The Horseshoe mountain biking trail, located on the south shores of Lake Grapevine (Dallas area), is a great alternative to the more popular North Shore trail on the other side of the lake. While not as technical as North Shore, Horseshoe is not boring. There are plenty of ups, downs, rocks, and roots to keep your interest level up. It is relativly short compared to North Shore, but makes for good rides when you don't have a lot of time. There are no long leg burning hills, but if you keep the pace up you can get in a great workout.

Trail Map.

Trail Description

The outer loop is relatively easy to follow while the cross trails tend to be lost in a maze of branching trails. I'll eventually ride and track them all using my GPS, but for now I'll give a brief description of the outer loop in counter clockwise direction. The total distance of the outer loop is 3.2 miles.

From the parking lot, cross through the small gate and begin riding down an asphault path. You will shortly pass a steep trail coming in from the left. Pass by this unless you plan to ride clockwise (this will be where you end). You will pass another trail on the left before you get to a trail branching off to the right. Take this trail.

This part of the trail is relatively easy and will put you right along the shores of the lake. After rounding a corner with a park bench and briefly riding along some easy terrain, you will meet up with the asphault rode again. Cross it. Ride up some fun curves and easy root climbs and cross back across the paved path again. Continue riding making sure to go right at any intersection so you can stay on the outer loop.

Grapevine Lake Tributary

First Dip.

At this point you will begin an approach of a tributary to the lake and make the first dip across a small creek. It should be dry unless it has rained recently. Beginners may want to walk this. Ride along some fun terrain until you come to another creek crossing. This one also should be dry but is a little steeper. The other side is steep and loose and will require a good set of tires to make it all the way up. Beginners will want to walk this section.

Continue along making right turns until you eventually arrive at the asphault rode. This time you don't have to cross it as the trail meanders back into the woods to your right. There is one right turn along this section that will lead to a dead end. It's hard to describe exactly where it is so just be aware. If you do take this, it will open up into a wide semi-dirt road. The correct trail will stay mostly in the woods and cross a concrete biking path until meeting back up with the asphault road again.

Ride down the asphault road for about 1/3 mile. You will pass by some bike paths on the right. Don't take them as they lead to residential areas. You will know the correct right turn to make when you see a white path marker on the trail.

The woods.

Root staircase.

Continue along into a denser section of the woods taking all right turns. There is one exception as a right turn will take you to an apartment complex. You will see a square fence with circular razor wire on top which is a good mark that it is the wrong way. This section is a fun section with some sharp turns and vary narrow places where your handlebars will barely fit through. You will eventually come to a creek crossing that is pretty steep but doable; however the other side is a steep uphill climb with some pretty difficult roots stairstepping up. Beginners and some intermediately will want to walk this section.

Finally the trail will come to a steep downhill section that begins with a left turn down some rocks. I didn't find this too difficult if you take the right path. It will require about a foot drop off near the bottom that would be quite difficult if you were going the other way around. Beginners will want to walk this section. The bottom will deposit you very close to the parking lot. Take a right turn and you're home free.

Getting There

Trailhead parking lot.

The Horseshoe mountain biking trail is located on the south shores of Lake Grapevine in Oak Grove Park within Grapevine, TX city limits. The outer loop is approximately 3 miles but another 2 miles of cross trails exist.

From Highway 26 (Northwest Highway) near downtown Grapevine, drive north on Dove Ln. until you are about 1/4 mile away from the lake and turn left. Take the second right and park next to the restrooms. The trail starts on the paved path with a short steel gate to keep out vehicles.

Vicinity map.

When to Bike

This bike trail can be ridden year round, although early morning rides are recommended in the summer as it can get very hot.

Weather

Images