Founded in 1962, the James M. Cox, Jr. Arboretum Foundation was formed when the Cox Family donated their property to create an arboretum. For many years, the property was cared for by dedicated volunteers, who also governed the Foundation. In 1972, they gifted the land to Five Rivers MetroParks and began a unique and successful public (MetroParks) and private (James M. Cox, Jr. Arboretum Foundation) partnership.

Cox Arboretum contains significant natural areas including two high-quality mature woodlots, dense cedar glades, especially beautiful succession areas (containing an abundance of dogwood and redbud trees), planted tall-grass prairie, and created wetlands.

Cox Arboretum MetroPark Trails
Red Trail – .6 mile
Blue Trail – 1.1 miles
Yellow Trail – 1.8 miles
Paved Loop Path – .5 mile

The grounds of the Arboretum are easy to walk. The natural area and Conservation Corner offer about 2.5 miles of trails through woodlands and meadows. Paved paths provide another mile to navigate through the cultivated gardens.

A description with a map of a hike at the Cox Arboretum is on the AllTrails website.