Cedar Hill State Park Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · Views · Wildlife

Cedar Hill State Park is one of several state parks in close proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The DORBA loops are my favorite trails in the park.

Combining the three loops at Cedar Hill creates the DORBA Long Trail at Cedar Hill State Park for a 12-mile natural surfaced, multi-use (mountain biking, running and hiking) loop trail that runs along the edge of Joe Pool Lake.

If you'd like a shorter outing, stay left at the first cutoff trail at about 1 1/4 miles and complete the three-mile DORBA Short Trail or take the second cutoff trail to the left at about the four-mile mark and enjoy the eight-mile DORBA Medium Trail.

The trail is not difficult, but does have a few short, steep, and/or eroded sections. There are facilities at the trailhead, but none on the trail. There is no water available along the trail, so be sure to bring your own!

At the trailhead, be sure to bear right and run the trail counterclockwise so that you'll be facing oncoming bike traffic. The trail is maintained by the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association and is a popular place to ride. I avoid taking the trail on weekends and holidays.

The trail winds through stands of cedar and hardwood forest as well as grasslands along the shore of the lake. There are benches every mile or two if you want to take a break and it is quiet enough to hear the sounds of nature.This is a fun outing along a very pretty trail!