From 2006
 |
| Eagle Mountain Lake photography by Dave Shafer |
BOATING & FISHING
No one can survive a Texas summer without water of some sort. Whether you want to fish, ski, sail, or just kick your feet on the side of a pier, there are many lovely lakes within easy driving distance of Dallas. This is just a sampling.
Where to Do It:
* Joe Pool Lake A good choice for boating and fishing (largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish) located south of Grand Prairie and west of Cedar Hill, about 20 miles southwest of downtown.
* Lake Grapevine Here’s a good sailing and fishing lake (lots of catfish) that is close by and not as crowded as Lake Lewisville. Located just north of Grapevine, about 23 miles from Dallas.
* Lake Ray Hubbard This one is good for both fishing (striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, white crappie) and sailing. Located near Rockwall, about 25 miles east of Dallas.
* Lake Fork The largest largemouth bass in Texas are caught at this lake, which is some 75 miles northeast of Dallas.
* Richland Chambers A relatively unknown body of water for sailing and fishing. East of Corsicana off Hwy. 287, about 85 miles southeast of Dallas.
* Cypress Springs This one gets our vote as one of the most beautiful area lakes. Located near Mt. Vernon, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas.
* Possum Kingdom Great for skiing (and hiking and camping), this lake is surrounded by amazing limestone cliffs. Located west of Fort Worth, about 110 west of Dallas.
* Eagle Mountain Lake The best sailing lake around and a good place to catch bass. Located on the other side of Fort Worth, about 50 miles west of Dallas.
Benefits:
It may seem like a sedentary activity, but fishing can burn 236 to 345 calories an hour. Sailing burns 177 to 259 calories an hour, while water skiing burns 354 to 518 per hour. What you can’t calculate is the fun and relaxation, which will loosen knotted muscles and lower stress.
Costs:
Marinas usually charge a small fee to launch your boat, but most lakes have multiple public-access ramps.
 |
| Dinosaur Valley State Park courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife |
CAMPING
We have a long campinG Season here. Although the summer is way too hot for pitching a tent, most of the spring and fall bring perfect camping weather.
Where to Do It:
* Cedar Hill State Park This park’s 1,826 acres make a great spot to enjoy nature along Joe Pool Lake. Located 21 miles from downtown at 1570 FM 1382, Cedar Hill.
* Lake Ray Roberts State Park You’ll find the gamut here from tent camping to luxury cabins. Located north of Denton, about 50 miles from Dallas.
* Dinosaur Valley State Park Camp where the dinosaurs walked at this state park along the Paluxy River. Northwest of Glen Rose along FM 205, 80 miles from Dallas.
* Tyler State Park A favorite for locals who love the Piney Woods feel of East Texas. Located at 789 Park Road 16, just north of Tyler and 95 miles east of Dallas.
Benefits:
Breathe in that fresh air and relax. You’ll be amazed at how your muscles relax when there is no calendar, Blackberry, or voice mail around.
Costs:
State parks generally charge about $20 for an overnight stay with electrical and water hookups.
 |
| The Katy Trail photography by Doug Davis |
BICYCLING
Learning to ride a bike is one of the first exercises we do as a kid. Now that Lance Armstrong has made it oh-so-cool, perhaps we should take a more adult look at this sport.
Where to Do It:
* White Rock Lake and the Katy Trail are great places for the urban biker. Both are close to downtown Dallas, 6 miles and 2 miles away, respectively. If you’d like more of an out-of-Dallas feel, try these spots:
* North Shore Trail Features 9.5 miles one-way (for a total of 19 miles) of interesting terrain along Lake Grapevine between Rock Ledge Park and Twin Coves Park. Located off Fairway Drive, about 30 miles from downtown.
* Trinity Trails Starting at Heritage Park, some 30 miles of trails pass through many Fort Worth parks; the prettiest part goes through Trinity Park. Heritage Park is just behind the Tarrant County Courthouse, 33 miles from downtown Dallas.
* Cleburne State Park You’ll find 5.5 miles of mountain bike trails at this park, which surrounds a 116-acre spring-fed lake. The trail is a loop of varied terrain, making it a favorite of local bikers. Located 63 miles from downtown at 5800 Park Road 21, Cleburne.
Benefits:
Biking is great cardiovascular workout, lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke, and works your legs and buttocks. A good cross-country trek burns 354 calories an hour if you weigh 130 pounds, 422 if you weigh 155, and 518 if you weigh 190. But while most cardio workouts are hard on the body, biking is low impact. It also increases strength and flexibility, helps joint mobility, decreases stress, improves posture, strengthens bones, and keeps the weight off.
Costs:
One of the few things in life that is literally a free ride. You just need a bike and a bottle of water.
 |
| Park Lane Equestrian Center photography by Doug Davis |
HORSEBACK RIDING
Riding builds the buttock and abdominal muscles and increases that ever-important core strength. You can burn 236 to 345 calories per hour, seemingly without doing anything. Riding is very low impact and easy on the knees and legs. Being around horses, or any animal, also improves your emotional health.
Where to Do It:
* Park Lane Equestrian Center It’s the country with the convenience of not having to leave the Dallas city limits. Just opened in early 2006, the center boards horses (and offers English and Western riding lessons). Borders can take their own horses on trails that go from the stables to White Rock Lake. Located 8 miles from downtown at 8787 Park Ln., Dallas.
* Merriwood Ranch Day Camp Offers riding lessons and camps for girls. Located 18 miles from downtown at 2541 W. Campbell Rd., Garland.
* M-Bar-K Farm This farm has beautiful indoor and outdoor facilities for the beginning rider or experienced owner looking to board. Located 18 miles southwest of Dallas at 1302 S. Duncanville Rd., Cedar Hill.
* Flying “G” Ranch A Christian-based ranch that offers lessons, monthly family riding days, and summer camps. Located at 2759 Patrick Rd. in Waxahachie, 26 miles south of Dallas.
* Lake Ray Roberts State Park Here you’ll find horse stalls and equestrian trails. Located north of Denton, about 50 miles from Dallas.
* Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway You can bring your own horse to this park, which sits along Rock Creek, a tributary of the Brazos River. The park’s 12-mile trail is perfect for riding, biking, and hiking. In addition, the park’s trailway is 20 miles long, most of which is limestone. Located at 100 Park Road 71, Mineral Wells.
|
Benefits:
Riding burns 236 to 345 calories an hour. It stretches leg, dorsal, and abdominal muscles without stress on the knees or lower body. The emotional attachment one has to a horse reduces stress, as does the fun you’ll have.
Costs:
Fees for lessons at private stables generally run $10-$60 an hour.
 |
| Lake Mineral Wells State Park photography by Doug Davis |
ROCK CLIMBING
First, decide on Indoor or Outdoor rock climbing. If you’re just beginning, it’s probably best to start indoors. Once you gain a little experience, though, head for the great outdoors.
Where to Do It:
* Lake Mineral Wells State Park The park sits along Rock Creek, a tributary of the Brazos River. Climbers enjoy elevations of 718 to 1,235 feet. Located 75 miles from Dallas at 100 Park Road 71, Mineral Wells.
* Paradise on the Brazos You’ll find more than 100 existing routes among limestone cliffs overlooking the Brazos River. There’s even a B&B to make your stay a bit less rustic. Located about 120 miles west of Dallas along Hwy. 16 South, near Graham.
* Roger’s Park A favorite spot for bouldering, which is low-to-the-ground climbing, usually without ropes. Located on Mourning Dove in Belton, 142 miles south of Dallas.
Benefits:
Climbing is great aerobic exercise for the heart and lungs. While using almost every muscle group in your body, climbing especially strengthens leg and arm muscles. It also brings on an adrenaline rush and builds self-confidence. Mentally, rock climbing is a great lesson in multitasking and focus. Climbing burns approximately 700 calories an hour if you weigh 140 pounds or around 950 if you weigh 190.
Costs:
Indoor rock climbing costs about $20 for a day pass and equipment. State parks generally charge a nominal daily fee. Paradise on the Brazos charges $7 per day to climb. Equipment can run about $250.
 |
| Cedar Ridge Preserve photography by Doug Davis |
HIKING
Although this part of Texas isn’t known for its beautiful terrain, there are many nice trails nearby. Here they are, from nearest to downtown Dallas to farthest.
Where to Do It:
* White Rock Lake Park You’ll find 9.3 miles of shoreline trails to walk around this 1,015-acre lake. Located at 8300 Garland Dr., just six miles from downtown.
* Cedar Ridge Preserve Ten miles of hiking trails run through this 633-acre example of what our area would look like if we had never shown up. Located 16 miles from downtown at 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy.
* Breckenridge Park This 417-acre park has 9 acres of wildflowers, 4.5 miles of paved hiking (or biking or jogging) trails, and a 10-acre lake. Located 23 miles from downtown at 3100 Brand Rd., Richardson.
* Heard Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary These 289 acres of nature in McKinney have lots to entertain the kids besides the hike. Located 32 miles from Dallas at 1 Nature Pl.
* Cross Timbers Trail About half an hour from Sherman, you’ll find 14 miles of fairly rugged trail along Lake Texoma. Located on Hwy. 377 near Juniper Point, about 78 miles from Dallas.
Benefits:
Hiking (like walking) significantly reduces your risk of coronary heart disease, decreases bad cholesterol levels, increases good cholesterol levels, reduces high blood pressure, helps prevent osteoporosis, helps treat arthritis, and relieves back pain. Hiking releases endorphins from the brain (alleviating depression and stress) and produces adrenaline, which eases muscle tension. By keeping the body active, hiking can also keep you physically active and healthy as you age.
|
Costs:
Most state parks charge a daily fee (usually $5 per person for 13 and up or $3 for seniors). Admission to the Cedar Ridge Preserve is free, although donations are accepted. The Heard Museum is $5 for adults, $3 for kids.
