Tucked away within Fort Worth’s Nature Center & Refuge is a half-mile loop trail that takes hikers on a brief journey that begins on a 120 million year old limestone ridge. Hikers navigate two sets of steps that date back to the 1930s and built as part of the work relief program during the Great Depression. Guests also travel through mixed grasses and trees full of native wildlife and plants along the way. Here’s why Caprock Nature Trail is a wondrous walking history lesson you simply must do:

The trail forms behind the Hardwicke Interpretive Center, located within the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge.

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge / Facebook

Andrew Holland/AllTrails An examination of rocks here show they are made up of fossilized shellfish. These ancient marine creatures formed a giant bed under a shallow sea. When the seas retreated, a river carved a valley through the limestone. The west fork of the Trinity River now lies where the sea once was.

All ages enjoy the short trail that allow hikers to return to a time when the area was under water.

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge / Facebook

Hikers must be able to navigate two sets of stairs, carved from local limestone by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge

Two spots on the trail have benches where hikers can rest and observe nature’s beauty.

Andrey N/Trip Advisor

The wooded area is filled with unique plants and flowers.

Andrey N/Trip Advisor

Wildlife is prevalent throughout the trail.

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge / Facebook

Nine-banded Armadillo are a common site here.

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Bird watchers delight in the nature center.

Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge/Trip Advisor A pair of Prothonotary Warbler peek out of their nest hole in the photo above.

The prairie lands are beautiful here as well.

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You might even see a few buffalo if you stop by Fort Worth Nature Center’s Buffalo Range!

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The park encompasses over 20 miles of hiking trails in its 3,621-acre park, making it one of the largest city-owned nature centers in the U.S. The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge is located at 9601 Fossil Hill Road in Fort Worth. There is a $5 admission for adults, $2 for children, and $3 for seniors. Hours and driving directions can be found here.

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge / Facebook

Andrew Holland/AllTrails

An examination of rocks here show they are made up of fossilized shellfish. These ancient marine creatures formed a giant bed under a shallow sea. When the seas retreated, a river carved a valley through the limestone. The west fork of the Trinity River now lies where the sea once was.

Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge

Andrey N/Trip Advisor

MontanaLaura/Trip Advisor

Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge/Trip Advisor

A pair of Prothonotary Warbler peek out of their nest hole in the photo above.

itsthebrod/Trip Advisor

Andrey N/TripAdvisor

Have you been to the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, and if so, what was your favorite trail or memory? Share your thoughts (and photos) below in the comments!

For longer hiking options, here are 10 epic hiking spots you will want to check out.

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