Trail Construction Status
UPDATED: Sept. 23, 2026
ALL Trails are OPEN! Construction completed September 23, 2026. These improvements are made possible by generous donations to Friends of Sheri Capehart Nature Preserve. Thank you!
DETAILS: Several trails needed ongoing repairs for erosion and poor drainage. To better ensure the safety of both visitors and preserve habitats, the Friends of SCNP , with the agreement of Arlington Parks, Recreation & Culture, has enlisted KOM Trails (Leander, Tx) to improve several trail segments:
Red/Yellow Trail – COMPLETE
Starting from the parking lot, this trail crosses the bridge and heads toward the main pond, bordering its north edge. The trail here was eroded in parts, with several muddy areas that after heavy rains. Several solutions had been attempted to prevent the erosion but weren’t sustainable long term.
The project re-aligned the trail with improved slope, grade and drainage. This trail is heavily used by hikers and fishermen alike. This work means a trail that is safer for all and less prone to erosion, so easier to maintain.
Orange Trail – COMPLETE
The Orange Trail starts from the parking lot, parallels Bowman Springs Road, heads toward the North Pond, and passes along a patch of little bluestem. Much of the trail is shaded by Post Oaks and Eastern Redcedar. This trail is used by visitors to the north pond and hikers heading for the north prairie.
The trail was eroded in parts with several muddy areas after heavy rains. South-Point Constructors volunteers added bridges to make the worst areas passable, but more modifications to the trail are needed. The steeply sloped north end of the trail was difficult to navigate and continued to erode despite our efforts.
The steepest parts of the trail have been rerouted to improve the grade.
Blue Trail – COMPLETE
Starting from the bluff and heading down to the north prairie, the work on this section of the Blue Trail was one of the biggest challenges and now the most rewarding with the work finished.
This trail is steep and had resisted our attempts to slow erosion by adding steps and berms to the trail. The Blue Trail’s major revision installed grade reversals and switchbacks resulting in a new route and opening up parts of the forest that aren’t accessible now – maybe some new species to find!
Trailhead from Parking Lot
COMPLETE
This link slopes from the north end of the parking lot up to the Kiosk and to the beginning of the preserve’s natural surface trails.
The project plan calls for removing the existing limestone steps and the deteriorated surface, then resurfacing and regrading the area to provide a durable and accessible tread and a smooth continuous surface.
As with all the other trail improvements, this work creates a trail that is safer for all and less prone to erosion, so easier to maintain.