Discover the Highest Point in Dallas County

The sprawling Dallas County is the second most populous county in Texas and the ninth most in the United States. The county seat is the city of Dallas, which is the third largest city in the state. Historically, the county was rural, with agriculture as its main commodity. However, over the years, it has shifted to a more urban and affluent community.

Located in north central Texas, the terrain of Dallas County is mainly flat and ranges from 382 to 880 feet above sea level. The highest point in Dallas County is Cedar Hill.

Dallas County’s Highest Point

At 880 feet above sea level, Cedar Hill is Dallas County’s highest point. It’s also the highest elevation between the Red River and the Gulf of Mexico. 

Founded in 1846, a violent storm spawning a deadly tornado blew threw the area and destroyed the entire town, leaving only one house and one business undamaged. Nearby communities helped Cedar Hill to rebuild, and today the suburb is home to a historic Old Town district, a European-style shopping center, parks, lakes, and plenty of green space.

The Cedar Hill Mansion With the Best View in Northern Texas

Sitting atop one of the highest points in Cedar Hill is a newly built 14,000-square-foot home. Estimated to be worth about $7 million on Zillow, the eight-bedroom, ten-bathroom Mediterranean-style estate boasts views of Joe Pool Lake, the AT&T Stadium, and downtown Fort Worth.

Where is Cedar Hill Located on a Map?

Cedar Hill is located in southern Dallas County. The city is about a 20-minute drive south of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, with the shores of Joe Pool Lake and Cedar Hill State Park bordering it on the west.

What Is There to Do at Cedar Hill?

There is something for everyone to do in Cedar Hill, including shopping, dining, hiking, boating, fishing, biking, camping, and bird-watching. Cedar Hill is a diverse area with a mix of suburban and natural areas. The town boasts upscale shopping, fine dining, and historically significant buildings. However, the area is also home to natural green spaces like the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, Cedar Mountain Nature Preserve, Joe Lake, and Cedar Hill State Park. 

What Wildlife Lives Around Cedar Hill?

Green space and wildlife are a priority to the community of Cedar Hill. The area has 32 parks and over 36 miles of trails. Within Cedar Hill are several parks and preserves maintained for public use and wildlife preservation.

Cedar Hill State Park

The park is a unique geological area combining rolling tallgrass prairie, a rugged limestone escarpment, and over 100 miles of lake shoreline. Animals that live in the park include armadillos, raccoons, foxes, squirrels, bobcats, coyotes, lizards, and snakes. The lake is full of largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and white bass.

Lester Lorch Nature Preserve

Lester Lorch Nature Preserve was donated by the Lester Family in 1976 and offers 82 acres of towering trees, grassy meadows, hiking trails, and a 36-hole disc golf course. The preserve is home to some venomous snake species, and warnings are clearly marked. Some of the snakes you may encounter here include cottonmouths, rattlesnakes, copperheads, and coral snakes.

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center

The Dogwood Canyon Audobon Center is located inside the White Rock Escarpment and is situated in a hilly region of Dallas County. There is a 300-foot rise from the canyon floor to the hilltop. Home to unusual plant and animal species, the rare Hexalectris orchid blooms here in the summer. Some of the unique bird species that live in Dogwood Canyon include the painted bunting, golden-cheeked warbler, and black-capped vireo.

The Five Highest Points in Texas

Though Cedar Hill is the highest point in Dallas County, it doesn’t make the list of the five highest points in Texas. In fact, Cedar Hill doesn’t even come close. The five highest points are located in the mountainous western part of the state and include:

• Guadalupe Peak (8,751 feet)
• Bush Mountain (8,631 feet)
• Shumard Peak (8,615 feet)
• Bartlett Peak (8,508 feet)
• Baldy Peak (8,379 feet)

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Roschetzky Photography/Shutterstock.com