Hitting the Trail
132-mile project links 19 towns along old railroad line that starts in Farmersville and travels east
For area outdoor enthusiasts, one of Texas’ most ambitious trail projects is only a short drive away.
The NorthEast Texas Trail runs 132 miles across Northeast Texas – linking 19 towns along an old railroad line from Farmersville to just west of Texarkana. When it’ s fully finished, supporters say it’ ll be the longest hiking, biking and horseback trail in Texas – and one of the longest in the country.
If you’ re coming from Greenville, there are easy access points in Farmersville, Celeste and Wolfe City. Farmersville and Celeste are your best bets if you want simple parking for a day trip.
The trail starts in Farmersville, just a block from downtown at the old Onion Shed pavilion from the 1930s. There’ s even a railroad tie in the ground marking mile zero.
The first couple of miles are paved so it’ s an easy start for walking or biking. After that, it turns into gravel, crushed stone and dirt as you head east. Once you’ re
out of town, it gets quieter, with stretches of woods and open countryside.
You’ ll cross creeks and pass more than 100 old railroad bridges along the way – leftovers from when trains used to run here.
Conditions change depending on where you are. Some parts are smooth and maintained, others are rough and still being developed. That mix is part of the appeal, whether you just want a short walk or you’ re up for a longer ride or even horseback travel.
Even though the full trail isn’ t done yet, plenty of people are already using different sections for hiking, biking and getting out into nature.
Supporters say what makes the trail special is how it connects small-town downtowns with more remote, wooded areas – all without leaving the path.
For maps, access points and current conditions, visit the NorthEast Texas Trail Coalition at https:// netexastrail. org /.
Trail LIFE D WORDS BY KENT MILLER / PHOTOS BY?????
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