Troop198

Only 40 minutes from where we live , this trail (20 total miles out and back but can be made shorter, which we did ) runs a shady corridor of hard-woods with deer, armadillos, skunks and birds.

The Ray Roberts Lake/Lake Lewisville Greenbelt Corridor is a multi-use trail system (12 miles for equestrian and 10 for hike and bike use) that begins at the Ray Roberts Dam( or in our case Hwy. 380) and ends at the headwaters of Lake Lewisville. (380)The trail corridor meanders along the heavily wooded banks of the Elm Fork Branch of the Trinity River. Equestrians, hikers, bikers, birdwatchers, and other outdoor enthusiasts can access the trail at one of three trailheads, located at FM 455, FM 428 and Hwy. 380. (Just east of Denton Texas)

Had to start by 8 cause its hot already, but needed to use the trecking poles

for a few pictures, see this link Great hike bike trail for North Texas.

Slideshow of pictures, photos, and videos, from webshots

Kelly_B

I highly enjoyed camping at the Johnson Branch which had nice paved trails. We'll have to check out the trail you posted! Looks well maintained.

Troop198

KellyB,

The trail is in excellent shape and has a lot of shade
BUT if I recall your childeren are both under 10 (if wrong sorry) and the trail for that age would be good for a short hike rather than a bike ride.

Now you know your kids best so here's the story,

The trail is not paved, it is a rock, hard dirt surface so at times rough and bumpy riding (we have ridden the entire trail up and back) (even water was on a part of the trail) so its harder to bike than a paved road, (read you will feel the hard dirt surface at times)

Suggest you can try the Isle duBois paved trail if you liked Johnson Branch, but might wait till fall, it was hot by 11

MrBonquista

In relation to this trail, I was wondering if you can (...or if it is legal) kayak this river from Ray Roberts to Lake Lewisville. I had planned to be dropped off at Ray Roberts and picked up off the shores of Lewisville, but was interested in if it is a common practice or a known illegal thing to do.

Also, how long would an average bike ride take along this 10 mile trail at an easy pace?

Thanks if you can help!

Troop198

Yes you can kayak and canoe on the river, they even have good put in and take out points for that see this link, you might call to get info. The official trail itself goes south from Ray Roberts SP to 380. TPWD: Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Activities, Area Attractions, and Directions

There is a map link on that page We see people canoeing that river so it must be a nice ride.

As for bike riding it will take a few hours as 10 miles one way is 20 round trip. You can shorten the bike ride to go as long as you wish. We have at times ridden the top half from the dam on Farm Road 455 to FM 428 and back, the bottom from 380 to FM 428 (the part we just hiked) and the entire route. The entire trip was more than a few hours. There is a nice rest area at FM 428.

It is a harder ride that street riding but plenty of places to stop.

MrBonquista

Awe okay, I will have to bike that soon, Maybe bike up to Ray Roberts, camp out, and bike back the next morning. Also any idea of how long to hike the 10 miles? I want to kayak the green belt but I would love to hike up with my kayak, some good hard work before relaxing in the river.