more information
Activities: Camping - Features 355 mostly wooded campsites with a shade shelter
over some of the picnic tables. Each site has water, electricity, a fire-ring, a
lantern pole, and a picnic table. All campsites are within walking distance of
restrooms with hot showers. Additionally, there are 30 primitive campsites.
Mountain Biking - Cedar Hill State Park is home to the premier North Texas
mountain bike trail. The DORBA trail, named for the volunteers of the Dallas Off
Road Biking Association, was built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers. Over
1200 acres of prime mountain bike landscape are crisscrossed with 15 miles of
intense riding. This exciting trail is closed after rainfall so call
972/291-3900 and press star 2 for trail conditions.
Birdwatching - Birdwatching is a popular activity year-round at Cedar Hill State
Park. The most sought after bird at the park is the Painted Bunting. Painted
Buntings abound in the Park from the first week of May through August each year.
The park is home to other neotropical migrants including the Yellow-billed
cuckoo, the Indigo Bunting, the Chuck-will's Widow and many others. Fall and
winter brings: Ruby-crowned Kinglets; Yellow-rumped Warblers; Gold Finch;
American Kestrel; and Cedar Waxwing. Resident birds include the Eastern
Bluebird, the Greater Roadrunner, the Loggerhead Shrike, the Red-tailed Hawk,
the Great Horned Owl, both the Turkey and Black Vulture, and the Bewick's Wren.
The park's bird list contains almost 200 species!
Other Park Activities - Picnicking: Over 200 picnic tables with waist-high
grills, and most have a view of the lake. Fishing: Features two lighted fishing
jetties and a perch pond for youngsters. Lake fishing includes largemouth black
bass, crappie ,and catfish. Slot limit on Joe Pool is 5 largemouth bass limit of
fish under 14 inches or over 21 inches, with only one being 21 inches or
greater. Crappie must be over 10 inches and the limit is 25 fish. Swimming
beach: The park has a gravel swimming beach surrounded by picnic tables with
grills. There are no lifeguards on duty; therefore, swimming is at your own
risk. Playgrounds: The park has 3 playgrounds conveniently located throughout
the park. Boating: Two concrete four-lane boat ramps welcome our boating
enthusiast. There is also ample lighted boat trailer parking. |
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