Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Rate this placeNearby: Indian Creek Park Coyote Creek Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a 200-acre park located in Plano, Texas.
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Summary
It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering various recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. The park features several trails, including a paved trail for cyclists and joggers, and a natural surface trail for hikers.
One of the main attractions of Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is the stunning views of the prairie and woodland areas that cover the park. Visitors can also observe local wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and various bird species.
The park has several points of interest, including an observation tower, a pond, and a playground. The observation tower provides a panoramic view of the park and the surrounding area. The pond is home to several species of fish, and visitors can fish with a valid Texas fishing license. The playground is a popular spot for families with young children.
Interesting facts about Arbor Hills Nature Preserve include that it was once a landfill site before it was transformed into a nature park in 2003, and it is home to several endangered plant species.
The best time to visit Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the scenery is at its best. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy, making outdoor activities more challenging.
Overall, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a fantastic destination for those looking to spend time in nature and enjoy outdoor activities. Its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities make it a must-visit for anyone in the Plano, Texas area.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Indian Creek Park
Coyote Creek Park
Harvest Run Park
Parkwood Green Park
Windhaven Park