Tyler State Park Mountain Bike Trail
Tyler State Park has one of the most aerobically challenging trails in North Texas with a surprising amount of climbing. Nestled just north of I-20 and the city of Tyler, this trail is a popular weekend retreat for those in the DFW metroplex.
Sitting under a canopy of hardwoods and evergreens the park surrounds the Tyler State Park Lake. This trail stays moderately cool during hot summer days and drains extremely well after heavy rains. Usually this will be one of the first trails to re-open during rainy seasons and the last to close. When you enter the park just follow the signs and directions from the attendants to get to the trailhead.
The trail at Tyler State Park is not overly technical with only the exposed roots and a few small sand pits to navigate through. It is very hilly, twisty, and a lot of fun.
The layout is simple to follow. In order to ride the entire trail, take each left hand turn after departing the trailhead. With loops A,B,C & D forming the majority of the trail and progressively looping off of each other. For less experienced riders or families with children riding with them, there is the EZ loop which will be the first right off of loop A. While the trail is easy to navigate, you can pick up a map at the front desk of the park when you enter, or you can use the map here to help you along the way.
The hardest climbs are on loops C and B. The C loop has some good switchback climbing that takes some endurance and technical skill to climb. Loop B ends with a long extended climb back toward the trailhead. While these are difficult, they are nothing that a beginner should shy away from. They are very manageable and will give you some great climbing practice.
Tyler State Park also has overnight camping, picnic pavilions and tables, restrooms with toilets and showers, fishing, boating, kayaking and canoeing. The park is a great weekend retreat for families, group rides, or weekend warriors.
Trail Length
13 miles of singletrack.
Difficulty
Intermediate – Advanced.
The trail at Tyler State Park is not technically challenging but will give you a test of your aerobic ability.
Trail Head
789 Park Road 16, Tyler TX, 75706
The mountain bike trails at Tyler State Park are preserved and maintained by DORBA trail steward Yater and the Texas State Parks Department.
