Texas - Visiting Dallas for some riding

I am going to drive up from Houston to Dallas to do some riding this weekend. I plan to get in a longer day of riding Saturday, and then get some more riding maybe a second location on Sunday.

I was thinking about going to Cedar Hill State Park on Saturday it looks like they have some good distance and nice trails.

Any suggestions on where is best to try going, I am not huge on stunts or major downhill type stuff, more cross country with some added in.

I plan to stay in Plano but I am completely willing to travel to get places.

Contact DORBA or visit their website for ideas, etc.

http://www.dorba.org/

I have been looking at the trails listed on their site. There are just way too many listed and thought I would try to get a better opinion of one or two that would be best to go to for one weekend.

The ride at McKinney (Irwin Park) is pretty good.

I will consider than one too. Anyone know about the trails at Rowlett Creek Preserve?

I've spent a lot of time walking the trails at Rowlett Creek Preserve in the past. For the most part, they're winding, fairly level single-track trails, with occasional challenging spots. Some of the more challenging spots can be bypassed as well, but it helps to be familiar with the trails. In amongst the trees out there, it can be hot and still, too. I'm not sure if they've ever posted signs, but most people just ride the loops one way, so there's not much head-on traffic (unlike North Shore Trail in Grapevine). I think the main attraction for Rowlett Creek Preserve is that it's close- not something I'd drive to from Houston- there's bound to be trails just about like it in the Houston area.

The LB Houston trail is fun. 7 miles of switchbacks. There is a spot with some playground equipment (jumps, ramps etc.) The trails are well marked.

River Legacy is another one. Its about 6 miles with a little bit of everything. It is well marked too.

If you want concrete paths, I've heard nothing but awesome things about Ft. Worth's Trinity Trails.




FIN

Thanks stdlrf11,

Concrete paths are out of the question, not interested in those right now.

I am thinking I will ride Cedar Hills Saturday, then Ride that LB Houston trail sunday morning followed by going to Big Cedar on the way out if I am still feeling adventurous before going on down 45 back.

Thanks for letting me know more on rowlett stephenh.

I may have to do another trip and try McKinney and maybe even go on out to BarH

OCNP / Oak Cliff Nature Preserve is the newest and current favorite of the locals. I've walked parts of it and it looks like a lot of fun.

North Shore trail at Grapevine Lake is by far my favorite. Much closer to plano than Cedar Hill....less time driving more time riding.

On this site that maps all the trails http://www.mountainbiketx.com/google/index.php they show northshore to be a hiking trail rather than biking, interesting. It is a bit closer and shows tech level 3.

Northshore is vastly more interesting than Cedar Hill. Boulder Park and OCNP are within 3 miles of one another and fun.

I ride many of the trail regulaly, if I was to put the top 5 in order it would be OCNP, North Shore, Big Cedar(moving up fast, it has a real DH run, a trails area and more trail is added weekly), Boulder, RCP.

Wow, what a weekend, thanks for all of your suggestions.

I ended up riding Boulder and OCNP on Saturday. I was starting to worry as I was getting to the starting location for the OCNP trail afraid it would be flat, but I was very happy I rode that trail. They have it setup so nice with the signs and locations along with multiple loops. Really that trail was exactly where my riding abilities are to have some fun and enjoying.

Sunday I went to northshore, started over at Rockledge Entrance, didn't know about the entrance fee so had to park outside and ride in and pay $1, I at least had that. Those trails are amazing! I know it started out where I was with the easier portion of the trail. Then I think about halfway sat down at a picnic table for a while to cool down (It was HOT, first day of summer). Then the second half was awesome. The rock gardens were a blast and the river crossings were cool too.

The riding in the Houston area does not compare to the options y'all have up there. I will have to watch and see if I ever have the chance to move up there.

Thanks again for your help.

Glad you enjoyed it. we have a lot more trails, and some new ones comming between DORBA and FWMBA.

Sounds like you did it right. I'm glad you had a good time.

North Shore LGV is the most popular. From Plano you can take Hwy 121 most of the way.