Biking in Texas State Parks

Texas State Parks offer several bicycling opportunities for all ages and skill levels within easy driving distance of the Dallas/Fort Worth area.  Here are twelve state parks within 100 miles of Dallas.  The first and the closest to Dallas is Cedar Hill State Park.  15 miles of mountain bike trails are maintained by DORBA, the Dallas Off Road Bicycling Association.  This trail is for riders with off-road experience and is considered intermediate to difficult in skill level.  Beginners may enjoy cycling on the parks roads as they meander through the woods and campgrounds.  Heading southwest from Dallas, Cleburne State Park offers 7 miles of trails for beginners through experts.  It is possible that beginners may need to dismount for more difficult sections of the trail.  Dinosaur Valley State Park has 12 miles of easy to intermediate riding and Lake Whitney one mile for beginners.  To the north and northeast of the Dallas area you will discover 4 miles of easy riding at Eisenhower State Park, 3 miles for beginners at Lake Tawakoni State Park, 11 miles for beginners through intermediates at Bonham State Park and 5 miles of this level at Lake Bob Sandlin State Park.  Heading northwest of Dallas, Ray Roberts Lake State Park (the Johnson Branch Unit) has 7 miles of beginner to intermediate trails for you and at Fort Richardson State Park, 10 miles of the Lost Creek Reservior Trailway are yours to enjoy with moderate riding skills.  To the west of Dallas, Lake Mineral Wells State Park offers 8 miles for the beginner progressing to intermediate and finally to the east of Dallas, Tyler State Park is a more challenging ride of 13 miles, parts of the trail requiring advanced riding skills.  Always wear your helmet, bring a snack, carry a liter of water for every hour you ride, and safely enjoy biking in your Texas State Parks close to home.