Dogwood Canyon Trail - Ray Roberts Lake State Park
The Dogwood Canyon Trail is located at the Johnson Branch Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park. The trail can be accessed via the parking lot for the Dogwood Canyon primitive camping area. The trailhead is shared with a number of DORBA trails. This is a lollipop loop trail that is roughly five miles in length roundtrip.
The trail offers hikers a chance to experience the Eastern Cross Timbers region of North Texas. The Eastern Cross Timbers is a narrow strip of hardwood forest stretching south into prairie ecosystems featuring dense groves of post oak, blackjack oak, cedar elm and winged elm.
The Dogwood Canyon Trail is part of a larger trail system that is present at the Johnson Branch. These other trails are maintained by DORBA. The DORBA trails cross the Dogwood Canyon Trail at several points. If you are feeling adventurous, you can branch off to one of these other trails and dive deeper into the woods, just be on the lookout for bicyclists!
Roughly one mile into the trail, is a metal bench. It offers a great opportunity to take a break or just sit in solitude and enjoy the tranquility of the forest. At this point, the trail forks. If you wish to continue on the Dogwood Canyon Trail, take the right fork. The fork to the left will take you down a DORBA trail.
A peculiar sight as you hike down this trail are three outhouses. All of these outhouses are boarded up and inaccessible. If you find yourself needing to use the restroom, you will have to wait until you return to the trailhead unless you don't mind doing your business in the woods!
As you approach the 2.5 mile mark of the trail, the lake will become visible. If you go off trail a short distance, you can make your way to the shore line and take in the view. A variety of birds can often be found in the branches of nearby trees. Anglers will frequently bring their boats to this small cove to fish.
On the backside of the lollipop, the trail narrows and the grass becomes taller. However, no bushwhacking should be necessary to make your way to the completion of the loop. It is evident that this portion of the trail receives less traffic than other portions.
Once you have completed the loop, you will hike your way back to the trailhead. The trail has some minor changes in elevation, none of which are challenging. If you are looking to experience the forest and want to keep your hike somewhat short, this is a great trail to consider.
More information
.jpg)
