Exploring the Trinity River area

[Sprocket]

All 18 years I've been driving around Dallas I've noticed dirt roads/trails all around the Trinity River area as it goes under various bridges around downtown Dallas. Most look to be dual track, so I assume city trucks and such.

I've mostly seen kids on bicycles and homeless folks down there, but kinda thought it might be fun to explore. Not too sure what the rules, if any, are for riding the area. I'd think that if you're on a dirt/gravel access road that's public nobody can say anything.

Anyone know details about the area?

[Janet]

Jeff,

I know that most of the access roads have gates across them. They should be fairly easy to get around though. I have been in there from Sylvan and from the Continental viaduct but that was back in the early 80's. They put the gates up after that. I haven't seen anything but city trucks in there for years.

Have fun,
Janet

[Desert Skies]

Here's how she looks down here.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/DesertSkies/072405/Img_0195.jpg

[klrno2]

Ooooooooweee! She sure looks good there. She looks good here in the DFW area too, 'ceptin where she's been trashed by trashy people. Trouble is, she stinks to high heaven around here....:uhoh: won't go near her anymore. Phew!

[Sleepy Weasel]

Trouble is, she stinks to high heaven around here....:uhoh: won't go near her anymore. Phew!

+1

It's been so long since I crossed the Trinity down in Dallas that I almost forgot the stink.
:puke:

[Photojojo]

Me and a buddy used to take his parents Mercedes down on those dirt roads. Lots of fun. I don't have any idea how we got down there though.

[Tx Rider]

You can get down to the Trinity river from hwy 360 on the south side of the river on the east(northbound) side of 360, lots of the local jeep guys go there. I've taken my 4-runner there a few times several years ago but I heard rumor the cops stopped everyone.

A couple of guys here at work have been frequenting it though and say it's fine.

I used to access it via a parking lot in an industrial park nearby.

I don't know how far toward Dallas you could ride, but they said it appears open down that way. There is a golf course on the west side of 360 on the river I think, but it sure looks open to Fort worth otherwise.

I'm looking over all the bridges every time I pass over the river riding. :) I saw a place over in Fort worth or N. Richland hills to get access from a park, but it looked like it might not get too far.

I'll have to go scout it out soon and make a report.

There also used to be a place between there and Grapevine I used to ride my '96 ktm, I believe it was DFW airport land. They have built out 360 now into a real freeway up there though so I don't know if it's accessible now.

I thought I heard something about Dallas working up a multi million dollar river project ala San Antonio though, so if it's open it may not be for long. :)

[Teeds]

I can't speak specifically to the Dallas side of the Metromess, but I used to work for the Tarrant County Water Control District and I can assure they consider riding along the river edges to be trespassing. There are various methods of getting around the barriers and enforcement is lax for sure, but it could result in a fine, if caught and ticketed.

Many years ago, the TCWCD had a open riding area next to the river (old borrow pit) that they allowed us to ride in. Damage to the "flood control" levies stopped that practice in the early 1980's.

People have been going to 360 for as long as I have been riding bikes and there have long been encounters with the local authorities.

Trespass is trespass, it doesn't matter that it is only a couple of posts and a chain.

Don't take me wrong here. I don't think it makes sense, but I don't want to see someone get in trouble.

I have canoed down the Trinity from the Hampton/Inwood Crossing to the Loop 12 crossing south of downtown near I45. It can be very secluded in places.