Breaking For Art at Oak Cliff Nature Preserve
Longtime volunteer and TLC member Randy Lisbona shares how his love of the trails—and engineering artworks from found materials—fuels a fierce love for this urban preserve.
Oak Cliff Nature Preserve (OCNP) is a 121-acre oasis of green space located right in the middle of urban Dallas. There are over eight miles of multi-use hike and bike trails coursing through the Preserve. Open dawn until dusk, bird and plant enthusiasts, bicycle riders of all ages, and those just wishing for peace and quiet visit the preserve to connect with nature every day.
County: Dallas
Hours of operation: Open dawn until dusk
Click here to see current trail status following wet weather
Acres: 121
Trails: 8 miles of hike and bike trails
Year Protected: 1999
Oak Cliff Nature Preserve (OCNP) is a 121-acre oasis of green space located right in the middle of urban Dallas. There are over eight miles of multi-use hike and bike trails coursing through the Preserve. Open dawn to dusk, this preserve welcomes bird and plant enthusiasts, bicycle riders of all ages, and those just wishing for peace and quiet visit the preserve to connect with nature every day.
County: Dallas
Hours of operation: Open dawn to dusk
Click here to see current trail status following wet weather.
Acres: 121
Trails: 8 miles of hike and bike trails
Year Protected: 1999
Although there is no fee to visit OCNP, Texas Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and relies on the support of our donors, volunteers, and supporters to keep the preserve open and accessible. Please consider making a donation to help keep OCNP a thriving urban oasis for the Dallas community.
Texas Land Conservancy owns and manages OCNP. The primary purpose of this property is to protect natural plant and animal communities, however it is also open to visitors for recreation and enjoyment. Please see the permitted and prohibited activities list below.
Wet weather closures: After rain events and when the trails are muddy, the trails at OCNP will be closed. Check the DORBA trail page for current trail status.
You might say, “But it’s so nice out! I want to hike!” Believe us, we get it! Hiking and biking are what we live for, and it’s hard to beat the excitement of getting out into nature after a rainy day. But even when the trails reopen, be prepared to turn around if the trail is muddy. Rock is durable. Hard, dry soil is durable. Mud is not durable. Help us protect the trail by turning around when you come upon a muddy section. Bottom line is that we want everyone to enjoy the trails, so respect wet weather closures and, if there is mud, please turn around!
We ask that you stay on the marked trails in order to preserve the fragile habitat that we are working to protect.
Please carry out all trash. If you notice something at OCNP that needs attention, please contact us at 972-696-9810 or info@texaslandconservancy.org.
Texas Land Conservancy owns and manages OCNP. The primary purpose of this property is to protect natural plant and animal communities, however it is also open to visitors for recreation and enjoyment. Please see the permitted and prohibited activities list below.
Wet weather closures: After rain events and when the trails are muddy, the trails at OCNP will be closed. Check the DORBA trail page for current trail status.
You might say, “But it’s so nice out! I want to hike!” Believe us, we get it! Hiking and biking are what we live for, and it’s hard to beat the excitement of getting out into nature after a rainy day. But even when the trails reopen, be prepared to turn around if the trail is muddy. Rock is durable. Hard, dry soil is durable. Mud is not durable. Help us protect the trail by turning around when you come upon a muddy section. Bottom line is that we want everyone to enjoy the trails, so respect wet weather closures and, if there is mud, please turn around!
We ask that you stay on the marked trails in order to preserve the fragile habitat that we are working to protect.
Please carry out all trash. If you notice something at OCNP that needs attention, please contact us at 972-696-9810 or info@texaslandconservancy.org.
Trails are Multi-Use: OCNP has been supported over the years by the Dallas Off-Road Biking Association (DORBA). We are proud of our ongoing partnership with DORBA, but please note that the trails here are entirely multi-use. Normal yielding practices apply, so bikes yield to pedestrians. Bike riders should be aware that families, runners, other bikers, dogs and hikers may be around the next corner. Ride in control, slow down when you see others and always yield with a smile.
OCNP is Wild: Although you may start your adventure right in the middle of Dallas, please keep in mind that OCNP is a 121-acre preserve and is home to a variety of wild species. Proper preparation and precautions can help keep you and the critters safe. Always bring plenty of water and your cell phone so you can pull up the OCNP interactive trail map.
OCNP is Popular: Thousands of people utilize the 8+ miles of trails at OCNP each year, and that number is growing. With its easy access from town, it is not uncommon to see many Dallasites and visitors alike out enjoying the trails. The White Trail sees the most traffic while you’re more likely to find solitude on one of the trails farther from the trailhead.
Trails are Multi-Use: OCNP has been supported over the years by the Dallas Off-Road Biking Association (DORBA). We are proud of our ongoing partnership with DORBA, but please note that the trails here are entirely multi-use. Normal yielding practices apply, so bikes yield to pedestrians. Bike riders should be aware that families, runners, other bikers, dogs and hikers may be around the next corner. Ride in control, slow down when you see others and always yield with a smile.
OCNP is Wild: Although you may start your adventure right in the middle of Dallas, please keep in mind that OCNP is a 121-acre preserve and is home to a variety of wild species. Proper preparation and precautions can help keep you and the critters safe. Always bring plenty of water and your cell phone so you can pull up the OCNP interactive trail map.
OCNP is Popular: Thousands of people utilize the 8+ miles of trails at OCNP each year, and that number is growing. With its easy access from town, it is not uncommon to see many Dallasites and visitors alike out enjoying the trails. The White Trail sees the most traffic while you’re more likely to find solitude on one of the trails farther from the trailhead.
Longtime volunteer and TLC member Randy Lisbona shares how his love of the trails—and engineering artworks from found materials—fuels a fierce love for this urban preserve.
Profile of Educator Melinda Pandiangan and how she works to connect her students to nature.
We are expanding our activities into North Texas and want to know what you would like to see from us—take our North Texas Survey today!
Join us in celebrating National Dog Day by sharing pics of your pups on the trails this week!
Thank you to Oak Cliff Nature Preserve Sponsor, Junk King for helping keep the preserve beautiful.