Chaparral Trail - Section 2: Merit to Celeste

Dogs Off-leash

This trail is a former railroad bed. As such, it is long, flat, and pretty straight. However, there are a few trestle bridges along the route that are well planked and add a nostalgic flair. Aside from a couple of spots, the trail rarely has any standing water in this section which makes it a great go-to route after a Texas rain (if you have ever plodded along in the North Texas mud, you'll appreciate this!).

This section is mostly gravel single/doubletrack and can be a little bumpy. The trestle bridges are all well planked although there are no side rails and the drop off can be as much as 30 ft. This makes it a little less family friendly than Section 1, but okay if supervised. The 0.25 mile approaching Celeste is paved and has a couple of park benches.

Cedar, oak, and hickory line the trail and will provide some shade except at high noon in the summer. There is NO WATER anywhere along the trail; however there are tasty treats not far where it crosses through the towns. As typical with railroad right of ways, the trail abuts farms, ranches, and private residences.

Traffic is lighter than Section 1, but the trail is used, and you'll probably encounter someone at any time of day throughout the year.