Trails Information for the Greenbelt Unit
Trail descriptions and points of interest for the Greenbelt Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park.
Explore the Trinity River, by bike, horse, foot or paddle.
Experience the north end of the Trinity River; what you see here will flow all the way to the Gulf. 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 is closed due to flood damage until further notice.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horse Blaze Trail (Hwy. 455 - Hwy. 428) |
4.48 mi. | Moderate | This multiuse equestrian trail follows the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. It runs through forests as well open prairies. It crosses several creeks that may contain water. |
| Swallowtail Trail (Hwy. 428 - Hwy. 380) |
1.6 mi. | Moderate | This multiuse equestrian trail is mainly open with a few spots of tree cover. |
| 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. |
| Coyote Run (Hwy. 428 - scenic overlook) |
1.54 mi. | Easy | Follow this gravel trail towards the scenic overlook and find yourself shaded by large, old growth trees. Please note there is no water available along this trail. |
| Scenic Overlook Trail | 0.3 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 River in the 1920s. |
| Wildflower Wonderland | 33.3267° | -97.0295° | Each spring, nature paints a canvas of color on the land. Explore a mosaic of Indian paintbrush, brown-eyed Susan, Mexican hat, and more blanketing the landscape. |
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. When mountain biking, check with park headquarters to match the trail to your skill level. Wear a helmet to protect yourself in case of a crash.
- Potentially harmful plants and animals live here. You’ll see them more easily if you stay on trails.
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.
