Addicks Dam Road Southeast

Dogs Leashed

This gravel trail is at the top of the Addicks Dam. Addicks is a "rolled-earth" dam; it was constructed by using the adjacent soil. The primary purpose of the route is maintenance access for the Corps of Engineers.

The western end of the trail is the top of the dam at North Eldridge Parkway. There is a gate to prevent motor vehicle entry but which can be easily crossed. Parking is not allowed at the entrance. Safe access requires some patience with the fast traffic on Eldridge. A good practice is to time your move to the entrance with the traffic light at Dairy Ashford. Be particularly careful if you cross over to Addicks Dam Road Central as the traffic from the south can be hard to see.

The east-west segment of the road from Eldridge to the Chatterton bridge is well-graveled with coarse rock, and for bicycles, the ride is rough.

Though steep, it is possible to climb the dam at the Chatterton bridge for access from the paved trail at the foot of the dam. The paved trail links Dairy Ashford, Kirkwood (via the bridge at Reddleshire Lane), and Brittmoore (via Chatterton).

The north-south segment from the Chatterton bridge to Clay Road was re-crowned with fine-grain material in 2018. It is smooth and well-drained. There are a number of "deer trails" that lead off both west into Addicks Reservoir and east to the street side of the dam.

The northern end of the trail is at the top of the dam at Clay Road. Parking is not allowed at the gated entrance. Safe access requires some patience with the fast traffic on Clay. There are usually gaps in the traffic every 3-5 minutes due to the traffic light timing.

Wildlife frequently encountered include deer, raccoon and skunks. Skunks are particularly common around Chatterton and the Reddleshire Lane bridge.