Lake Grapevine – Murrell Park to Twin Coves
Trail: North Shore Trail
Last hiked November 28, 2021
Trail Type: Hike and Bike
Distance We Hiked: 7.07 miles
Amount of Time it Took Us: 2 h 54 m
Our Elevation Gain: 300 ft
Park Rating: moderate
Mike & Elaine’s Rating: moderate/difficult
Our Notes:
This is one of our favorite go-to trails when we want to enjoy nature but not travel too far. We always begin this trail at the northern end at the MADD shelter trailhead and head to Twin Coves Park where we find a picnic table and have lunch, then head back. The entire trail is 18 miles one way and is open to bikers as well, so be on the lookout for that. There are a few port-o-lets at the trailhead to take care of business before you head out.
There is plenty of parking at the MADD shelter trailhead. This trail offers so much in the way of diversity and beauty. At one point you will hike through a grove of bamboo and the next thing you know you are in bottomland and then you’ve made your way up and into a heavily treed grove. There are many places to see the lake along the way with overlooks and options to go right down to the shore. Birds are abundant and on this particular day we were rewarded with a blue heron sighting. The trail does wind next to neighborhoods and houses in places, but we don’t find that overly intrusive because the beauty of the trail still makes you feel you are miles away from civilization.
The trail is rated moderate and we agree. There are many opportunities for elevation changes and you do have to watch your footing and the sharp curves that sometimes hide a biker coming around the corner. Most bikers are very respectful and give you fair warning. Check out our blog post “Biker Back.” It will give you a little flavor for this trail when it is busy with bikers. This trail will not disappoint!
Links to trail below:
http://www.lake-grapevine.com/murrell-park/
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/north-shore-trail-murrell-park-to-twin-coves-park
