When we think of the City of Arlington, usually the word waterfall isn't involved right?
Though most of our surrounding landscape is plains and rolling hills, tucked within our town lies at least 2 small waterfalls, or what some might call cascades, that are worth a visit. Keep in mind, both are apart of a dry creek bed system, so it's best to visit these spots after we've had some rain.
Secret Waterfall at Crystal Canyon Nature Trail
Crystal Canyon Nature Trail is a gem in North Arlington with over 40 acres of land to explore. One of Arlington’s newest parks, dedicated on May 29, 2012, Crystal Canyon Natural Area is a geology lover’s paradise. It contains a very diverse geologic profile with evidence that suggests a near-shore marine environment might have existed at one time. Marine shales, siltstones, mudstone containing inner beds of calcareous fossil clams, gypsum layers and fine grain sandstone have been found there. The official hike/bike trail is only about a half of a mile, but where we're going is on one of the dirt trails that leads into the forest from the main sidewalk. Start at the trailhead and go South on the concrete trail. Right before you come upon the 2nd bridge crossing, you'll see a dirt trail with an open clearing to walk down that's heading east. Follow the dirt trail, cross a stream and you'll come upon a ledge. If it's been raining, this ledge that the creek runs through will have a waterfall to enjoy!
Randol Mill Park Waterfall
So this spot is one of my favorites and I honestly feel bad sharing because I don't want it to get overcrowded but we will have no gatekeeping on this blog! One of my favorite parks here in Arlington is Randol Mill Park. A bit of history - Robert A. Randol came to Texas from Winchester, Virginia in 1876 and purchased a working grain mill. According to the Texas Historical Commission, the original mill was built in 1856 by Archibald Leonard and served as a community center and county voting place. The original mill was burned to the ground in 1860, but reopened in 1862. The mill changed owners many times, but eventually was owned by Randol until his death in 1922. While the mill burned again in 1933 and was not rebuilt, the park honoring Randol’s mill keeps the memory alive. Randol Mill Park offers so much to our community from the expansive baseball fields, skate park, water park as well as the pond with intertwining trails throughout the surrounding woods to enjoy. This waterfall is located within the creek that runs through Randol Mill Park. To access it, start at the bridge near the pond that crosses over the creek. Take a left down the dirt trail that follows the water. Eventually, you will come upon a clearing, where you can see houses to your right and the creek to your left. Continue for a bit more and then you will see a short slope down to the rocks where the waterfall will be if there's been a good rain recently. There's a smooth rock with etchings in it that you can sit on to take in and enjoy the sights and sounds.
So with that, make plans after the next big rain to stop by these two relaxing spots in our city!
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