Trailway

Dramatic red rock canyons in the Texas Panhandle that are home to the official state bison herd. Kids are thrilled to see real bison roaming free along the park roads and trails. The 64-mile Trailway is one of the longest rail-trails in Texas and passes through a railroad tunnel that is now a Mexican free-tailed bat colony. Watching hundreds of thousands of bats emerge at sunset from the tunnel is one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in the state.

A 20-mile converted rail trail connecting Weatherford to Mineral Wells that is one of the best family biking routes west of Fort Worth. The crushed granite surface is smooth enough for kids on training wheels and the gentle grade means no tough hills. The trail crosses several old railroad bridges that give kids a sense of adventure and the midpoint trailhead has restrooms and water. It is an excellent introduction to longer distance riding for kids building endurance.

A state park in two units connected by a 21-mile rail-to-trail that is perfect for family mountain biking and hiking. The Birch Creek Unit has a swim beach on the lake and the Nails Creek Unit has excellent fishing. Kids love spotting the white-tailed deer that are abundant throughout the park. The trail between units passes through rolling post oak savanna and makes a great day ride for families with older kids on bikes.