Lou

Hey folks,

i'll be in the Dallas area for a rugby game this coming weekend(Feb 11th). Looking for a decent day hike anywhere between Dallas and Austin as well on Sunday and/or Monday(closer to the Dallas area preferably since I live in Austin). Looking for approximately 8 - 10 miles, preferabley near water(lakes, rivers, etc...). Might campout but that's not a priority. Fairly aware of the state park system. Any other suggestions? Thanks for any help anyone can provide. Take care.


Lou

Neville

Hey Lou,

You might check out the Greenbelt Corridor Trail just north of Dallas. It runs 10 miles one way from Highway 380 north to Lake Ray Roberts along a fork of the Trinity River. It's more of a jeep road than an actual trail but it's still nice if you're looking to get outside. No camping along the way, though. I'm not sure of this time of year, but summer has the trail loaded with bikers.

You mentioned your familiarity with the state parks. If you haven't done so, another alternative would be Dinosaur Valley SP near Glen Rose (about 120 miles southwest of Dallas). The trail system is a honeycomb setup with dozens of trails intersecting with one another plus a few backcountry camp spots.

Alchemist2000

If you are looking for something other than the State Parks and want water, consider some of the areas around the Army Corps of Engineer lakes. Here is a link to some trails around Lewisville Lake and Grapevine Lake. I would particularly recommend the Northshore Trail on Grapevine Lake, although you will have to watch out for bikers.

Edit: The lakes are very low due to the drought. Both Lewisville Lake and Grapevine Lake are about 7 feet below the conservation (normal) level. Most boat ramps are unusable. We were on the Elm Fork trail this afternoon and were shocked at barren some of the shoreline of Lewisville Lake looks. I suspect that will be less of an issue for Grapevine Lake, but it may be less picturesque than normal.