Cross Timbers Trail

NTX Region: Northwest Region

Location: Cross Timbers Cedar Bayou Trailhead

Land Manager: Army Corps of Engineers

Local Club: DORBA

Trail Contact: crosstimbers@dorba.org, Cedar Bayou Marina website

Facebook: Cross Timbers Hiking and Mountain Bike Trail

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Trail Description

Largely considered one of the most difficult trails in all North Texas, and quite possibly is the most difficult and dangerous in the region. Cross Timbers trail offers 24 miles of out-and-back riding, most of which is rated Black Diamond (advanced), and some of which could possibly be rated Double-Black Diamond (expert) in difficulty.

For most locals, Cedar Bayou is the trail head of choice. You can head west from there toward Paw Paw Creek Resort, or east/northeast toward Juniper Point. Some prefer to ride the entire length of the trail and park for free at Juniper Point and ride west for the full out-and-back experience.

If you choose to begin at Cedar Bayou, you’ll either need to pay $5 for parking at the marina, or park on the side of the road before reaching the marina’s black entrance gate.

Cross Timbers trail is marked with white blazes and markings on the trees. Ease of following these markings varies across the length of the trail.

Red and green arrow signs at particular sections denote a split between the biking and hiking routes. Bikers should follow the red arrows to go around severely eroded sections of the original main trail. Hikers will follow the green arrows. Following red arrow bypasses will bring you back to the main trail.

About 3 miles along the trail west from Cedar Bayou, riders will encounter the intersection for the Lost Loop trail—marked by an old sign. Turn right (north) to enter the Lost Loop, or continue left to stay on the main trail. The Lost Loop will bring you back to the intersection where you can continue west or return east. Make sure to pack plenty of water and nutrition for this trail since there are very few locations to restock or refill along the way—only at a few developed areas.

The trail from Cedar Bayou to Juniper point (the location of the eastern-most trail head) is the most dangerous segment of Cross Timbers trail. The trail moves very high along the shoreline of Lake Texoma across rocky ledges. This section should only be attempted by very experienced riders, and it is our recommendation to never travel this section of trail alone. There are no bail out points along this segment of trail, and no water available along the way. So, if you choose to ride this segment, you’re making a commitment to ride through severe elevation changes across numerous roots and rocks, as well as some harrowingly gnarly descents.