The Trinity Trail at Lake Lavon
Discover the best horseback riding and hiking in the DFW area
Photo credit: Trinity Trail Preservation Association
You’re standing in the shade of a large, majestic oak tree. In the distance, you can hear the gentle chirp of a Carolina wren, and out of the corner of your eye, you see a bright orange tail moving along the bushes. The fox locks eyes with you for a second before scampering off, and you decide to keep walking, eager to explore the marsh just ahead.
This is just one scene from Lake Lavon’s Trinity Trail, one of the best places for hiking and horseback riding in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. You may already know Lake Lavon as a boating and fishing destination, but there’s even more adventure to be had on land.
About the Trinity Trail
A Trinity Trail map. Photo credit: Trinity Trail Preservation Association
The Trinity Trail is a 25.5-mile trail network on land owned by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and it is the premier Lake Lavon hiking trail. This multi-purpose trail is maintained by the Trinity Trail Preservation Association (TTPA), a nonprofit equestrian association that stepped up to care for the trail in 1996. Since then, the TTPA has expanded the Trinity Trail into one of the top destinations for horseback riding and hiking in northeast Texas.
The Trinity Trail loops through a wide variety of natural habitats, providing visitors with a diverse array of views. You can be exploring the woodlands one moment, and in the next, you’ll find yourself on the prairie or in a lakeside marsh. Trinity Trail birdwatching allows visitors to marvel at species like Texas’s official state bird, the northern mockingbird, as well as rare finds like the painted bunting, bald eagle, and yellow-breasted chat, and you can also spot wildlife like porcupines, otters, and even bobcats. For a complete wildlife checklist, visit the Lavon Lake Corps of Engineers office before you head out on the trail.
One of the biggest landmarks on the trail is the Giant Sycamore Tree, located off the Highland Park Trail Head. This noble specimen is the tallest sycamore tree in Texas, soaring over 100 feet tall and 25.5 feet wide! Other trees along the Trinity Trail include pecan, oak, elm, cottonwood, and ash.
The Trinity Trail is open year-round to both hikers and horseback riders, although bikes and motorized vehicles are prohibited. You can access the trail at any of the four main trailheads: the Highland Park Trailhead, Brockdale Park Trailhead, East Winningkoff Trailhead, or East Fork Trailhead. All four trailheads have parking lots, bathrooms, and covered picnic areas for visitors’ convenience.
Note: As of August 2026, the East Fork Trailhead is currently closed due to ongoing road construction, and the trails between East Fork-Collin Park and Collin Park-Brockdale are also closed. Check the TTPA Facebook page or website for the latest updates on trail conditions and closures.
Texas hiking adventures on the Trinity Trail
Trinity Trail is one of the most versatile hiking trails in northeast Texas, offering a variety of routes that will satisfy any hiker – from families looking for a fun nature walk to seasoned explorers who want to challenge themselves in new terrain.
Here’s an overview of some popular Lake Lavon walking trails:
- Brockdale Park South Trail. If you head south from the Brockdale Park Trailhead, you’ll wind through Collin Park, which has picnic tables, swimming areas, and access to the ship store, boat rentals, RV campground, and restaurant at Collin Park Marina.
- Brockdale Park North Trail. This relaxing hike is perfect for beginners and families with children. Follow the TTPA’s map for a simple, fun six-mile hike from Brockdale Park Trailhead to East Lucas Road. More seasoned hikers can continue further down the trail to experience the Black Prairie Raptor Center.
- Sycamore Loop. If you want to see the Great Sycamore Tree, start from the East Winningkoff Trailhead or the Highland Park Trail Head and head north.
- Highland Park North Trail. If you hike north from the Highland Park Trailhead, you’ll find a nature walk that highlights the flora and fauna of Lake Lavon’s wooded areas – you could encounter deer, armadillos, or even a hog!
- Highland Park South Trail. The southern route from the Highland Park Trailhead weaves through residential, open, and wooded areas, offering a varied hiking experience that is very accessible to Collin County locals.
Simply put, Lake Lavon’s hiking trails have an adventure for every outdoor adventurer and skill level.
Experience the best Lake Lavon horse trail
The Trinity Trail is a paradise for Texas horseback riding enthusiasts. Across all 25.5 miles, horses and their riders can explore nature, canter in open fields, and rest at watering holes. The smooth terrain on Lake Lavon’s horse trails allows most horses to go barefoot – they don’t need to worry about rocks or water, as the footing is primarily dirt and loam. There are some short gravel and paved trail segments, and culverts are available over any wet crossings.
Equestrians can start their ride from any of the four trailheads:
- Brockdale Park Trailhead. Heading south from the Brockdale Park Trailhead will bring riders through Collin Park on Lake Lavon, which has plenty of picnic tables and rest areas, and you can also stop at a popular watering hole near the 2.25-mile trail marker. Riding north, you can pass through wooded areas to reach the Black Prairie Raptor Center.
- East Fork Trailhead. The East Fork Trailhead is located near the equestrian campground at East Fork State Park, and it provides some of the best views of Lake Lavon. The trail winds through woods and open country, with plenty of opportunities for a nice brisk canter. The first mile of the trail runs parallel to the road, so use caution to avoid spooking your horse.
- East Winningkoff Trailhead. The East Winningkoff Trailhead offers advanced amenities for equestrians, including a horse pen, water troughs, and plenty of parking for trailers. The trailhead serves as a gateway to routes like the Sycamore Loop to the north or the Highland Park trail to the south.
- Highland Park Trail Head. The Highland Park Trailhead has two horseback riding trails: a wooded area to the north, running along Wilson Creek and up to the Great Sycamore Tree, and a combination tour of both woods, open country, and residential areas to the south, including the White Rock Creek watering hole and picnic area.
If you’re looking for the best horseback riding near Dallas, Trinity Trail should definitely be on your list.
Collin Park Marina: Your resource for Trinity Trail and Lake Lavon
Collin Park Marina serves as a home base for visitors to Lake Lavon and the Trinity Trail. Located about 4.5 miles from the Brockdale Park Trailhead, Collin Park Marina is the perfect pit stop on your hike or horseback ride. You can take a dip in the lake, stock up on snacks, drinks, and sunscreen at the ship store, or enjoy a meal at our restaurant, The Boathouse, on in-season weekends.
If you want a few days to explore all 25.5 miles of the Trinity Trail, bring your RV to our campground – complete with boat ramps, swimming areas, and volleyball courts. We can even get you out on the water with affordable boat rentals.
To learn more about the premier horseback riding and hiking trail in the DFW, contact Collin Park Marina today!
Book your Lavon Lake Boat Slip
Are you ready to make a new home for your boat on the relaxing, tree-lined shores at Collin Park Marina?
Call us at 972-442-3567 to discuss your slip options, or email us. We’ll be glad to answer your questions and let you know more about life at Collin Park.