Off-Road Trails in Dallas

Off-roading is becoming increasingly popular in Texas, including in the Dallas area. In online forums, such as TexasOffRoad.net, you can find many discussions about the best unofficial trails for particular aspects of off-roading such as mudding or rock climbing. If you choose to ride on unofficial off-road trails, be aware that you could get cited for trespassing or other violations. An alternative is to go to official Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) parks. Based on the type of trails and the difficulty levels, these parks may have restrictions on the type of vehicles allowed, even though they are called OHV parks. Most of the websites provide information about what types of vehicles they allow, but you should call the park to get clarification because of the range of definitions for some of the types of vehicles. Also, you should be aware that whether you ride on unofficial trails or in official OHV parks, Texas requires a Texas OHV permit. There is a nominal cost for this permit, but if you are caught riding without it the fine can be substantial. Please contact the parks directly to confirm types of vehicles permitted, hours of operation, and fees.

Eisenhower State Park

Eisenhower State Park is in Denison, Texas, approximately 75 miles north of Dallas. The park itself is on the edge of Lake Texoma, which is on the Texas-Oklahoma border. Eisenhower State Park includes 10 acres of beginner-level trails for All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and mini bikes. The park is open 7 days a week. The 2009 fee is $5 per day to get into the park, and you are required to have the Texas OHV permit.

50 Park Road 20
Denison TX 75020-4878
(903) 465-1956
espc@texoma.net
tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/eisenhower/

Northwest OHV Park

Located in Bridgeport, Texas, which is about 75 miles northwest of Dallas, this OHV park is one of the largest in the area. It has over 300 acres of mud and rock trails for ATVs, Jeeps and motorcycles. Other types of OHVs are not allowed. Summer hours are Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Winter hours are Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 2009 entry fee is $15 per Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV), ATV or bike and $25 per Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) or Jeep. Resident discounts are available. Vehicles are not required to have the OHV permit, but The Parks and Wildlife Department (TPDW) does patrol and will give you a ticket if you do not have the permit.

1102 Lawdwin Avenue
Bridgeport, TX 76426
(940) 683-3480
cityofbridgeport.net/index.aspx?nid=322

TMX Park

This park, part of DFW Adventure Club, is located near Roanoke, Texas, which is about 12 miles west of DFW airport. The park includes over 170 acres of trails suitable for ATVs only; Jeeps, motorcycles and 4x4s are not allowed. The park is open Wednesday and Thursday from 2 p.m. until dark, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 2009 entry fee is $15 per rider, but you can become a member to get a discounted entry fee, different riding hours and other benefits.

13055 Cleveland Gibbs Rd.
Roanoke, TX 76262
(800) 587-1379
paintball@dfwap.com
http://www.dfwap.com
http://www.tmxpark.com/

Trophy Club Park at Grapevine Lake

Trophy Club Park is located on the shores of Lake Grapevine, about 30 miles northwest of Dallas. This park has 150 acres of ATV trails. Children are allowed to ride with specific speed restrictions, so there are some beginner-level trails. OHV and full-sized vehicles are not allowed on the trails--only ATVs or motorcycles. The park is open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The 2009 entry fees are $12 for the first ATV or motorcycle and $10 for additional ATVs or motorcycles. You must have the Texas OHV permit.

2885 Trophy Park Drive
Trophy Club, Texas 76262
(817) 491-9616
http://www.ci.trophyclub.tx.us/parks_rec/trophy_club_park.asp

Article Written By Susan Roberts

Susan Roberts has more than 15 years of marketing, business and technical writing experience. Her business writing has appeared in online trade publications such as TechWeb and ComputerWorld. In 2009 she began publishing online articles in categories including healthy living, family and food and wine. Roberts has a Bachelor of Arts in technical writing/mass communication from Texas Tech University.

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