Planning a visit to Cedar Ridge Preserve: Hours, parking and safety.

In detail

How a visit goes, from checking that the gate is open to getting back before it is locked.

1. Check that it is open.

   The preserve is closed on Mondays and can close for heavy rain, heat warnings, cleanup and maintenance. The preserve points visitors to the rolling banner on its website and to its Facebook and Instagram pages for the most up-to-date information.

2. Arrive and park.

   Use the gravel lot and marked spaces inside the preserve. Overflow parking is at Park in the Woods Recreation Center, 6801 Mountain Creek Parkway. The preserve asks visitors to respect the neighborhood parking signs.

3. Use the restrooms first.

   Restrooms and a water fountain are at the entrance near the main parking lot. There are none along the trails.

4. Carry water and a phone.

   The preserve says the biggest issue is dehydration and heat exhaustion. It advises taking water and a cell phone, staying on the trails and allowing plenty of time.

5. Leave before the gate is locked.

   The preserve is open until sunset. The gate is locked one hour after sunset.

Tip. In summer, most people are at the gate at 6:30 am and finish their hike before temperatures rise.