Is it just me, or does everything seem to cost money nowadays? I don’t always want to choose between saving up and having fun, but that decision is becoming increasingly more common in my daily life. One good thing about penny-pinching, however, is that it forces you to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to activities. In fact, if it weren’t for budgeting, I never would’ve discovered one of my now favorite free outdoor attractions in Texas: Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. While I absolutely understand the need to sometimes charge for entrance to public nature spaces, it’s nice to come across one that doesn’t. Everyone is welcome at this Plano oasis, and there’s so much to see.

Despite being located in a relatively large city, the preserve is quiet and peaceful. With the exception of paved walkways, you’d think you were in the middle of nowhere! Several trails meander through the vast, 200-acre expanse, varying in length, difficulty, and terrain to appeal to as many visitors as possible.

There are approximately three miles of unpaved pedestrian trails, plus three miles of concrete paths for pedestrians, cyclists, and users of non-motorized vehicles such as wheelchairs and strollers. My favorite trail is the Arbor Hills Tower Trail because it leads to an elevated platform that provides spectacular views of the preserve’s lush greenery and the city beyond.

From trickling streams that wind through the dense forest growth, skirting around rocks like a game of ping-pong, to wooden footbridges that look like something from a fairytale, there’s no limit to the magic you’ll find at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. The fact that it’s free is certainly a bonus, but even if it weren’t, I don’t think I’d be able to stop myself from visiting such a peaceful escape from the stress and monotony of my day-to-day.

Visit AllTrails to learn more about each of the trails within the preserve, and consider signing up for AllTrails+ if you’re someone who frequents the outdoors. This exclusive version of AllTrails offers perks such as 3D maps and offline map access, ensuring you’ll never get lost when exploring new places.

Have you ever been to Arbor Hills Nature Preserve? If so, do you think it’s one of the best free outdoor attractions in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Check out our previous article to learn why Plano is one of the most peaceful cities in America.