The Trail de Paris runs for just over 3 miles from the town of Paris east into the countryside. The paved route follows a lovely corridor of shade trees, crossing bridges as it heads along a former railroad right-of-way. The trail includes benches, viewing platforms, mile markers, and interpretive signs. It offers access to a butterfly garden, junior college, neighborhoods, and parks.
On its eastern end, it connects to the Reno Rail-Trail, which extends the ride another five miles. Both trails are part of the growing Northeast Texas Trail, which will stretch 132 miles across seven counties from New Boston to Farmersville. Other trails in the system include the Chaparral Rail Trail and DeKalb Trace.
Trailheads with parking are located north of the Sports Complex Outdoor Pavilion, Noyse Stadium at 24th SE Street, the east and west side of Collegiate Drive, behind TCIM and Sears Facilities on Clarksville Road, in back of the PCA Medical Complex on Clarksville Road, and off Old Clarksville Road at the Red River Boys and Girls Club Sports Complex.
We rode 20.3 miles from Paris to Blossom and back. The trails are Trail de Paris, Reno Trail, Prairiland Trail, and the Blossom Trail. Overall it was nice, but there is only about 1/2 mile of good asphalt; the rest of it is old and patched and many bumps and cracks in the asphalt. It was rideable though and would recommend it. Our bikes are folders and we don't have good seats nor suspension, so that would have helped. Within Paris, the trail is nice and very well marked.
Connecting with Reno and Blossom trails gives about 10 miles of paved biking and hiking fun. There are water fountains, covered picnic tables, a little library, mile markers and of course, bathrooms. Lots of bird life, squirrels, occasional snake and of course lots of trees making for a shaded ride. ---- This is the best part of the trail that runs from Farmersville to New Boston, which many of those other sections are not yet paved.
This is an easy ride from Paris to Blossom where it turns wild. Easy grade, wide, scenic, mostly sheltered path and little traffic. Suitable for any bike up to that point.
This trail has been a great place to walk without being out in the sun because of trees on each side. But the city of Paris has decided to clear the trail for about 12 foot on each side. They are not clearing only dead or diseased trees but live ones that shade the trail. I was told that they are clearing because the recent ice storm caused them so much work. How can we keep them from destroying the beauty of the trail?
We love to walk the trail and be surrounded with nature but some parts of the trail are basically in people's backyards. Some people have put up privacy fences but some may not be able to afford to do so. It would be nice if there were more trees or something in between the houses and the trail to make it more like a nature walk.
Trail is a pleasant flat straight away with shady trees along side. Watch out for the long narrow and deep cracks and crevices in the payment. If your wheel gets lodged in one of those you will go flying. Trail has the ability to be extended westward but I guess they ran out of money.
It is so nice to have a scenic safe place to go and walk, run, or ride bikes with the family. Thanks to all who have donated and worked to provide it for our community.
"We love our trail, the next step is to make it longer. The existing trail has a beautiful canopy of trees and several old bridges that lend much character to the trail. It is a huge asset to our community. Come and try it out. "
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!