Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve

I'm a little reluctant to post about Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve in Plano because I love it so much. I went there yesterday for an absolutely glorious 2-hour walk/hike. While I was, by no means, the only person there, it was surprisingly uncrowded. So I don't know that it's smart to give away the secret of this little gem, but I suppose it's the right thing to do. If you live in DFW or are visiting, you should definitely check out this park.

This sign is at the entrance on Los Rios Blvd.

I was amused by this encouraging piece of "graffiti"
on the path leading down to the lake.

If you enter the park at Los Rios Blvd., as I did, the curving paved path leads you down to a lovely little lake. There is a paved walking/biking path that leads around the lake. According to the map at the beginning of the trail, the loop covers .88 miles.

You can branch off from the lake loop to follow the paved path that leads around the equestrian field. That's right, in addition to hiking/biking/roller skating, you can ride a horse there, if you're so inclined. There are also several "off road" (read: unpaved) trails, including one that leads across an open meadow. The trees below mark the start of that trail.

I think these were pretty much the only trees
at the park that weren't in bloom.

I chose instead to follow an unpaved trail that followed Rowlett Creek. I was given several opportunities to deviate from the Rowlett Creek Trail, but chose to stick with it, since I fully intend to go back to the park at another date & can explore more of the trails then.

Rowlett Creek

More Rowlett Creek

While I'd seen a handful of people on the paved paths, during my trip along the Rowlett Creek Trail I came across only two other people (a couple). It was both very beautiful and very peaceful.

I was bemused to find a rope swing (pictured above), as I doubt the creek ever runs deep enough to allow for safe jumping.

Here's a shot of the creek by the rope swing.
See, not deep enough for jumping.

I tried to get close enough to the creek to touch at the spot pictured above, but the rocks were too slippery. Oh well.

Apparently, I didn't do a very good job of reading the map at the park entrance because the Rowlett Creek Trail eventually dumped me out onto Jupiter Road, about a mile from the park entrance. I could have gone back the way I came, but it seemed longer, so I walked back along the road (which had sidewalk most of the way). I didn't mind, though, and actually returned to the park to complete the path around the lake before going home.

I can't say enough good things about this park. It was a great way to spend a fantastic morning.