Spring Creek Forest Preserve

Spring Creek Forest Preserve is a woodland protected area featuring white chalk banks along Spring Creek where multiple trails wind through dense forest. The land contains both natural dirt paths and paved routes that guide visitors through different sections of the woods.

The land became protected in 1988 and took its current name in 2002 to honor Lee F. Jackson, who greatly expanded open spaces across Dallas County. This renaming marked growing recognition of the forest's importance to the broader region.

Researchers and naturalists work here to study one of the remaining old-growth forests in the Blackland Prairie eco-zone. The forest represents an important natural laboratory for understanding this rare woodland type in the region.

Visiting is easiest with a car since parking is available on-site, along with restrooms and picnic tables for longer stays. Choosing between paved and natural trails lets visitors pick based on their own fitness level and preference.

Many trees here are between 100 and 300 years old, belonging to species like shumard oak, chinkapin oak, bur oak, and pecan. These ancient specimens form the backbone of the forest and show how long this place has stood intact.