DORBA Trail (Short)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · Views · Wildlife

The DORBA Trail (Short) at Cedar Hill State Park is a 3-mile natural surfaced, multi-use (mountain biking and hiking/running) loop trail that follows along the edge of Joe Pool Lake. If you want a longer outing, you can add the Medium Trail (total 8 miles) or add both the Medium and Long trails (total 12 miles). 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 hike 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 being on the trail on weekends and holidays due to the high volume of riders. 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!