Bike loop from MADD Shelter

If you're looking for an easy touring cycling route from the MADD Shelter, the Bike loop from MADD Shelter offers a 10.0-mile (16.2 km) journey with a gentle 216 feet (66 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 25 minutes. While officially rated easy, this route is part of the rugged Northshore Trail system, primarily designed for mountain biking, so it's best suited for touring cyclists prepared for off-road conditions rather than smooth pavement.

What to expect on Bike loop from MADD Shelter

This loop takes you through dense green forests with scenic views of Lake Grapevine, especially from the bluffs on the East Side sections. You'll navigate natural surfaces like dirt and clay, with sections containing rocks and roots that add a technical element. While the East Side loops, accessible from the MADD Shelter, are generally more flowy with softer dirt, be prepared for varied terrain. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as white-tailed deer and Great Blue Herons. This trail is a good choice if you're a touring cyclist looking to venture off-road and experience a more natural, shaded environment.

Planning your visit

The MADD Shelter in Murrell Park serves as a convenient access point, offering free parking and portable toilets. The trail operates as a one-way system, typically counter-clockwise, for safety due to high traffic volume, especially from mountain bikers. Given the natural surface, the trail is often closed after rain; check the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (DORBA) for crucial trail status updates before you go. The trail dries out quickly, making it accessible again sooner than many other natural surface trails.

Trail details

• Distance: 10.0 miles (16.2 km)
• Elevation gain: 216 feet (66 metres)
• Difficulty: easy
• Estimated time: 1 hours and 25 minutes