Trails
Denison Trails
The City of Denison provides an extensive network of walking, hiking, and biking trails within its limits. With the impending completion of the Munson Park soft-surface trail and Katy Trail Phase II addition, residents can enjoy a comprehensive trail system spanning over 15 miles, catering to diverse recreational activities.
Waterloo Lake Regional Park (1101 Waterloo Lake Drive)
Waterloo Lake Trail is a 7.4-mile trail loop that is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, fishing, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are able to use this trail, but must be kept on a leash. Waterloo Lake Trail offers both soft-surface and paved trails. A notable feature of the Waterloo soft-surface trail system is its sandy terrain, which aids in quicker drying compared to alternative trails. The trails are beginner friendly for hikers and bikers, but some of the steeper inclines and declines may affect hikers with pre-existing knee problems.
Soft-Surface Trails - 6.7 miles
- Creeks and Cave Loop - 1.73 Miles
- Trailhead: The trail begins at the top of the dam on the south side of the lake. The trailhead sign points toward the southern point of the main trail. The Creeks and Cave Loop has both regular trek and steep trek options for hikers and bikers. The biking trail is recommended for intermediate+ riders. The exit of the Creeks and Caves Loop meets with the Woodlands Loop and paved walking track near the Dog Park and Pickleball Courts at the Backyard.
- Stagecoach Loop - .68 Miles
- Trailhead: The trail starts at the parking lot on the northeast side of the fishing pond and lake, winding through the treeline before encircling the green space near Lakeridge Dr. It then re-enters the treeline and eventually connects with the Main Waterloo Lake Trail, transitioning from a concrete path to a soft-surface one.
- Upper Bluffs - 1.39 Miles
- Trailhead: The trail begins at the top of the bluffs on the west side of the lake, to the right of the main trail. This trail has lots of inclines, declines, and loops before meeting back up to the Waterloo Lake Main Trail.
- Lower Bluffs - TBD
- The trail begins as the paved walking path in the Backyard transitions to earthen path just shy of the Anderson "Bridge to Nowhere." The trail winds and curves along the treeline at the bottom of the hill on the south side of the lake before steeply inclining to the top of the hill to meet the Creeks and Cave Loop entrance.
- Main Trail (Waterloo Lake Trail) - 2.3 Miles
- The main trail kicks off at the main parking lot as a paved walking path. Eventually, the path transitions from concrete to soft-surface on the northwest side of the lake, just before the lush canopy of trees. Parts of the soft-surface trail path have steep inclines and declines, and might be difficult for individuals with knee problems.
- Woodland Loop - .59 Miles
- Trailhead: The trail begins at the corner of S Waterloo Lake Drive/Lang Ave (next to the Katy Trail entrance at Waterloo Dog Park). The Trailhead sign doesn't display the trail name; it simply reads "Bikes One Way." A small creek runs through the center of the trail loop.
Paved Walking Track - .69 Miles
- Parking can be located at the Backyard at Waterloo Lake Regional Park and is a full loop around the area, from the dog park to the Horseshoe pits. Park-goers can extend their trek by entering the Lower Bluffs Trail, Katy Trail, Woodlands Loop, Creeks and Caves Loop, or crossing the Anderson "Bridge to Nowhere" which leads to the Waterloo Lake Main Trail.
Katy Trail
Denison's history is intertwined with the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, earning it the nickname "Katy's Baby." Over the years, the railroad played a pivotal role in Denison's growth. In recent times, the city has embarked on a trail project, Katy Trail, converting abandoned railroad right of way into a multi-use trail. The completed Phase I spans approximately one mile, featuring a 12' wide concrete trail with amenities. Phase II aims to extend the trail further, creating a premier destination for various outdoor activities, connecting downtown Denison to the southern end of the city. While you’re visiting the trail, be sure to check out the six railroad-inspired sculptures along the way!
Katy Trail Lengths:
- Phase I - 1.0 Mile (from Day Street to Loy Lake Road)
- Parking and entrance for both phases at the Backyard at Waterloo Lake Regional Park: 1101 Waterloo Lake Dr
- Phase II - 1.3 miles (currently open as a soft-surface trail; stretches from Loy Lake Road to Theresa Dr, just south of Spur 503)
Munson Park Trail (1501 N Austin Ave.)
Munson Park now offers approximately 2.5 miles of new nature trails on its north end, offering a picturesque experience with scenic creek crossings, challenging climbs, thrilling descents, and unique terrains.
THF Park Trail (3801 South US Hwy)
THF Park boasts an extensive network of 3 miles of concrete trails, connecting to 10 additional miles within the Gateway Village development as well as regional trail connections extending into other parts of town. The Trails at THF Park can be divided into four smaller trails, distances of each ranging from .5 miles to 1.5 miles. THF Park is also an integral component of a 5K running course.
Loy Lake Park Trail (457 RC Vaughn Rd)
The Loy Lake Trail is an easy 1.5 mile loop along pine forest and natural wetlands around the lake.
Trail Etiquette:
- No motorized vehicles permitted
- When in a group don't walk more than 2 abreast
- Announce "Passing on the left"
- Bikes yield to pedestrians, warn others before passing
- Obey the speed limit signs
- Keep pets on a short leash
- Watch children carefully and keep them close
- Always look both ways before crossing or changing directions
- Watch for traffic when crossing streets
- Use headphones responsibly
- Clean up after your pets
- Share the trail
- Respect other visitors, the land and wildlife, and trail rules.
By following these Golden Rules of trail use, you can help make every trip safe + fun for everyone. Remember, every amazing trail experience begins with you!
For park issues after hours, please contact our on-call Park staff at 903-647-0507.
National Trails Day
National Trails Day occurs annually on the 1st Saturday of June, serving as a commemorative and advocacy event for the extensive network of trails throughout the country. Denison boasts more than 15 miles of versatile paths, catering to individuals of all ages and skill levels, accommodating hikers, runners, and cyclists on a daily basis. For more information on National Trails Day, please visit www.americanhiking.org.
