By hworchel1956 in June, 2010
I discovered this beautiful nearby trail thanks to TrailLink.com. I agree with the previous review. It is a fairly wide asphalt trail that allows runners, walkers, and bikers to go in both directions and pass by slower travelers with plenty of room to avoid accidents. The trail has plenty of shade trees on both sides which cools the summer Texas heat a bit, although during the summer months I would recommend walking in the mornings or evenings. The signage is very good indicating quarter miles traveled. I started at the Hollybrooke parking area (I have never had a problem finding a parking space) and when I reached the end of the trail at Marshall Ave., the final sign indicated that the trail was a total of 3 miles (not 2.5 as indicated on the TrailLink site). I haven't walked the entire 3 miles yet. I believe the first mileage post leaving from the Hollybrooke parking lot towards Marshal Ave. indicates mile marker 1. I have walked the other direction to the 3/4 mile post. I know that there is another parking area that likely starts at mile 0 and I look forward to starting at that point and discovering the whole 3 mile trail. The City of Longview has plans to connect this trail to others in the city (see the 2007 development plan at http://www.ci.longview.tx.us/files/park_trail_map_and_information_5350.pdf). I know that the city has been working on adding trails but I don't know what trails have been completed since the 2007 map was issued. I guess I'll just have to explore.
By Mary in June, 2002
"I grew up literally in the shadow of this park. It is only a few miles long, but I can't help but love it because it's home. I played there all the time with all the neighborhood kids when it was still just an abandoned railroad right-of-way. We were thrilled when they actually made a path out of it because now we thought we could go anywhere we wanted! (Farther than our Moms probably wanted us roaming, anyway.)
The path is mostly tree-lined, which helps protect you from the hot summer sun. You'll enjoy the intoxicating scent of the tall pine trees. You'll want to watch out for the ""porcupine eggs"" dropped by all the sweet gum trees.
There are well-established neighborhoods on either side, so you do cross several residential streets; however, only a couple of the streets carry much traffic. The park was established over 30 years ago, but is kept in good shape. Enjoy!"