Cottonwood Creek Trail

The Cottonwood Creek Trail in North Dallas's neighbor of Richardson follows the course of its namesake creek, from W. Spring Valley Road near Esperanza Road south to a junction with the White Rock Creek Greenbelt at Royal Lane, providing White Rock Creek with a direct link with the Preston Ridge Trail. The Cottonwood is paved with concrete, providing safety from crawly things, as well as an oasis of sorts through the densely populated neighborhood. 

One of the pupular uses of the Cottonwood Creek Trail is for commuters on bikes or on foot to get through the congested High Five Intersection safely separated from traffic. This being said, it's impawtant to keep a firm grip on Fido in this area as you pass through. Also, this is a multi-use trail, with the potential of bikes, runners, wheelchairs and in-line skaters sharing it with you, so keep an eye out for oncoming traffic and an ear for folks coming up from behind, being sure to stay to the right.

While some trees are scattered along this well-groomed landscape, wildflowers and wildlife are rare, though not totally absent. You'll likely spy songbirds, small mammals like squirrels and chipmunks, and an occasional frog from the creek. Waterfowl like ducks and herons populate the creek, too, and sightings are frequent for lucky doggers.

The section of the trail that passes under the High Five highway inetsection of HIghways 75, 635 and more, treats you with lengthy and colorful murals, and it's here you'll find plants and shrubs with colorful blossoms. This trail also links with some nicely landscaped parks and other green areas, so little side trips can extend your hike with the fur buddy. Restrooms are scattered here and there, along with benches for sunning and resting, and water fountains. Water sources are few and far between, though, so be sure to bring an adequate supply with you, along with something for the fur-baby to drink out of, like a convenient collapsible bowl. Clean-up bags are also a must have on this urban hike.

While there is little on this trail to satisfy the adventurer or tracker in you and your pup, it's attraction lies in its neat, paved path that picks you up from one green space and drops you at another. Easy and convenient, the Cottonwood Creek Trail is a mellow break!