By wcasteel in February, 2010
The Chisholm Trail is one of Plano's original trails, I believe. It runs along a creek from Northwest to Southeast, and in on both sides of the creek for most of the way. This makes it nice as a loop, as opposed to an out and back trail. It starts on the Northern end at the Bluebonnet Trail near the Dog Park. This is an area to be careful in due to heavy traffic in dogs and people -- just slow down and be nice!
It was originally a fairly narrow concrete trail. Parts of it have been upgraded and made much wider. The overall condition is good, and when problems arise, the City repairs them quickly. There are some underpasses under bridges on the trail. A couple of them have perpetual drainage water and can be slick, but the distance is short. It runs along the creek, and lake, making for a pretty view, and is peaceful. At the Southern end are several restaurants, coffeeshops, etc., making it a nice destination ride. Also, near 16th street is the Sr. Citizens Center. In the park behind this is a restroom and water, although the restroom in closed on freezing days. There is a nice new all year restroom just to the North of the Veteran's Memorial about a mile South of the North end.
This trail has moderate traffic, and goes through soccer fields, so be careful and watch for other users. Of all the trials in Plano, I find myself riding this and the Bluebonnet the most.