Find the top rated birding trails in Gainesville, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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Having moved to North Dallas from South Dallas, I have been hard pressed to find some nice trails. This trail does not disappoint. There are frequent crossings that can be tricky. What is nice is that there are areas one can veer off for more challenging biking up hills. There are beautiful neighborhoods throughout. I will look forward to taking this trail again.
4 stars because at times the trail feels a little unsafe and remote from a female perspective.
I only ran a brief 1.5 miles on this Trail from the Ball Street (northern) end point, but I did want to mention that there is a relatively new (2-3 year old) sidewalk from up Route 26 going past Gaylord Resort, Great Wolf Lodge and the Embassy Suite/Bass Pro that makes this trail very accessible and great for a long run or ride from any of those properties. The sidewalk is very wide and goes along 114 into downtown Grapevine (Main Street is very cool), and then along Ira E Wood Ave along a commercial strip and then transitions into the Cotton Belt trail.
At the Ball Street entrance there are several businesses where you can probably park and access the trail with little difficulty (chiropractor office, etc).
I didn't have a chance to go too far on the actual Cotton Belt so I can't vouch for the scenery. I stopped when I was about to run under an interstate.
Enjoy!
I did a test ride last night and can confirm! Awaiting 121 connection with McKinney to continue the north into McKinney. The is an underpass connection on the east side of Exchange (Rowlett Creek Trail) but you'll have to cut across some neighborhoods. I recommend Ridgeview Dr or Comanche Dr.
Trail now runs down independence and behind Preston trail church, and loops back around to the Lawler Park neighborhood
Such a great day!! Laura is so easy going (we literally talked on the phone for almost 2 hours during booking)! Her daughter was our guide and was so fun! Getting to see Texas on horseback like that was amazing! So pretty!! Would definitely recommend!!
I rode this, today, for the first time. For a city trail, it's very good. I would rank it in the top 5 trails in Dallas County, and I have ridden most of them. It's a nice long trail with few stops because the trail goes under the major streets. All concrete and in good shape. Very scenic because it runs beside a creek. For the majority of the trail, you can ride on both sides of the creek. Water fountains are everywhere. This goes through multiple parks. Good job, Plano!
I bicycled the section of the Bluebonnet Trail that's between Preston Rd. and Alma. Rd, today. It's entirely under, not one, but two sets of high-voltage electric lines. It's all concrete (in good shape), and the grass is mowed and maintained. Not very scenic, but if you wish to put in some miles, this would be the trail for you. I noticed only one water fountain that was right off the trail. This trail goes through a few city parks and recreational areas, so there might be water and restrooms there. No traffic lights to wait on, but many busy streets to cross through. Don't try this trail during rush hour. I did it around 1 PM., and I didn't have to wait very long on traffic to get through the many intersections.
The western section of the Bluebonnet Trail is actually a connection trail to 2 other trails, so I don't even know why it's considered part of the Bluebonnet Trail. The southern segment of the Legacy trail dead ends into the Bluebonnet Trail which then connects to the Shady Brook Trail, near Midway Rd. It's all concrete and pretty much is just a wide sidewalk next to Spring Creek Rd. Many stop lights to wait at, and I don't recommend it. The Legacy Trail and Shady Brook Trail are good, though.
I bicycled the Shady Brook Trail today. It's kind of a short trail, but is scenic and is all concrete. It runs mainly in back of residential homes near a creek. Lots of shade and a nice trail. At the easternmost end of the trail (at Midway Rd.), it connects to the western part of the Bluebonnet Trail, which then connects to the southern part of The Legacy Trail.
The Shady Brook and Legacy Trails are great. The western section of the Bluebonnet Trail has about 6-7 traffic lights, which are at busy intersections. The trail is basically a wide sidewalk along Spring Creek Dr. and is not that great, but it connects the Shady Brook Trail with the Legacy Trail which are great. Do all 3 for a decent length bike ride.
I've run this trail since 2003.Builders are required by the City of Allen to complete the portions of trail at builder cost within their house/business office development.The trail now has expanded to about 7 miles.Most is tree shaded to protect you during hot summer weather.It's a great trail for running/walking.Bikers are few on this trail.You'll see birds,coyote,bobcat,and an occasional copperhead on the trail.
I rode this trail this past weekend. The section of trail between Hwy. 380 and Hwy. 428 was closed. In fact, after talking to an employee of a local bike shop, it sounds like this half of the trail may be closed, forever. There was much flooding a few years ago, which left feet of mud piled up in areas of the trail. It needs to be re-engineered and the funds aren't there to do it. Don't count on riding this half of the trail in the next several years, at least.
I rode the north half of the trail from Hwy. 428 to Lake Ray Roberts. It's 95% packed gravel and a great trail. Grasshoppers were everywhere - that's the worst I have to say about it. There are 3 buildings along the way which have restrooms and sinks in them. No water fountains but water available from the sinks. I'm pretty sure you are supposed to pay $7 to park in any of these State Park parking lots. It's an honor system where you place money inside an envelope and deposit that envelope inside a box. I didn't know this and didn't have $7 on me. Shameful me. I didn't get a ticket (if they issue tickets) but noticed a Parks and Rec. truck pulling in as I was leaving, around 1 o'clock. So, bring $7 with you to avoid problems.
I recommend this trail, even though it's only about half of what it used to be. I was told the closed half, was the best half. Oh well - Off to the next trail!
Great trail. A bit of construction at the moment. Also, when riding directly under the big power lines, I kept getting static shocks when i touched metal on my bike. Luckily that segment is short.
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