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Combining all three DORBA Loops at Cedar Hill State Park is an entertaining 12-mile route.


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Map Key

11.1

Miles

17.9

KM

Loop

637' 194 m

High

531' 162 m

Low

501' 153 m

Up

496' 151 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · Views · Wildlife

Overview

Cedar Hill State Park is one of several state parks in close proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The DORBA loops are my favorite trails in the park.

Description

Combining the three loops at Cedar Hill creates the DORBA Long Trail at Cedar Hill State Park for a 12-mile natural surfaced, multi-use (mountain biking, running and hiking) loop trail that runs along the edge of Joe Pool Lake.

If you'd like a shorter outing, stay left at the first cutoff trail at about 1 1/4 miles and complete the three-mile DORBA Short Trail or take the second cutoff trail to the left at about the four-mile mark and enjoy the eight-mile DORBA Medium Trail.

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 taking the trail on weekends and holidays.

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!

Contacts

Shared By:

Mike Williams

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 11 votes

#4046

Overall
  3.5 from 11 votes
5 Star
18%
4 Star
45%
3 Star
18%
2 Star
9%
1 Star
9%
Recommended Route Rankings

#63

in Texas

#4,046

Overall
17 Views Last Month
3,840 Since Feb 10, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

When the DORBA Long Trail opens up, there are great views of the lake.
Feb 17, 2017 near Cedar Hill, TX
Enjoy this pleasant view as the trail nears the lake.
Feb 9, 2017 near Cedar Hill, TX
This is the bravest turtle in Cedar Hill State Park. The other 8 that were also sunning themselves on this log dove into the water when I approached, but this guy wasn't giving up his warm spot!
Feb 9, 2017 near Cedar Hill, TX

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jan 12, 2022
Jake Little
8mi
Nov 13, 2021
Private User
Sep 20, 2020
Zak Kerls
8mi
Jul 19, 2020
Ryan Bowman
very well maintained 12mi — 6h 00m
Oct 19, 2019
Sarah Bennett
10.3mi — 4h 00m
Mar 29, 2019
Stephanie Weightman
Aug 17, 2018
Robert Thornton
Only crazies here right now.
Aug 5, 2018
Ted Gould
Popular trail that is easy to follow and walk along. Not very scenic, a couple views of the lake. 8mi
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