There are 35 different multi-use nature trail networks within a 2-hour drive of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. The lands where these trails are located are managed by 17 different municipal, state and federal governmental entities. What is the common thread between all of these trail networks and governmental land managers? They are all built, maintained and operated by non-profit mountain bike clubs operated by citizen volunteers just like the WMBC. If you’ve biked, hiked or enjoyed an outdoor experience on a multi-use nature trail in north Texas you have non-profit, all-volunteer mountain bike associations to thank. And when you are out there riding or hiking, please remember to follow the Rules of the Trail.
Quanah Hill is a 100-acre property managed through an agreement with the City of Weatherford and Weatherford Parks Department. Located in Parker County north of Interstate 20 and west of Lake Weatherford, the 7.1 mile trail climbs from a low elevation of 900 near the trailhead to 1040 at its highest point. The five trail names pay tribute to the people and places of Parker County. Quanah Hill has a beginner level Green Trail called Lost Boys Loop that is kid and beginner friendly. The Yellow Trail (1886), Blue Trail (Good Night, Good Luck) and Orange Trail (Bankhead Highway) are considered Intermediate level trails. The Red Trail (El Bandito) is considered an advanced level trail. MTB Project rates Quanah Hill as one of the Top 20 trails in Texas in overall satisfaction.
The Quanah Hill trailhead has parking available for approximately 45 vehicles, a bathroom and water. Trail users are asked to read the Rules of the Trail and take a photo of the trail map located on the trailhead kiosk. People on foot traverse the trail clockwise and bikers counter-clockwise.
Parking for Quanah Hill is located at 809 west Lake Drive, Weatherford, Texas (approximately 1/4 mile south of White Settlement Road).
The Parks of Aledo Trails (POA Trails) is a stacked loop trail system of 5 connected trails inside a residential development in the City of Aledo. Located in Parker County about midway between Weatherford and Fort Worth, the 6.12-mile trail winds through 67 acres of scenic green space on either side of Old Tunnel Creek. Fitting within the natural beauty of land, the trail is gently rolling terrain with open spaces and dotted with yucca, prickly pear and other colorful endemic plants. The trail runs parallel to the contour lines and the alignment is ‘friendly’ with the drainage pattern of the land.
The POA Trails are 5 connected trails (Blue, Yellow, Green, Orange and Grey). 40 signs along the trail provide notices and reminders. Each loop has color-coded signage to direct the trail user. Each loop is one-way in a clockwise direction, except for the Blue Loop, which is counterclockwise. The Blue, Green and Orange Loops have 2 trailheads; the Yellow and Gray Loops have 1 trailhead; a color map of the trail and Rules of the Trail are posted on each trailhead’s kiosk.
Monday thru Friday: Parking for the POA Trails is on Point Vista Drive (see trail map for address and parking location). Saturday and Sunday: Parking for the POA Trails is located at the First Aledo Bank (900 Bailey Ranch Road).
The WHP Trail is an approximately 4.35-mile loop consisting of 4 primary trails (Orange, Green, Blue and Red). There is a two-way roadway/trail (Orange) that bisects the park. Additionally, there are bypass trails (Yellow) to divert bikers from and to the more difficult trails.
The Western Heritage Park Trail (WHP Trail) is located at 3051 North Oak Avenue (approximately 1.6 miles north of downtown). There is parking available for approximately 20-25 vehicles. If the parking area is full you may park in the overflow parking on Shattles Road (which is directly across the street from the park entrance). Parking on Shattles Road is in the grass on the north side of the road. Please do not block Shattles Road as it does serve residences. The trailhead kiosk is adjacent to and west of the park parking area. Please read the Rules of the Trail and Trail Map on the kiosk. It is a good idea to take a photo of the trail map until you become familiar with the routes.
The goal of the Western Heritage Park Trail is to bring mountain biking to a new community. The terrain of Palo Pinto County is unlike what many riders experience in the DFW area. We hope that the mountain bike community will embrace the technically challenging trails of Western Heritage Park Trails, grow confidence in riding them and above all, have fun.