Covering nearly 2,000 acres, Matthiessen State Park is a haven for those looking for an adventurous day hike. For the even more adventurous and daring types, come the day after a rainstorm as the trail will be even muddier and more slippy. Slip and slide as they say.

Some of the best parts of the park will require some getting wet as there's no way getting around the water that lie within the dell (canyon). Prepare to get muddy and have some fun!

See more pictures here.

Whether you're a bird watcher, hiker, botanist, or a parent looking to get your kids out of the house, Cedar Ridge Preserve will give you what you need. The Preserve began with only twenty-six acres of land, but now boasts 600 acres of natural habitat with nine miles of trails that trek through the shades of native Texan trees.

A mere 20-30 minutes' drive from downtown Dallas, the Preserve is worth a half-day visit. Just make sure to come early in the morning before the heat and temperature rise. FYI, well-kept bathrooms are available at the trail heads, so don't hesitate to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Who knew there were so many trails nearby to be hiked? The weather this Saturday morning was phenomenal, especially when you compare it to the rain we were getting last week. After looking through our options, we decided to head to Falls Trail, a ~3.5 mile loop near Ricketts Glen State Park. The trails goes through 18 of 22 named falls, the highest of which reaches roughly 94 feet high.