Trails Information for the Greenbelt Unit
Explore the Trinity River, by bike, horse, foot or paddle.
Experience the north end of the Trinity River; the waters that you see here will flow all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Each of these access points (Highways 455, 428 and 380) provides a unique view of this important watershed to be explored by bike, horse, foot or paddle. Because of the Ray Roberts Dam, this river will always be flowing.
Trails
All trails are hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated.
The lower portion of the park may close during flood events.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elm Cut | 0.9 mi. | Easy | This short cement trail follows along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. It gives plenty of access to fishing. |
| Bluebird Trail (Hwy. 455 - Hwy. 428) |
4.0 mi. | Easy | This gravel trail travels on the western side of the Elm Fork. It runs through a forest on the northernmost mile and is open for the southernmost 3 miles. How many bluebird nesting boxes can you spot along this trail? |
| Horse Blaze Trail (Hwy. 455 - Hwy. 428) |
4.5 mi. | Moderate | This multiuse equestrian trail follows the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. It runs through forests as well as open prairies. Sections of this trail north of Bray Branch are prone to flooding. Stay safe: Turn around if you encounter flooded trails. |
| Coyote Run (Hwy. 428 - scenic overlook) |
1.5 mi. | Easy | Follow this gravel trail towards the scenic overlook and find yourself shaded by large, old growth trees. |
| Swallowtail Trail (Hwy. 428 - scenic overlook) |
1.6 mi. | Moderate | This multiuse equestrian trail is mainly open with a few spots of tree cover. Look for a two-acre pocket prairie along this trail that provides a home to many native pollinators. |
| Scenic Overlook Trail | 0.5 mi. | Moderate | This short segment of trail ends in a scenic view overlooking the Trinity River and the Greenbelt. It's a bit steep, but the views are worth the climb! |
| Cottonwood Crossing | 5.8 mi. | Moderate | Follow this multiuse equestrian trail towards Hwy. 380 park and find yourself shaded by large, old growth trees. Please note there is no water available along this trail |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scenic Overlook | 33.2876° | -97.0317° | Hike up a hill for a commanding view of the Crosstimbers landscape. Out in the distance you'll see the city of Denton. |
| Old McKinney Bridge | 33.3329° | -97.0307° | This old steel bridge was originally built around 1911 to connect the communities of Green Valley and Belew. Can you imagine driving an original Ford Model T across this bridge? |
| Bottomland Hardwood Forest | 33.2455° | -97.0434° | Growing along the life-giving waters of the Elm Fork of the Trinity River, towering cottonwoods, sycamores, pecans, bur oaks and more make up what is known as the bottomland hardwood forest. |
| Historic 428 Bridge | 33.3069° | -97.0422° | Built on one of Denton's original wagon trails, this historic steel bridge was an important two-way automobile crossing over the Elm Fork of the Trinity River in the 1920s. |
| Wetland Wonderland | 33.3493° | -97.0369° | Wetlands are an often overlooked habitat that captures more carbon than a forest. Unique wildlife such as the American beaver and the North American river otter are often spotted using this special habitat. |
Staying Safe
- Know your limits. Prepare for sun and heat. Wear sunscreen, insect repellent and appropriate clothing and hiking shoes.
- Bring plenty of water. There is no water available along the trails. Your body quickly loses fluids when you’re on the trail. Bring a quart of water per hour of activity.
- Tell others where you’ll be. If possible, avoid exploring alone. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
- Wear a helmet. Protect yourself in case of a crash. Always ride to your skill level!
- Potentially harmful plants and animals live here. You’ll see them more easily if you stay on trails. Do not approach wildlife!
Trail Etiquette
- Trash your trash. Keep the park natural. Pack out all of your trash and Leave No Trace.
- Leave feeding to nature. Feeding wild animals will make them sick and more likely to harm people.
- No horsing around. Horseback riders must stay on trails marked for horses.
- Pick up your poo. Please clean up after horses and pets.
- Keep pets on leashes for their safety, and to protect wildlife.
