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![\"Bridge](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/articles-crystal-canyon-natural-area.jpg\" "\\"Bridge")
<\/p>\nPublished on March 31, 2026<\/p>\n
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By Danica Dodson, Arlington Parks, Recreation & Culture<\/p>\n
If you live in or near Arlington, a city with over 4,000 acres of park land, you\u2019re probably familiar with the area\u2019s most popular parks and hiking trails. But every now and then, we all yearn for a quiet natural escape with less foot traffic and more seclusion. Escape the crowds and discover something new with these hidden gem trails in Arlington Parks!<\/p>\n
Crystal Canyon Natural Area<\/p>\n
This geology lover’s paradise is one of Arlington’s best-kept secrets. It has a diverse geologic profile – marine shales, siltstones, mudstone, fossil clams, gypsum layers and fine grain sandstone have been found at Crystal Canyon Natural Area<\/a>. If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this natural escape is just the place! A half-mile trail runs through the 40-acre preserve for a lovely nature hike.<\/p>\n Address: 1000 Brown Blvd., 76011<\/p>\n Fish Creek Linear Park<\/p>\n The six-mile Fish Creek Trail through Southeast Arlington is a perfect combination of convenience and natural beauty integrated into the surrounding urban area. A wide concrete path stretches through the 232-acre diverse natural area in Fish Creek Linear Park<\/a>, providing all the space you could need for walking, running, or biking on mostly flat terrain. Because of its impressive length, Fish Creek Trail is highly accessible but almost never crowded.<\/p>\n Address: 5706 New York Ave., 76018<\/p>\n Nature Trail at MLK Jr. Sports Center<\/p>\n At 1.5 miles long, the nature trail at MLK Jr. Sports Center<\/a> offers a shaded escape tucked away among the trees at one of Arlington\u2019s most eco-conscious parks. This athletic facility was the first Audubon sanctioned sports center in the United States, and the design and maintenance of the entire complex is dedicated to environmental sensitivity. Local wildlife species thrive along this hiking trail surfaced with loose, decomposed granite. You will truly feel like you\u2019re hiking \u201coff the beaten path\u201d here! Interpretive signs are located along the trail so you can learn more about the site\u2019s local ecology.<\/p>\n Address: 7001 Golf Club Drive, 76001<\/p>\n O.W. Fannin Natural Area<\/p>\n O.W. Fannin Natural Area is a hiker\u2019s hidden gem. A sliver of nature that winds through residential streets, the main artery of the area is a long ribbon of concrete walkway. From the main paved walkway, soft-surface trails branch off and offer picturesque hikes through the trees. If you don\u2019t live within walking distance of this park, fear not. O.W. Fannin Natural Area<\/a> links up with F.J. Red Kane Park, which has ample parking and other natural amenities, like a relaxing pond. Whether you come from near or far, this green space is well worth a visit!<\/p>\n Address: 2128 Hardisty Drive, 76001<\/p>\n Village Creek Historical Area<\/p>\n