Formerly the Dallas Nature Center, the Cedar Ridge Preserve occupies 600 acres of relatively untrammeled hills in southwestern Dallas County blanketed by native wildflowers and, of course, cedar trees. It boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, which connect ambitious walkers to the Dogwood Canyon Aububon Center and Cedar Hill State Park, plus a two-story observation giving an expansive view of southwestern Dallas County. There's no better place in the city to commune with nature.