Explore the best rated trails in Gatesville, TX, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the FM 2305 Hike & Bike Trail and Nolan Creek Hike and Bike Trail . With more than 6 trails covering 19 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I would describe this as a suburban trail. If I lived nearby I might use it, but I don’t recommend traveling far to explore it. Much of the north-south portion of the trail connects neighborhoods and apartment complexes. The two parks at the southern end are nice and include a water park.
Lots of shaded rest areas with benches and water fountains, multiple parking access points, bike, repair tools, has a very rural feel for such an urban location. There are two almost separate trails separated by a comfortable sidewalk. There are more users on the southern half. Well done, Temple!
If you continue north on the Riverwalk trail and do not cross the pedestrian bridge you will reach some amazing mountain bike trails!
As mentioned by a March 2024 reviewer, access to the trail from Trail Blazer Park is not possible. After driving to the other end of the trail (parking near the landfill at 31.480351887289, -97.25833084813019 ) we discovered the trail itself is torn up from Church St all the way to Trail Blazer Park. It appears there's a flood control project in work?
Also slightly disappointing the base of the trail under the concrete apparently wasn't compacted well as the surface is cracking badly in many places. This damage will need repair at some point.
It's a short ride (due to the construction) but still worth it.
The entry from Trail Blazer Park was closed for construction (March 2024) so we started at the end near the landfill. It has easy parking, was clean and well-maintained. The elevated bridges wind through the trees - very nice. I’ll be back!
This is a gem for Waco. The trail now includes much of the north side as well as the south side of the Brazos river. Baylor University built MacLane stadium (2014) on the north side and that opened up a lot more paths. I crossed over the Brazos on the pedestrian bridge and was able to access the trail all the way to the Washington St. Bridge, passing underneath I 35.
This concrete path is accessible to everyone. The creek along with its shade trees provide a path that’s both relaxing and rejuvenating.
Is this really a bike trail? Seems like it just follows the road on the north side of Adams. If you ride the south side of Adams you’ll get hit for sure. Lots of traffic and vehicles coming and going down all those 30+ driveways that you’ll come across. I wouldn’t call it a “trail” but more of a “route”.
On our quest to ride our bikes in all fifty states, the Waco Riverwalk became the first trail for us in the Lone Star State and allowed us to check off state number twenty-one!
On a sunny October afternoon, the parts Waco allowed us to see and ride were sensational! Fantastic views of the mighty Brazos River, historic bridges, magnificent sculptures, and waterfowl were thoroughly enjoyed as we rode the loop. The trail is perfectly maintained, flat for the most part, attractive, and not especially busy on a hot, weekday afternoon.
Unfortunately, several portions and views were off limits and/or obstructed due to renovations, construction, and some urban renewal at and around the historic Waco Suspension Bridge. The suspension bridge was off limits, the trail that goes south under the suspension bridge barricaded, and even parts of the towering Chisolm Trail sculpture, Branding the Brazos, was hidden behind construction tarps. To continue our ride south on the Riverwalk Trail toward Lake Brazos Park and Baylor University, we went up and around the suspension bridge and down some stairs at Indian Spring Park. That put us back on the Riverwalk and headed south UNTIL another barricade a couple hundred yards or so down the trail thwarted our plans and sightseeing! Dang!
Regrettably, the gods of Waco bike riding really let us down. We traveled thousands of miles from Southern California to experience this awesome trail (and so the wife could visit Magnolia and her sister too), but I guess it just wasn't meant to be.
On the bright side, we absolutely loved what we were able to experience! Once Waco gets its riverfront renovations wrapped up, it will truly be a five star trail and even more so worth your time. Don't forget your camera!
We really enjoyed walking along this trail next to Nolan Creek. It goes through 3 parks and was not crowded at all. All concrete pathway made it very easy. If you have kids they will enjoy both the creek and the playgrounds along the way. One even had a splash pad. There are a few spots with easy access to the creek. While we were sitting with our feet in the water a family came by and the grandmother introduced us to her son, who designed this trail walk!
I took my grandchildren to ride bicycles on the Cotton Belt Trail. It’s great! No streets to cross. Easy parking. We parked in the middle so we could go either way. Very family friendly.
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