Trails Information for Johnson Branch
Get back to nature at Johnson Branch Unit!
- Largemouth Bass
Just a short drive from the metroplex, Johnson Branch is a great place to escape the bustle of the city, without spending hours in the car! Whether you hike, bike, fish or boat, Johnson Branch has something for everyone.
Trails
All trails allow hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dogwood Canyon Trail | 2.6 mi. (one-way) | Moderate | This primitive path winds through the Cross Timbers and pockets of native prairie, providing a variety of views. Note: No water is available along this trail. |
| Kid Fish Pond Trail | 0.5 mi. | Easy | Take a relaxing stroll around the Kid Fish Pond. Bring your pole, and wet a line when you finish your hike! |
| Cross Timbers Trail | 2.8 mi. | Easy | This paved trail is great for families of all ages! Pick this trail up from nearly any camping loop, and start your adventure! |
| DORBA Trail - Blue Loop | 1.1 mi. | Moderate | Named for the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association, six consecutive trails were built by mountain bikers. This is the shortest of our DORBA Trail loops, perfect for beginners or as a warm-up. |
| DORBA Trail - Pink / Orange Loops | 2.0 mi. 3.1 mi. RT |
Moderate | The second and third loops of the DORBA Trail. The orange loop covers 1.3 miles, while the pink loop is just over 0.3 miles, making it an easy addition. Look for some beautiful views along these trail. |
| DORBA Trail - Green Loop | 1.8 mil. 4.9 mi. RT |
Moderate | One of the easier loops on this trail; you can access it from either the pink/orange loops or via the Dogwood Canyon Trail. |
| DORBA Trail - Red / Yellow Loops | 4.0 mi. 8.8 mi. RT |
Challenging | The final two segments of the DORBA Trail. This loop provides intense riding that crisscrosses prairies and timberlands alike. Note: The Red segment is EXPERT only. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | 360° Views | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection Bench | 33.4039° | -97.054° | No photo available | Relax for a moment as you gaze across the lake. Listen for songbirds singing, keep an eye out for wild turkey, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the Cross Timbers forest! |
| DORBA Trailhead | 33.4229° | -97.0546° | View from the DORBA Trailhead | From here, you can begin your hike (or ride) through nearly 9 miles of Eastern Cross Timbers and small prairie pockets. |
| Corral | 33.4147° | -97.0457° | View of the corral | For many generations, the Jones family used this corral to keep their farm animals safe. What's your favorite farm animal? |
| Kid Fish Pond | 33.4103° | -97.0487° | View of Kid Fish Pond | Wet a line and try your hand at our Kid Fish Pond. Whether it's rainbow trout, channel catfish or bluegill, something is always biting! |
| Wolf Island View | 33.4084° | -97.0439° | View of Wolf Island | Come down to the point and take in the scene. See Wolf Island, Ray Roberts Dam and panoramic views of the lake, all from one spot. |
Staying Safe
- Know your limits. Prepare for sun and heat. Wear sunscreen, insect repellent and appropriate clothing/hiking shoes.
- Drink plenty of water. 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 HQ to match the trail to your skill level. Wear a helmet to protect yourself in case of a crash.
- Check for trail closures. Certain trails may be closed during prescribed burns, inclement weather, or for other resource management work.
- Potentially harmful plants and animals live here. You’ll see them more easily if you stay on trails.
Trail Etiquette
- Trash your trash. Pack out all of your trash and Leave No Trace.
- Leave feeding to nature. Feeding wild animals will make them sick. Please do not feed them.
- Take only memories and pictures. Please don’t disturb or remove any of the park’s plants, animals, rocks or artifacts.
- Keep pets on leashes for their safety, and to protect wildlife.
