Visitor Information

You will love visiting the Preserve!

 Spring Creek Forest Preserve is in Garland, Texas near Holford Road and the George Bush Tollway (Hwy 190). The Preserve is long and narrow, following the flood-plain of Spring Creek as it meanders from Shiloh Road on the west to Ranger Drive on the east. Five trailhead parking lots are available. The total size of the Preserve including surrounding greenspace is about 250 acres.

The Preserve and surrounding greenbelt is a unique city of Garland park divided into four very different types of parks.

• • The original section, Spring Creek Forest Preserve, at 1770 Holford Road, Garland TX 75044 represents an old-growth bottomland hardwood forest with some of the oldest and tallest trees in the county. The ADA-compliant concrete trails and the natural-surface (dirt) trails that wind through the forest allow you to experience nature with friends and family. A pavilion near the parking lot is a convenient place to gather before a hike. It has stone benches that are a great spot to enjoy a sack lunch. It also has a port-o-let; the only restroom in the whole park.
  • Across the creek at 1787 Holford Rd, Garland TX 75044 is Spring Creek Park Preserve. This area features picnic tables overlooking a fine limestone prairie with wildflowers and other plants unique to that environment. A wildscape garden at the parking lot and a self-guided interpretive trail along a 0.8 mile natural-surface loop will help you learn more about the ecology of the park.
  • At Halff Park, 4695 Ranger Drive, Garland TX 75040, another ADA-accessible concrete trail skirts the edge of the Preserve from North Garland Avenue to Halff Park. From the Halff Park parking lot, natural-surface trails lead to and along the creek through huge trees and the wildest part of the Preserve.
  • Both the Harris Park section, 6006 North Shiloh Road, Garland TX 75044 and the Winters Park section, 1419 Spring Creek Drive, Garland TX 75040 are mostly designated greenbelt and have concrete walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic tables.

Note that there are other entry points that access the Preserve.

For example –

• • Shiloh at Mapleridge Drive: Park at the east end of Mapleridge Drive and follow the short dirt trail which connects with the Nature Loop Trail at Spring Creek Park Preserve.

Hours of Operation:

Open daily 6 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Free admission

For general preserve information:

Call Garland Parks and Recreation Department, 972-205-2750.

Dog Policy:

On-leash dogs are welcome in our Preserve. However, note that it is illegal to have off-leash pets in Garland Parks. Please call 972-205-3570, option 1 to report off-leash animals. Always pick up your pet waste and deposit the bags in the trash bins in each parking lot; do not leave bagged pet waste beside the trail. Violators are subject to municipal court citations.

Wheels must stay on paved trails:

Wheels cause extensive damage to the ecosystem on the dirt trails. Therefore, motorized vehicles, bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, scooters, and strollers, etc. are only allowed on the hard surface (paved) trails.

Visitors Can Enjoy:

• • Four miles of natural surface (dirt) trails and four miles of paved trails.
  • A Self-Guided Interpretive Nature Trail at 1787 Holford Road (https://springcreekforest.org/spring-creek-park-preserve-interpretive-walking-trail/).
  • Nature hikes led by trained naturalists.
  • There are four picnic tables at Spring Creek Park Preserve at 1787 Holford Road.
  • A pavilion for group meetings is located at 1770 Holford Road.
  • Community Volunteer Service Opportunities such as work projects in the Preserve – contact the Society at springcreekforestpreservation@gmail.com.
  • SCFP Geocaches can be found at: https://geocaching.com/.

Please Remember:

• • Public Safety – For police, fire, or medical emergencies, dial 911 immediately. For non-emergency matters, please report to the Garland Police Department non-emergency number, 972-485-4840.
  • Snake Policy – Snakes are in their natural habitat outdoors. If you encounter a snake, be cautious and give it space. Do not try to move or kill the snake, as most bites occur this way. Allow it to pass or walk as far around it as possible to avoid it. Do not be afraid of snakes, but please be aware! Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes.
  • Horses are not allowed.
  • Maintenance Policy – All maintenance concerns can either be reported via the eAssist Garland app (a free app that can be downloaded to your smartphone) or directly to the Park Operations office at 972-205-3589 / ParkMaintenance@garlandtx.gov.
  • Help keep our preserve beautiful by carrying out your trash and collecting trash left by others. Trash cans are located at all four trailhead parking areas and the Mapleridge Drive access point.
  • No fires or camping allowed.
  • Insect repellant is recommended during warm months, especially on natural-surface trails.
  • Potable (drinkable) water is not available in the Preserve. Always bring water and stay hydrated.
  • Hike safely! Find useful tips for safe hiking on the Scout site (https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safetymoments/hiking/) and the American Hiking Society (https://americanhiking.org/hiking-resources/#hiking-101).