River Legacy Parks is a 1,300-acre urban forest and nature preserve in Arlington, Texas, offering extensive trails, diverse wildlife habitats, and recreational opportunities along the Trinity River.
River Legacy Parks is a 1,300-acre natural area and urban park located along the West Fork of the Trinity River in Arlington, Texas. The park features expansive bottomland hardwood forests, wetlands, and riparian habitats that support a wide range of plant and animal species, making it a vital urban wildlife refuge. Established in the 1980s, the park was created to preserve this important ecological corridor and provide residents with an accessible place for outdoor recreation and environmental education. The park’s geography includes gently rolling terrain shaped by the river and its tributaries, with forests composed primarily of oak, pecan, elm, and cottonwood trees.
Visitors can enjoy over 10 miles of paved and natural surface trails suitable for hiking, biking, and running. The park also features picnic areas, playgrounds, and the River Legacy Living Science Center, which offers interactive exhibits and educational programs focused on local ecology and conservation. Throughout the year, the park hosts community events and nature walks that highlight the seasonal changes in flora and fauna. Notable landmarks within the park include the Trinity River overlook, several wetlands, and scenic creek crossings. River Legacy Parks stands out as one of the largest urban green spaces in North Texas and draws birdwatchers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking nature within a metropolitan area.
River Legacy Living Science Center with interactive natural history exhibits
Diverse bottomland hardwood forest ecosystem supporting abundant wildlife
Over 10 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking
Scenic overlook points providing views of the Trinity River corridor
A facility offering educational exhibits about local plants, animals, and ecosystems, plus guided programs and workshops.
Scenic viewpoints overlooking the West Fork of the Trinity River and its surrounding floodplain forests.
A mature forest habitat featuring oaks, elms, pecans, and cottonwoods that supports diverse wildlife.