10 Best Bike Trails in Texas

One of the best ways to get out and enjoy nature is by riding your bike. While there are many places you can discover and explore, you have to know where you are going. If you are looking for a new hobby or just want to get outside more, there are several great bike trails for all skill levels in Texas. The Lone Star State is a great place to ride your bike with mild winter weather and a variety of terrain, whether it’s urban, rural, or anything in between you are sure to have a great time in a great state!

10 Best Bike Trails in Texas

1. San Antonio River Walk Hike & Bike Path

The San Antonio River Walk Hike & Bike Path connects parks, museums, stores, and restaurants along 30 miles of elevated trail on both sides of the river. The trail stretches from Brackenridge Park (home of the San Antonio Zoo) in the north to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in the south. This one-of-a-kind destination allows visitors to learn about many Spanish frontier missions, including Mission Espada, Texas's oldest mission, established in 1690.

2. Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is a natural jewel in the heart of Austin, named after a local mayor and his wife. The scenic path loops around Lady Bird Lake, a Colorado River reservoir. The trail is bordered on both ends by two large recreational areas: Zilker Park on the west and Guerrero Park on the east. The beautiful, tree-lined pathway also leads to the beaches of Lamar and Waller. The trail's passage under the Congress Avenue Bridge, which is home to thousands of bats that canvas the sky at sunset during the summer months, is a rare highlight.

3. Campion Trail

The spectacular Campion Trail, which runs through Irving, a western Dallas suburb, provides an eclectic blend of natural and urban views. The trail is currently divided into north and south portions, totaling more than 13 miles of big, flat, and paved road. The northern portion starts at Sam Houston Trail Park and traces the Trinity River's Elm Fork southward. Starting at Trinity View Park and passing through Twin Wells Park and Mountain Creek Preserve, the trail's southern portion traces the West Fork of the Trinity River.

4. Cotton Belt Trail

The Cotton Belt Trail is an 11-mile paved route that runs through Dallas and Fort Worth's northern suburbs. The path is frequently shaded by trees and skirts small wetlands and creeks. The marsh behind Lockett Park offers a chance to see herons and other birds in the middle of the trail.

5. Denton Branch Rail Trail

At approximately 9 miles, The Denton Branch Rail Trail is located Northwest of Dallas, running from downtown Denton to Lewisville Lake. The paved path has a country feel in some places and a city feel in others. Rail enthusiasts can appreciate the trail's connection to the Denton County A-Train, a light rail line that runs parallel to it.

6. Historic Battlefield Trail

The Historic Battlefield Trail in Brownsville, Texas, is a great place to learn about American history. This elevated, 8.5-mile rail-trail begins in downtown Palo Alto and leads north to the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park. The National Park Service has restored the Palo Alto prairie, which was the site of the Mexican-American War's first battle in 1846. Enjoy views of the city's historical buildings and access to parks, the zoo, and other attractions as you walk the trail. The route also marks the start of the Texas Coastal Birding Trail, which is worth noting for birdwatchers.

7. Brays Bayou Greenway Trail

The Brays Bayou Greenway Trail, which stretches for more than 30 miles in southwestern Houston, follows its namesake waterway. The Houston Zoo, an outdoor theatre, public gardens, a lake, a golf course, and even a miniature train are among the attractions in Hermann Park, which spans more than 400 acres and includes the Houston Zoo, an outdoor theater, public gardens, a lake, a golf course, and even a miniature train. As if that wasn't enough, the park is surrounded by the Museum District, which is home to more than a dozen museums, art galleries, and other cultural establishments.

8. Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway

The Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway, which spans 20 miles in north-central Texas, provides a trip through quiet, unspoiled countryside where you're likely to see deer, frogs, rabbits, and other wildlife. The crushed stone-surfaced route starts in downtown Mineral Wells and continues east, passing next to a state park with camping and picnicking facilities. There are 16 bridges along the way, including a 500-foot crossing with 104 Lone Stars.

9. Chisholm Trail

The Chisholm Trail in Plano is a Texas icon, offering a peaceful ride across Spring Creek's wooded valley. Along the paved, 9-mile highway, a handful of parks have ample facilities and welcome rest stops.

10. Terry Hershey Park HIke & Bike Trail

The Terry Hershey Park Hike & Bike Trail, which runs along a well-canopied path through western Houston, is one of the city's best bike routes. When you ride alongside the Buffalo Bayou, over small creeks, and under road bridges, you'll get a good blend of scenery and views.

Before You Ride

Before you ride it is a good idea to check the local regulations and rules regarding ebikes and trails. Many municipalities are changing their stances in response to public sentiment, sometimes without warning.

After you check it out, enjoy your ride! If you don't have an electric bike yet, check out our cruiser bikes for biking at your pace.